Discussing Work & Personal Life With Your Doctor
The symptoms of CTEPH may make your day-to-day life more difficult, but there are creative approaches to maintaining your routine. Click to expand the chart below for ways to help reduce the impact of CTEPH on your life.
WORK
Talk with your doctor about any work limitations, as CTEPH may limit your ability to work outside of your home.
If you are able to work, adjusting your schedule can help.
You may want to see if you can:
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work part time
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work on a reduced schedule
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work from home some of the time
Make sure you know your employer’s policies for sick days and extended leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). If you can’t work because of your CTEPH, consider filing for disability.
TRAVEL
If you have travel planned, meet with your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you.
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Fill all of your prescriptions and pack more than you think you'll need
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Keep a list of your medications and your doctor's and pharmacy's phone numbers with you at all times
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Keep medicine in your carry-on bag rather than checked baggage
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If you use supplemental oxygen, make arrangements at least 2–4 weeks ahead of time
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If you are leaving the country, make sure you know about any restrictions on traveling with medicine before you leave
SEXUAL HEALTH
Always talk with your doctor if you have concerns about your sexual health. If you’ve noticed your sex drive is not what it used to be, you’re not alone.
An international survey found that a majority of people with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and their partners reported a decline in sexual intimacy. This could be because of a fear of exertion or that your partner is worried that he or she may hurt you. Talk openly with your partner about your feelings. If you don’t feel physically up to making love, you can still be intimate by holding each other or kissing.
