Understanding your occupational lung disease diagnosis
The first step is understanding what lung disease you have. It’s important to take time to understand your diagnosis, what it means for you now, and what it might mean for the future.
You’ll probably have lots of questions, and that’s okay. Write them down before you see your doctor so you don’t forget anything. It’s a good idea to take someone with you to appointments to help you remember what your doctor says.
Some common questions to ask your doctor might include:
- What specific type of lung disease do I have?
- What caused my lung disease?
- What treatments are there?
- What are the side effects of treatment?
- How will this change what I do every day?
- Where can I get more information and support?
- If I’m eligible to make a compensation claim, what certification and medical reports can you give me about my lung disease?
- Do I need to quit or change my job?
- What would I need to do if I want to keep working?
- What work options do I have, and what can happen if I decide to keep working?
- Should I avoid specific environments, hobbies or workplaces?
Our blog has a post about considerations and questions to ask your doctor if you are diagnosed with silicosis. This post may also help you consider other related aspects if you have a different occupational lung disease.
Take time to process
When you’re first diagnosed, it’s normal to feel scared, sad, worried, angry, or frustrated. Yours and your family’s lives might change, and it can take time to get used to some of these changes. You’ll probably be faced with lots of information all at once, some big decisions to make, and many different feelings to deal with.
It’s really important to look after your mental health during this time:
- Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling
- If you’re having a hard time, talk to your doctor about seeing a mental health professional, like a psychologist or social worker
- Your doctor can help you make a mental health care plan to get support
- Take things one step at a time. You don’t have to figure everything out at once
- Ask for and accept help from friends and family. Try to stay connected with them, even if it feels difficult
- Think about joining a peer support group to talk to others who understand
- Be kind to yourself. Accept that you’ll have good days and bad days.
Legal and financial information
Workers’ compensation
If your doctor thinks your lung disease is connected to your current or past job, you should make a workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible. Time limits can apply, and these can be different around Australia. The compensation might help with:
- Medical expenses and treatment costs
- Loss of wages or profit
- Care for nursing and home help services (including childcare costs)
- Pain and suffering or a statutory lump sum (one-time payment)
Trade unions
If you are a member of a union, they can help you get access to support after being diagnosed with an occupational lung disease. Unions represent the interests of employees and can speak with employers on their behalf.
Get advice
Getting independent legal and financial advice is recommended, whether you’re making a claim or not. Talking to a professional can help you to understand your options better.
Occupational lung disease social worker service
Our social worker service provides information, advice and referral options for people living with occupational lung disease, their families and carers. Call 1800 654 301 for a free telephone appointment or book online.
Resources
Compensation and Occupational Lung Disease
Occupational lung diseases (OLD) are caused by inhaling hazardous agents like dust,
Compensation and occupational lung disease
Occupational lung diseases (OLD) are caused by inhaling hazardous agents like dust,
与职业性肺病共存手册
与职业性肺病共存手册 本手册旨在帮助人们进一步了解不同类型的职业性肺病及其常见的诊断和管理方法。本手册还为职业性肺病患者提供了自我照护的相关信息，包括如何保持心理健康。 本手册所涉及的职业性肺病包括： 尘肺病石棉肺矽肺病煤矿工人尘肺病慢性阻塞性肺病过敏性肺炎间皮瘤职业性哮喘职业性肺部感染本手册仅作为一般指南使用，不能取代专业医护人员为您提供的信息。关于您诊断的具体信息，请务必咨询您的医护人员。 索取印刷版手册 如需索取本手册的印刷版，请发电子邮件至：enquiries@lungfoundation.com.au，提供您的姓名、邮寄地址和您想要的数量。enquiries@lungfoundation.com.au 每人/每机构最多可索取20份。 该项目得到了 Dust Diseases Board（粉尘疾病防治委员会）竞争性拨款的支持。本文所表达的观点仅代表作者本人，不代表 icare
Was this page helpful?
Good job! Please give your positive feedback
How could we improve this post? Please Help us.
