Common Variable Immunodeficiency Support Group
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a group of 20-30 primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) which have a common set of symptoms but with different underlying causes. CVID's underlying causes are different, but the result of these are that the body doesn't produce sufficient antibodies in response to exposure to pathogens.
So...
Today of all days, when I am just trying to keep my asthma controlled enough so that I don't have to go to ER...I learned that my job may no longer be funded in about three weeks (me and about 100 other people). That means that I could a) lose my job b) get furloughed for a few months without pay or c) find a new job. Incidentally, the date is about three days before I would become eligible for the family medical leave act.
I'm very spoiled right now because I've been able to work from home most of the time - which works out well since I've only just started IVIg and I'm in the process of getting my levels up to a reasonable level.
If I have to go on furlough for a couple of months - it would be painful but it's doable. I could keep my insurance.
What concerns me is the prospect of looking for another job. IVIg takes the better part of the day and Saturday isn't an option right now... so that's 1-2 days a month that I'm out. Do I explain that up front during the interview process? My immunologist would prefer that I not do sub-q right now...but it's something to consider. I'd rather not go that route if I can avoid it.
I'm concerned about being in a germy work environment during the peak of flu season as well.
The other concern is insurance. I wouldn't inquire unless I got a serious job offer - but it's not like I could say, "and oh by the way - I'm going to be adding thousands of dollars of cost to your insurance each month". How do I know if my treatment is even covered?
How did you deal with all the issues and concerns of surrounding your CVID diagnosis while looking for a new job?
Today of all days, when I am just trying to keep my asthma controlled enough so that I don't have to go to ER...I learned that my job may no longer be funded in about three weeks (me and about 100 other people). That means that I could a) lose my job b) get furloughed for a few months without pay or c) find a new job. Incidentally, the date is about three days before I would become eligible for the family medical leave act.
I'm very spoiled right now because I've been able to work from home most of the time - which works out well since I've only just started IVIg and I'm in the process of getting my levels up to a reasonable level.
If I have to go on furlough for a couple of months - it would be painful but it's doable. I could keep my insurance.
What concerns me is the prospect of looking for another job. IVIg takes the better part of the day and Saturday isn't an option right now... so that's 1-2 days a month that I'm out. Do I explain that up front during the interview process? My immunologist would prefer that I not do sub-q right now...but it's something to consider. I'd rather not go that route if I can avoid it.
I'm concerned about being in a germy work environment during the peak of flu season as well.
The other concern is insurance. I wouldn't inquire unless I got a serious job offer - but it's not like I could say, "and oh by the way - I'm going to be adding thousands of dollars of cost to your insurance each month". How do I know if my treatment is even covered?
How did you deal with all the issues and concerns of surrounding your CVID diagnosis while looking for a new job?
To be honest, I haven't had a vacation in over 20 years because I end up having to use my PTO for sick leave :-(
A couple of months furlough over the holidays honestly would not be that bad. It's just the worry over whether there will be something there at the end of the furlough.