How can I find work with congestive heart failure?
Between my CHF and other health conditions... my current job is just too restrictive. I have to take my diuretic on my days off, and I had to get ADA accommodations to be able to get up to use the restroom. It's still too much. Now, they have me working @ 7 am to 11 am then 3 pm to 7 pm. I get less than 6 hrs of sleep a night. My primary care physician is no help for getting me a regular 8 hour shift.
What can I do? I'm 3 years from 60.
Hi.
Thank you for your post and inquiry here. Sorry to hear about the challenges you are facing with your work schedule and your health. It sounds incredibly tough. Have you considered having a conversation with your supervisor or HR department about your situation? They might not fully understand the impact on your health and well-being. You could explain the difficulties you are experiencing due to your health conditions and the irregular schedule, emphasizing your dedication to your job and your desire to contribute effectively. If you have any medical documentation or recommendations from your doctor, sharing that information could also strengthen your case. Remember, it's okay to advocate for yourself and your health needs. What do you think? John. community moderator 
Thank you for reaching out - that sounds tough. I think there is a little missing information. Is it your schedule or the physicality of your job that is too much? You said that you needed ADA to get restroom breaks, which leads me to believe that it's the intensity of your job? I'd think about whether this job is the right fit? Even without HF that sounds like a lot, and should you start looking for a new job using the reasoning of looking for a regular 8 hour shift makes sense. No need to disclose HF, or your age for that matter! In the meantime, do you have a heart failure doctor if your PCP is not understanding. Depending on your heath, if you need non - physical work then they might be able to write a note and your company would have to go through the process of seeing if they can find an admin related job for you. Having to use ADA for restroom breaks when you are on a diuretics seems like an untenable situation. I'm not sure how you are on the computer, but if you aren't great I'd recommend looking into a basic Word and/or Excel class so you can reinvent yourself!😀 There are also lawyers who specialize in ADA stuff as well, if you need more help on exactly what protection the law provides. Hugs!!!
Hi! That is tough. First of all, I agree with comments about 'talking' to HR; however, your employer does not HAVE to do anything without a doctor's note. The doctor's note is what triggers the ADA. It seems to me though, what you are saying, is that you cannot take your diuretics during work due to the bathroom break policies, and given that diuretics' can take up to 6 hours to get through your system, and you really only have 10 hours of off time between shifts that does not leave you enough time for diuretics' and an adequate night sleep. It seems like you have two options - try to get a new job and/or fight to make your current job work. If you have talked to HR and they won't budge, then you need a doctor's note. I mean they have good reasons for not accommodating you unless they have to, like if they give you an 8 hour shift then they have to give it to everyone? Does it require more work on their end, etc? If they won't grant the 8 hour shift out of the kindness of your heart, you need a doctor's note. It can be any doctor. If you explain the situation clearly and concisely to your primary care physician and they won't budge, do you need a new doctor and/or talk to your heart team. If your cardiologist won't write the note, do you need a new cardiologist? Does the cardiologist understand how the ADA works? Do you need to bring your partner or spouse to help explain the situation that you are in?
However, even with a note this does not guarantee that your employer will give you the accommodation. It means that they must go through the process to try to see if doing so will create an undue hardship on them. See here re language from the Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC). https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/enforcement-guidance-reasonable-accommodation-and-undue-hardship-under-ada#general.
If you are going to go the ADA wrote, with a doctor's note, I'd seriously also realize you might be looking for a new job.
Does this help?!
I’m sorry to hear that you are having difficulties with your work schedule even with some accommodations. I can definitely relate to some of your difficulties as a former educator, I had to take my diuretics in the evening hours and seemed to have more difficulty with my employer even after requesting accommodations due to my failing health. Sometimes employers are very accepting with accommodations and others aren’t, which is very upsetting. Hopefully, there’s a happy medium in the near future for your work and health. Leslie (Community Moderator)
I'm sorry you are going through this at your job, although it seems like they are trying to accommodate you. You could try to talk to HR and explain your situation. Something else you could try is a second opinion from a different primary care doctor or your cardiologist or see if they can write you a note. I can totally understand why you may be a little hesitant to try this but if it's for your health it is worth it. -Olivia 
Hi there, just following up to check in. I was wondering if you had the chance to discuss your situation with your supervisor or human resources. I hope that things are well and you are being accommodated for your health needs. All the best, Lauren (team member)
