How to

[Fusion]

Hi
I suffered a heart attack last in June 2019. Its a rare form of heart attack and its called SCAD (spontaneous coronary artery dissection). There is lot of research still being done as to why this happens. I have done lot of test etc to find out what was wrong with me and i faced lot of anxiety and depression and its very common in SCAD patient.

My income protection insurance was declined due to anxiety and depression. My specialist has given me a green light to go back to pre work injury. I explained to him that when i do heavy repetitive movements i get pain on my chest. He did said test are being done but we dont know why it happens. There are lot of cases like this.

I saw my GP and he referred me to a cardiac rehab which is helping me a lot to recover and retun back to my work. As well as i am seeing a psychologist. My doctor has given a mixed report that i cant do heavy lifting as well as some restrictions on my movement. At the same time she has highlighted i have anxiety and depression.

The insurance company is not looking at my medical side of things but is only looking at anxiety and depression as in there clause it says i am not covered for any. Also my company is no longer associated with that insurance comapny as they increased the premiums.

I feel i am being discriminated. I am doing everything possible towards my recovery and i am feeling so well. I was supposed to be paid for next 2 and half months but i am being not. At the moment i have asked my company to pay me sick leave and annual leave to support myself. I have tried to raise this issue with dispute team but it has been declined also.

I am trying to do right thing but i dont have support. I dont know how to deal with this. I have seen solicitors but all of them have declined to help as they saying they are busy. I think just beacuse my claim is very small one ones wants to help me.

I want to create this awareness with people who are going through this heart disease. How insurance companies try to decline insurance.
 

[Croix]

Dear Fusion~

I'm saddened to see firstly that you have a medical condition as well as your depression and anxiety, which of course makes the whole matter harder to deal with.

May I suggest a good starting place may be Fairwork Australia?

https://www.fairwork.gov.au/how-we-will-help/how-we-help-you/help-resolving-workplace-issues

As well as the Public Interest Advocacy Center,

https://piac.asn.au/

though they may decide your case does not fit their brief, they may however refer you to a local community legal aid service or a state workplace authority.

Trying to get fair dealing from an insurance company where mental conditions are concerned is something Beyond Blue is well aware of:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/about-us/about-our-work/discrimination-in-insurance

Leaving aside the legal situation for the moment I'm glad the cardiac rehab center is helping, and that you have psychological support too - do you find this of help?

May I ask if you have any personal support? Trying to face such battles and also returning to work in an unhelpful company is pretty daunting, and having someone who cares you can lean on makes a great difference.

You are welcome here any time

Croix

[Fusion]

Thank you for your support. Gives me hope to to fight for something which gives hope to other people. Appreciate it.

[Croix]

Dear Fusion~

Being here can be an example to many. It is misleading to look at the number of posts each day as the number of peple that read and never post is a far more. The one can entourage the many by perseverance in similar -or even different - circumstance

Croix

[Fusion]

Hi

What i am not happy about is i have a rare condition of heart. Doctors are not able to explain the cause of it. Anxiety and depression is associated with it from the first day.

[Croix]

Dear Fusion~

I can well understand your feelings, it is unfair what life hands out, both legally and physically. I'd be the last person to suggest you do not continue with your efforts on both fronts, to get medical certainty and a satisfactory settlement.

These however is things that can take all your mind all the time. I had an anomaly on a lung which convinced me I was heading upstairs, and I've had legal proceedings which have had potentially rather serious consequences. Both have made my life miserable at the time.

I have found however that having one thing one enjoys to look forward to each day makes a big long lasting difference. It might be several chapters in a book, a favorite movie, other things like that, plus talking to someone I care about.

True it does not fix the problems, but puts one in a better mental state to cope.

May I ask what sort of things you can think of to use?

Croix

[Stewpot]

Hi Fusion,

there are a number of law firms around will assess your case for nothing and may agree to act for you on the basis of no win/no fee. I am a retired lawyer and it certainly seems you need someone to have a look at the insurance policy and maybe take on the insurance company. Some of the anxiety you feel may even be related to the insurance so I do suggest an objective and expert opinion may help.

All the best.

Stewpot