Is Hyperthyroid a disability?

i-want_that_one

Hi just after some advice

I have recently been diagnosed with an overactive thyroid. I work in a job where I have to stand all day and use my hands alot, at the moment my joints and muscles are aching and swollen.
I also having a lot of doctors/hospital appointments during work time which i try my best to do on days off/after work/before work but sometimes have no control over appointments I get.
I am also on medication that can effect my immune system and if I get a infection i need to see my GP urgently. This happened last week and I needed to leave work, problem was I was the only one working in my department until 7pm and I had to leave at 6.30pm. My boss was not happy!
Just wondered if anyone knows if an overactive thyroid is a disability. My boss seems to be making my life hell at the moment and I just don't need extra stress.

Thanks in advance

HOWMUCH

How long have you been on the Carbimazole have they got you in range yet? I had radioactive iodine treatment has this been mentioned? How old are you and do you have young children?
What do you mean by is it a disability? Is it in regard to DDA or for benefits?

lemontart

I do not think it is a disability

Darksparkle

You’re disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.

https://www.gov.uk/definition-of-disability-under-equality-act-2010

i-want_that_one

Ive been on carbimazole for 6 weeks now. Radioactive iodine has been mentioned but will not have it for another 18 months.
Im 38 with no young children. I just wondered if it was covered under the DDA, not expecting to have benefits, would just like my employer to make some adjustments to the workplace - for example let me use a stool and not kick up such a fuss when I say I have an appointment.

HOWMUCH wrote: »

How long have you been on the Carbimazole have they got you in range yet? I had radioactive iodine treatment has this been mentioned? How old are you and do you have young children?
What do you mean by is it a disability? Is it in regard to DDA or for benefits?

Darksparkle

i-want_that_one wrote: »

Ive been on carbimazole for 6 weeks now. Radioactive iodine has been mentioned but will not have it for another 18 months.
Im 38 with no young children. I just wondered if it was covered under the DDA, not expecting to have benefits, would just like my employer to make some adjustments to the workplace - for example let me use a stool and not kick up such a fuss when I say I have an appointment.

DDA has been replaced by Equality Act (unless in NI). I've posted a link above to the Equality Act and the definition of a disability.

Does your employer use Occ Health? You could ask for a referral to them to consider any adjustments.

HOWMUCH

Have you been having blood test to see if you are in therapeutic range? You are still in the early days if it's only been 6 weeks.
If and when you have radio iodine you have to keep away from pregnant women and young children that's why I asked.
My main problem was weight loss and racing heart and tiredness, I was lucky I had a desk job and worked for the NHS too.
Ask your GP or consultant to give you a supporting letter explaining to your employer how your condition can effect you.
Have you been on the British Thyroid Foundation website? There's plenty of information on there both for you and your employer if you feel you can guide them there. Good luck x