Todays guest post is from a Twitter pal of mine, . There couldnt be a more supportive person to my blog; you frequently see her comments here, and shes always RTing my material. For that Im forever grateful, and to show that appreciation, I suggested she pen a post right here at home.
By way of further introduction, Jenn is a corporate communications pro who enjoys sushi and social media, often at the same time. Currently she is project manager and marketing specialist for , a Glastonbury, Conn. interactive design firm.
Take it away, Jenn
I have cystic fibrosis.
I have so many stories I could tell you about what its like to grow up with a fatal illness, but the story Im going to tell you today is about navigating the workplace when youre a sickie like me.
First, the facts. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease. Specifically it is an autosomal recessive disease. This means my parents do not have cystic fibrosis, but they carry the gene, and when they made me, they hit the genetic jackpot, so to speak. The disease is known for three things:
- Thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs, scars them, and makes breathing difficult.
- That same mucus clogs the pancreas preventing enzymes from aiding the digestive process. This makes absorption difficult, and a person with CF is typically underweight.
- Salty sweat that for years was used to diagnose the disease. A person with CF has sweat that is two-to-three times saltier than average.
The median life expectancy of the disease is, right now, somewhere around 35. When I was born, I think the life expectancy was 23. I never let CF get in my way, and my doctor informed me Id outlive him!
Since the CF gene was found in 1989, great strides have been made in research in terms of new therapies, including genotype-specific therapies. Although I am extremely healthy for a person with CF, I take pills and nebulizer treatments every day. As a child I still underwent week-long hospital stays when I had pulmonary exacerbations and had a feeding tube in my early adolescence. Compared to my CF peers, I have had it easy!
As an adult with CF, living in the United States, my biggest concern is having health insurance coverage. My best bet for health insurance coverage is either through employment or a spouses employment. Since Im not married, its critical that I have a job and have benefits. One of my drugs (taken every other month) is $6,000 without insurance.
Early on, I was cautioned by another adult with CF not to reveal my disease to my employer. She said she had been passed on promotions because of the concern she would get sick and not be able to handle the workload. I took this to heart. So, I started off every job (since I finished my degree) not telling employers about the CF. Inevitably, I had to tell them, because of the coughing.
I didnt cough so much as a kid, but CF is progressive. I cough quite a bit now, and I get a lot of questions about it. Some people are concerned for me; some are concerned for themselves and the germs I might give them. The short version of the story is that Ive tried to lie and say, I have asthma. Believe me, this doesnt work people with asthma just dont cough this much. I still get questions. As long as Ive already got the job and Im not in the interview, Ive found its easier to cut through the BS and say I cough because I have cystic fibrosis, Im not contagious, you can ask me any questions you might have. (So much for privacy.)
Enough about me; lets see if I can offer any tips for sickies.
- Tell your immediate boss. If youre reading this, youre probably not the kind of person who uses his/her illness to get special favors. The point of telling your boss is to get understanding and cooperation if you have a problem. For example, I need my boss to know I cough, I have frequent doctor appointments, and sometimes I run late in the morning because my therapies are time-consuming and/or Im having symptoms.
- Tell your immediate co-workers. Same reasoning.
- Dont be a hero. Sometimes youre just having the usual problems. And other times, you need to work from home (arrange it so you can do this if need be), or even take the day off. Dont make it worse on yourself to prove something.
- Take care of yourself. Youll be pretty shoddy at work if youre not taking good care of yourself. Pulling the odd all-nighter? Not great, but okay. Doing that regularly? Find another job, period, or else your body will come after you.
Im a little embarrassed that my list doesnt contain earth-shattering revelations, but if you want those, heres the list of jobs I considered but then realized I couldnt pull off due to coughing:
- Spy. I wanted to be Nancy Drew as a kid. My ability to eavesdrop is pretty much nil.
- Physicians Assistant: Ive always been drawn to healthcare. But would you see a doctor you thought was always sick?
- Actor: there just cant be that many TB-patient roles.
- Food service / Waitress: you want some cough with your fries?
Got more questions about CF? I recommend the . You can also ask me. I clearly dont mind, since I just told the entire Internet all about it.
Mark W Schaefer says
Jenn, I have known you for about a year. Had no idea. In a way I feel admiration, in a way I feel guilt for even assuming that I knew you really at all. Isn’t THAT a lesson? In any event, this is an important and gutsy post and I appreciate you all the more. I look forward to seeing you and meeting you for real on my next trip to NYC. Thank you for this. ~ Mark
Jenn Whinnem says
Mark, you have been my unofficial mentor in the social media arena. And I thank you for it! I can’t wait to meet you! Let’s get Jayme to come too.
I did have to think about tying my name to cystic fibrosis on the internet (is it career suicide?), but that has actually already happened for me: https://ow.ly/2xS7F Worst picture of me ever! But I was happy to support my CF center that day.
Tony Raccio says
Jenn, Excellent and gutsy post-but knowing you its exactly what I would expect! As your former employer we did not notice the coughing after a while-but your distinct laugh was always heard and quite infectious!
Jenn Whinnem says
Tony, I’m beaming! It was great to have such an understanding and flexible boss. I miss you guys!
bazooka aka sean connery says
a priveledge and a pleasure to know you [ YOUR LAFF DECIBELS ASIDE ]
Jenn Whinnem says
Ha ha thanks Bob!
Spy Pen says
Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis Lungs In a healthy person, there is a constant flow of mucus over… Spy Pen
Spy Pen says
As cystic fibrosis is inherited, there is little that can be done to reverse or cure this disease. Spy Pen
Jon Buscall says
Hej Jenn,
I love the way you write. What a brilliant piece. Aside from the fact that you’re talking about something incredibly important, there’s great style to your substance.
Thank you for sharing this.
Jenn Whinnem says
Hey thanks Jon, that means a lot to me. Your blog is one of my favorite reads!