The Lupus Chronicles Plus: "Sorry, We Can't Hire You."

7.14.2005

"Sorry, We Can't Hire You."

There was this one time when I really thought I wasn't going to be employable just because I had SLE.

It was when I was applying for a position in this telecommunications company. I was in an auditing firm then and, like others who just gave audit a try but didn't like it, I was looking for another job. The interviews and exams with the company's recruitment office all went well. It came to a point where all that was left was the pre-employment medical examination. And it was all it took to negate my chances for the job. Just because I specified I had SLE in the patient information form. The doctor was cold and blunt. He just confirmed if I had SLE and then said, "Sorry, we can't hire you.". It's not their policyto employ people with a condition such as mine. It was a pretty hurtful experience for someone who's barely one year-old in the corporate world.

After that, there was always that nagging fear at the back of my mind that I won't be able to get a good job because I had SLE. I could choose to not disclose it, but I still wrote it down everytime lest I be accused of hiding pertinent information. Luckily enough, it didn't matter in my second job, or third job. I'm now about to start on my fourth job where my having SLE somehow mattered. The recruitment team wanted me to consult with their recommended rheumatologist. They later changed their minds when they realized I had my own rheumatologist and they just asked for a medical certificate, which I secured immediately. The doctors at the company clinic raised the hurdle a bit when I submitted the certificate. They want my doctor to issue a medical certificate saying that I'm fit to work everytimeI go for check-ups. I've every intention of complying.

I still believe having SLE shouldn't be that big a factor when deciding whether to hire or not hire somebody, as long as they're competent and fits the job well. But then again it's their company and I'm jut trying to find a decent way to earn a buck.

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Living with SLE

SLE is not understood well enough to be prevented, but, when the disease develops, quality of life can be improved through flare prevention. The warning signs of an impending flare include increased fatigue, pain, rash, fever, abdominal discomfort, headache, and dizziness. Early recognition of warning signs and good communication with a doctor can help individuals remain active, experience less pain, and reduce medical visits.

Avoiding sunlight is the primary change to the lifestyle of SLE sufferers, as sunlight is known to exacerbate the disease. Drugs unrelated to SLE should be prescribed only when known not to exacerbate the disease. Occupational exposure to silica, pesticides and mercury can also make the disease worsen.

"Lifestyle and home remedies" by Mayo Clinic staff

Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Sometimes you may have dietary restrictions, especially if you have high blood pressure, kidney damage or gastrointestinal problems. And although no specific foods have been shown to cause or worsen lupus, it's best to avoid any food that seems to make your symptoms worse.
Don't smoke. Smoking increases your risk of cardiovascular disease and can worsen the effects of lupus on your heart and blood vessels.
Get regular exercise. Exercise can help you recover from a flare, reduce your risk of heart attack, help fight depression and promote general well-being. Exercise as much as your body allows — aim for 30 total minutes of activity most days of the week, which can be divided up throughout the day. You'll likely feel fatigued and not up to exercising sometimes, and that's OK. Rest when you need to. Time outdoor activities so that you avoid the sun when it's most intense, and if you're having a flare, stay out of the sun entirely.
Be sun smart. Because ultraviolet light can trigger a flare, wear protective clothing, such as a hat, long-sleeved shirt and long pants, and use sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 every time you go outside, even if it's just a quick trip to the mailbox. Be sure that your ears, scalp and the backs of your hands are protected. Avoid tanning beds and stay out of the sun entirely when it's strongest, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. if possible. Because fluorescent and halogen lights also can emit ultraviolet (UV) rays and thus aggravate lupus, you may need to wear sunscreen and protective clothing indoors or use plastic devices that block UV emissions from indoor lights.
Get adequate rest. People with lupus often experience persistent fatigue that's different from normal tiredness and that isn't necessarily relieved by rest. For that reason, it can be hard to judge when you need to slow down. Get plenty of sleep a night and naps or breaks during the day as needed. Friends and family members need to understand and respect your need for rest.