Medical conditions

[Daniel84]

Getting slightly ahead of myself, but I just wondered if anybody could give any advice on a medical condition and if it would be a problem at medical? About 5 years ago I was diagnosed with an under active thyroid. I never suffered any real symptoms, but as my mother and sister had the disorder and with the ease I could gain weight (with hindsight too many chocolate muffins probably played a bigger part), I asked for it to be tested and it came back as under active. Since then I have been taking medication to steady my levels out which have been stable for at least 3 years now and as before I suffer no symptoms. As the thyroid controls so much in the body, the potential problems are endless, however I have none of these. It would be similar to saying that somebody who suffers from say migraines could be affected in this, this and this way, but surely that would not rule them out of the process?

It is not a notifiable condition as far as driving and the DVLA are concerned and I can't see it specifically mentioned in the medical information I've checked through with the RSSB.

Thanks as always.

Dan

 

[142094]

It depends on what these problems are. The other thing would be the effects of the medication you take (i.e. drowsiness etc). Whatever happens, you need to disclose it at the first opportunity during an application - if you don't and then later on tell the company (or they find out otherwise) there will be very serious consequences.

 

[TDK]

Getting slightly ahead of myself, but I just wondered if anybody could give any advice on a medical condition and if it would be a problem at medical? About 5 years ago I was diagnosed with an under active thyroid. I never suffered any real symptoms, but as my mother and sister had the disorder and with the ease I could gain weight (with hindsight too many chocolate muffins probably played a bigger part), I asked for it to be tested and it came back as under active. Since then I have been taking medication to steady my levels out which have been stable for at least 3 years now and as before I suffer no symptoms. As the thyroid controls so much in the body, the potential problems are endless, however I have none of these. It would be similar to saying that somebody who suffers from say migraines could be affected in this, this and this way, but surely that would not rule them out of the process?

It is not a notifiable condition as far as driving and the DVLA are concerned and I can't see it specifically mentioned in the medical information I've checked through with the RSSB.

Thanks as always.

Dan

All companies have a list of drugs that can and cannot be taken within safety critical roles, if the label says anything about operating heavy machinery you in poo street. Look the drug up on the internet and look up the side effects this will give you an idea.

 

[Daniel84]

Cheers for the feedback. The potential side effects more point towards speeding things up rather than drowsiness etc as that it is what it is designed to do, as I say mine is very well controlled and been steady for a number of years. I've checked the NHS information and it states that this medicine will not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

The diagnosis of the disorder is much more common in women and seems more readily diagnosed in America and there does not seem to be any restrictions there.

I was just wondering really if anybody had ever heard of anybody being diagnosed whilst on the railways or they themselves had and was any further action required.

It may well all be academical after next week anyway, but with the tight time frames potentially involved I wanted to try to make sure this would not be a hurdle as far as I am aware I should be OK at medical otherwise.

 

[83G/84D]

Can't speak for any specific rail companies however what your GP might decide is okay for you to take and carry out safety critical work may not be acceptable to the rail company. Most will send you on a company medical for an assessment to decide what duties,if any, you can carry out.

As others have said you must declare any medication you are prescribed before taking it as it may not be possible for you to attend work in any capacity if you have the medication already in your system. If in doubt check with your employer FIRST!

 

[fergusjbend]

Hypothyroidism should not be a big problem so long as it is regularly monitored by thyroid function tests (TFTs). Severe hypothyroidism, also known as myxoedema, can cause mental sluggishness and even coma, so regular TFTs would be needed to detect this well in advance. Thyroxine replacement is usually prescribed to counter under-production of the hormone by the thyroid gland. If the dose is excessive hyperthyroidism can result, with weight loss, irritability, heat intolerance and anxiety. TFTs will spot this too.

Fergus

 

[TDK]

Cheers for the feedback. The potential side effects more point towards speeding things up rather than drowsiness etc as that it is what it is designed to do, as I say mine is very well controlled and been steady for a number of years. I've checked the NHS information and it states that this medicine will not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

The diagnosis of the disorder is much more common in women and seems more readily diagnosed in America and there does not seem to be any restrictions there.

I was just wondering really if anybody had ever heard of anybody being diagnosed whilst on the railways or they themselves had and was any further action required.

It may well all be academical after next week anyway, but with the tight time frames potentially involved I wanted to try to make sure this would not be a hurdle as far as I am aware I should be OK at medical otherwise.

The trouble is Daniel when you speed things up they eventually come back down and it is this part that may be a problem.

 

[Daniel84]

I suppose I'd just have to see if and when the time comes, as I say it is very well controlled and monitored and I have absolutely no side effects or symptoms, I expect it would come down to if the drugs are acceptable and obviously if there is any risks at all. Would contacting somebody like the RSSB be worthwhile or does it come down to the individual doctor performing the medical?

 

[TDK]

I suppose I'd just have to see if and when the time comes, as I say it is very well controlled and monitored and I have absolutely no side effects or symptoms, I expect it would come down to if the drugs are acceptable and obviously if there is any risks at all. Would contacting somebody like the RSSB be worthwhile or does it come down to the individual doctor performing the medical?

There are guidelines, the company I work for contact BUPA who in turn will inform the company if the drugs are accepted or not, on occasions this can be over-ridden by a qualified occupational health doctor. All you need to do is when you go to medical take the drugs or the label with you and if the drug is unacceptable seek advice on an alternative.