Has anyone every investigated this option. I am a teacher of 20+ years. Have had Afib for 10+ years. It is progressively causing issues with my work (absences). Not to mention the stress related with the positions has gotten unbelievable over the past 5 years. Just curious.

Hello BookNerdCarp,

I think some people's Afib affects them more and I'm one of them. I get out of breath easily and generally feel just rotten. I do notice that if my blood pressure is lower and my Afib heart rate is also lower during an Afib episode, I can usually function and work as well without too much difficulty.

Mine has progressively got worse. many of my colleagues have mentioned looking into disability. I just know its a very difficult process.

It is disabling to an extent, and it does affect one's ability to cope and to focus. In that respect, it would be the same as early MS or Lyme's Disease, or menstruation for a great many ovary/womb-bearers (sorry, it's the modern times). You can live, you can function, but it doesn't follow that you're not disabled.

The trouble, though, is that many breezy people present and get found out. They'll swear they feel fine, like our retired professor/organist who kayaks, cycles, and hikes with claimed impunity, and only learn of their condition when a physician detects the anomaly. This dichotomy makes accepting AF as a disability a distinct uphill slog.

I have told many that you have know idea what it is like until you experience it and the after effects.

Have you explored your treatment options with an EP? I would guess that if you applied for disability (which usually requires a disability lawyer to have a chance of success), they would refer you for treatment since Afib is usually treatable in expert hands—though treatment with a non-expert, may not be so successful.

I have been treated by an EP for 10 years now

I think you're going to have a very hard time qualifying for disability. Have you ever had an ablation? If not, have you considered it?

Consider temporary disability possibly, to allow you to find treatment options, research lifestyle and nutrition and supplements, to put you on track. I’m currently on short term disability leave and cannot imagine going through this while working.

I personally find the book “The Afib cure” very empowering. And the support of the forum.

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Consider temporary disability possibly, to allow you to find treatment options, research lifestyle and nutrition and supplements, to put you on track. I’m currently on short term disability leave and cannot imagine going through this while working.

I personally find the book “The Afib cure” very empowering. And the support of the forum.

How did you get approved for STD? Did your EP or cardiologist write you a script for your employer?