NTM impacts each patient in different ways; most experience a level of fatigue. Side effects from medications further impact one’s ability to function well.

Some come push through these challenges and continue to work , many cannot and are forced into early retirement or disability. Again, it varies from patient to patient.

Hi, I was recently diagnosed with Bronchiectasis (during the pandemic) after CT showed nodules and scope cultures came back positive for nocardiosis and NTM. As a managing director, I am struggling with severe fatigue, hoarseness, and shortness of breath worsened by the long, stressful hours. How have others dealt with this condition professionally? I’m considering a asking for a voluntary demotion, but not sure how that will go over. I’d love to hear about your experiences.

S2020,

Hello! Are you working from home? Are you able to take a medical leave? Are you taking meds for NTM?

The fatigue can be debilitating for some. As difficult as it is- it is better to face the situation at hand rather than make errors at work. Many do not understand invisible disorders and the impact it can have on one’s stamina.

Your body needs rest and good nutrients to heal. This unexpected decision is never easy to deal with. Katie

I see you posted this a year ago.  I am in a similar situation and wonder how you have coped over the last year.  I work all morning then close my office door and put my head on my desk or lie on the floor on a yoga mat over the lunch hour.  After work I head straight to the couch when I get home.  I try to suppress coughs all day b/c I work in a medical clinic where everyone worries about Covid ; in fact,  staff are not supposed to come to work if they have a "new" cough.   If I didn't have my husband fussing over me, this would be really hard.

I see you posted this a year ago.  I am in a similar situation and wonder how you have coped over the last year.  I work all morning then close my office door and put my head on my desk or lie on the floor on a yoga mat over the lunch hour.  After work I head straight to the couch when I get home.  I try to suppress coughs all day b/c I work in a medical clinic where everyone worries about Covid ; in fact,  staff are not supposed to come to work if they have a "new" cough.   If I didn't have my husband fussing over me, this would be really hard.

I see you posted this a year ago.  I am in a similar situation and wonder how you have coped over the last year.  I work all morning then close my office door and put my head on my desk or lie on the floor on a yoga mat over the lunch hour.  After work I head straight to the couch when I get home.  I try to suppress coughs all day b/c I work in a medical clinic where everyone worries about Covid ; in fact,  staff are not supposed to come to work if they have a "new" cough.   If I didn't have my husband fussing over me, this would be really hard.

I see you posted this a year ago.  I am in a similar situation and wonder how you have coped over the last year.  I work all morning then close my office door and put my head on my desk or lie on the floor on a yoga mat over the lunch hour.  After work I head straight to the couch when I get home.  I try to suppress coughs all day b/c I work in a medical clinic where everyone worries about Covid ; in fact,  staff are not supposed to come to work if they have a "new" cough.   If I didn't have my husband fussing over me, this would be really hard.