Opinions - childcare - issue?

[snickers4everyone]

This is a hard situation. I think as your kids' caregiver she should have been up front with you about the heart issue.
I sometimes have a fast heart rate due to damage from SVT, and it can be a problem when it "flares up" maybe once a year, but 99% of the time I'm fine. I'm still monitored even though I haven't had to be on meds for 13 years. If she's on meds, she could be completely fine. She may not have any symptoms anymore. But the fact that she's still not allowed to shovel makes me think she's still at risk for her heart to go too fast during strenuous activity. That makes me wonder if she's risking her health if she were to (just for example) run around outside with the kids.

I think at the very least you should have an open and honest conversation with her. Find out what restrictions the doctors have put on her and then decide if they interfere with her duties. Of course it's important because they are your babies, but you don't want her to risk her health either.

[somethingcleverer]

Oh that's so hard. I guess if i were in here position I wouldn't just announce that info but I would be honest if someone asked. I think since she shared with your sister she would be ready to answer any questions you might have. I would try to talk to her with an open mind. Having a fast heartbeat might not be as bad as it sounds. Lots of people have fast heart beats or irregular heartbeats and still are able to care for children.

Sorry you are in such a tough situation. I hope talking to her will alleviate your fears.

[cbear]

I agree with somethingcleverer, I would definitely talk to her. You could even bring it up as concern like "oh my goodness my sister told me about your accident, I know it was years ago but are you ok??"

I do think it's a little weird she never said anything though!

[origamimommy]

So I'll start off by saying I completely understand your concern. I think her telling your sister was a way to bring it up because maybe there hadn't been a chance to tell you without it being weird previously. So I don't think it's weird that she didn't anything; it just never came up. She was honest with your sister and probably thought she would fill you in.

I would guess she's expecting you to ask about it. I would not be worried about her caring for the girls, especially if she's on top of her medical care. I would bring it up in a "I'm so sorry, I had no idea" type of way to open the conversation.

[roo1582]

Personally, I don't think its an issue. It sounds like she is being treated for the condition by her doctors and it seems to be under control. Having a fast/irregular heartbeat is not considered a disability, so in a job, it would not have to be disclosed unless her doctor specifically told her she can't be doing the job. I would assume she knows her limits since she has been a nanny for a while. Honestly, I wouldn't think having her as a nanny would be any riskier. There are tons of people who have undiagnosed issues or even older family members watching their kids.

[mrsplaydoh]

Thank you ladies! I did bring it up this morning in a "My goodness, my sister told me what happened to you a few years ago, are you okay?".... and she said she knew my sister would tell me and she hadn't mentioned it since she didn't want me to worry. She also reassured me she is on top of it and that its more than just her heart that was affected, she has kidney problems now and a number of other internal stuff she does go to a number of doctors weekly for tests...even after 4 years...so she has other issues but all treated and reassured me that nothing would happen and she isn't going to just pass out or anything...and that I have nothing to worry about. I do feel better after talking to her and do see why she wouldn't have just randomly brought it up, but still threw me for a loop.
Thank you for your thoughts and advice, you made me feel better last night as I was stewing on the couch!

[bantyrooster]

Love the update that you talked to her. Docs will take your drivers license if they fear you are a threat/worry you could have an unsafe episode. She also sounds like she has let her doc know her profession. You would be suprised how many young and old have heart conditions.

[tribute17]

I know I'm late to this but I have an "overactive" heart sometimes. Meaning I get palpitations and pass out more than I should. It has something to do more with my blood vessels than my actual heart. But I don't just keel over. I can feel myself getting dizzy or light headed and I can prevent the fainting. Usually people that pass out a lot can feel it coming. I never thought about not having kids or carrying them or driving. I was on meds for a while but not anymore. And also they will take your license. Since she is being monitored so much I think it is fine. I know you already made your decision but just adding my 2 cents.

[aylafsu1881]

Feb 10, 2016 7:23:13 GMT -5 roo1582 said:

Personally, I don't think its an issue. It sounds like she is being treated for the condition by her doctors and it seems to be under control. Having a fast/irregular heartbeat is not considered a disability, so in a job, it would not have to be disclosed unless her doctor specifically told her she can't be doing the job. I would assume she knows her limits since she has been a nanny for a while. Honestly, I wouldn't think having her as a nanny would be any riskier. There are tons of people who have undiagnosed issues or even older family members watching their kids.

I agree with this. A fast heartbeat does not interfere with much of her daily life. The fact that she is on meds and monitored by doctors means that is is aware of it and knows her limits. Plus if she is feeling off I am sure she would tell you and not come to work that day. If she has been greatso far I don't see much of a reason to let her go. Looking for someone new and getting the kids used to the new person seems like way to much.