Hi All,
This is something I'm sure some of you have seen....today I received a letter from my short-term disability carrier stating that there is absolutely no documentation stating I can't return to my job!! Yay!! Of course my rheumy and my employer have other thoughts on this subject, which I hope they will vocalize to this nitwit (being nice). First, they have received all X-rays, doctors office notes, etc. and I was approved for 2 months then I needed to update them and since August have been hearing excuses. My last doctors office notes state that the osteoarthritis in my hands has not changed and my grip strength is good, there is no swelling or nodules, and there is only slight pain in my right hand. This is what the disability people are basing their conclusions on. I figure for my next appt. I'll go off all meds so that I won't even be able to get dressed! Also, my job was in retail and their letter states there is no reason I can't lift items up to 72 inches or up to 70 pounds! First, I'm only 5'1" so I have a problem lifting things over my head normally, and I don't think I was ever able to lift 70 pounds!! The doctor stated she doesn't want me lifting over 10 pounds. What a nightmare!! I did fax the disabilty letter to my doctor and to my HR so they could respond, and I'm also going to respond. Also, I'm going to get a letter from my Assistant Manager who saw me in tears after ringing the register for 2 hours on pain meds. Yet disabiltiy states there's no reason I can't do that all day, if that's where I'm needed.
Why don't they just pay when they're supposed to! The last letter stated they wanted updated X-rays....this set me off..I told them that this isn't like a broken bone that heals, it might get worse but it'll never get better. They didn't ask for them this time...lol! I also double checked with my HR whether I'm actually eligible...what it comes down to is if due to medical reasons the doctor states I cannot do the job that HR states I must do, then I am eligible....bottom line! Pay Me!!!
Thanks for listening to my rambling...it feels good to vent! BTW, my rheumy's office has finally been on the ball after their initial mix-up with my paperwork!
Wendy