Is polycythemia a disability?

Polycythemia, a rare blood disorder characterized by an increase in the number of red blood cells in circulation, is often misunderstood. It is commonly perceived as a minor health issue despite having the potential to cause serious complications when not monitored and managed properly.

In this article, we will explore whether polycythemia can be considered a disability and discuss its impact on individuals diagnosed with the condition.

What is Polycythemia?

To better understand polycythemia’s potential impact as a disability, it’s essential to understand what it is. Polycythemia refers to an abnormal increase in red blood cells’ count due to various causes like genetic mutations or bone marrow disorders. This increase leads to thickened and sluggish circulation that negatively affects normal bodily functions.

Common symptoms include fatigue, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, itchiness after bathing (aquagenic pruritus), joint pain & gout (fancy words for arthritis) , abdominal bloating & discomfort.

Causes

Polycythaemia Vera(PV) – genetic mutation causing overproduction of RBCs
Secondary – response action secondary some other causes (eg chronic hypoxia)

Naturally occurring erythrocytosis conditions:
High altitude resident popularly referred (“Mountain climbers disease”)
Smoking related
Dehydration induced
Malignant tumours stimulating EPO production

Diagnosis

For proper diagnosis of polycythemia vera (PV)(acronym alert!) additional diagnostic tests would be conducted including:
Complete Blood Count.
JAK2 V617F Mutation test.

Understanding Disability

Before discussing whether being diagnosed with polycythemia constitutes a disability status or not let’s first gain some understanding about what constitutes‘disability’. According to OED “a physical or mental condition that limits an individual’s movements,senses or activities.”

The term’s significance may differ depending on the context, especially with regard to whether it will require accommodation or not.

Disability by Definition

The sense of the label ‘disability‘ has largely altered over time. A closer research on “Disability” in a historical context highlights that around 1500s,the word disability derived from a latin term ‘‘ inhabilis’ which means unable.But society’s focus was more about maintaining order and productivity.Unable individuals were often punished or excluded since they found themselves perceived worthless.However,the perspective changed during mid-twentieth century when WHO(WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION) modified their definition of “health” to recognize that disease,impairments,social barriers could form an impediment for people to have a regular life style And this is where discussion regarding welfare , rights and social justice began.

From the above referenced history lesson and current understanding of what defines ‘disabled’,we can say,’There are certain physical/mental conditions that cause hindrance in day-to-day work routine’. And if one furnishes enough evidence supporting challenges faced then there’s possibility of getting recognized as disabled & also get entitled for suitable benefits/services.

But let’s delve deeper into our initial question.;Can Polycythemia be regarded as Disability? Mmmm!

Is Polycythemia Considered As A Disabling Condition?

Short answer: Not always.

Polycythemia diagnosis does not automatically grant someone disability status.In some cases( mainly with erythrocytosis – caused by high altitude residence),it might just constitute as harmless condition while without proper management polycythemia vera(PV) might worsen leading up to severe complications like stroke& heart attack,& vision problems,even being fatal (rare).That being said,between primary polycythemias (ernthrocythosis/mutation based) isn’t very common occurance (<1%)

There are several compounding factors involved to decide whether polycythemia would significantly impact one’s life causing functional limitations or not.

Considerations for Disability status assessment

Some of the important aspects considered while assessing an individual’s disability statue if they are diagnosed with Polycythaemia Vera (we will keep our focus on PV) include;

Limitations

An essential part of every disability claim is demonstrating how a diagnosis limits their ability to perform normal duties.

The probable onset of general symptoms like fatigue, shortened breath span, or overall malaise can decrease productivity leading towards lesser work delivery volume .Losses in working hours may lead up to diminished income which adds towards difficulty in managing household budgets & other daily necessity.

One might also face specific physical limitations where certain activities cause discomfort such as; walking long distances, standing for extended time periods,lifting and carrying heavy objects etc.Knowledge and understanding about these possibilities should help identifying when it begins to make business sense making amendments like assigning productively compatible job roles/rearranging office furniture/correct ergonomic practicing techniques/constructing ramps&handrails etc.,and therefore minimize potential lossess from high turnover rates.

Risk Management Problems & Complications

A significant risk factor throughout ones lifetime for individuals suffering from PV is development of thrombosis(a clot blocking blood circulation),which ultimately links directly towards impeding organ function eg. heart attacks/ stroke leading upto impairment paralysis/death!(Remember we warned you earlier?) Quite serious!

It becomes even more important that those living with Polycythaemia vera be more cautious than usual so that instances often leading up risky complications can be avoided.The extent of travel restrictions(Don’t tell anyone! Some people actually enjoy this particular benefit!),steps taken during adverse weather conditions,specially heightened hygiene practices need to fostered as safety precautions.. It’s advisable talking out such requirements with higher-ups at workplace being more transparent about the overall condition and its specific limitations.

Treatment

As mentioned in one of our pointers above, proper management of a Polycythemia diagnosis is essential to avoid complications.This often requires long term medication that might have side-effects which may aggravate ones’ quality life making it more difficult to be productive. Management procedures include phlebotomy (iron reduction),medications such as Asprin or hydroxyurea,Blood thinners .These ongoing treatments can heighten financial stress(negative impact on finances)becoming vital aspects when evaluating disability status assessments.

Look After Yourself

Now that we’ve listed some vital factors considered while assessing someone diagnosed with PV…What about personal lifestyle? Studies already illustrated healthy diets & low intensity regular idiosyncratic exercising has beneficial outcomes for the entire cardiovascular system(reduce risk leaving sufficient blood flow circulating without overloading arteries). And We all know this age old wisdom,”Proper rest and sound sleep nurtures all”.

To Conclude if Polycythaemia qualifies for Disability status OR Not?

Although sometimes polycythemia isn’t always deemed critical enough to automatically be granted disability status,there’s still good ground supporting why official recognition should be given depending upon individual specifics.There are several variables affecting every case differently.For instance,social security disability benefits depend upon various criteria i.e eligibility,factors such as age,multiple medical issues among many others.However If you believe your condition substantially affects your work productivity abilities,it’s worth having a fair discussion.Private consultations hopefully will provide prospective employees ways improving their positions further enabling them esp manage complications coming from being presentee(note: never hesitate ask employers.)

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