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How do i manage work?

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 4/2/2007 7:38 PM (GMT 0)
I just don't know what to do about working. My job entails totally using my hands,either typing or doing blood draws. The problem is that if i'm feeling good and think i can work, i work for a couple of days and then get a super flare up which has me in urgent care. My work is not understanding this. I don't have my first rheumy appt. until the 17th of this month,and i don't have written note from my gp saying i can't work. What do i say to my work?? I had the last flare this past saturday and still hurt pretty bad,so i called in to work this morning,but i have a call in right now to HR,to explain my problem. i just want to say the right thing without quitting my job. HELP, Joy
Posted 4/2/2007 10:11 PM (GMT 0)
hmmmm wow, hi Joy. you must be a wreck!
what would i do???? well, if i were very very sick at the time and could not do my job, i think i would ask HR about a medical leave? if they have one? maybe like a 4 week medical leave?
i would explain that there's a pending rheumatic diagnosis but won't be able to get further evalluated & start meds to help it till the 17th.
hmmm...is it possible to work half time for a few weeks?
maybe HR has more options than you know & will be willing to go over them with you.

i know i wasn't much help, but i wanted to let you know that i was listening.
erin
Posted 4/2/2007 11:02 PM (GMT 0)
THanks Erin. Feeling alot better this afternoon,but i worry about causing another flare.Dang they hurt!! And put me out for a few days. I could try to work a couple of days i guess,and see how it goes,but i know they will put me right at the computor agin. Its crazy. Ill let you know how it goes! Thanks for listening,joy
Posted 4/3/2007 12:07 AM (GMT 0)
Maybe go to your GP in a flare and see if you can get a note for work just until you get to your rheumy?
Posted 4/3/2007 4:01 AM (GMT 0)
What I did was got a note from my regular physician..just like shaleygirl said. My flares were so bad I was missing up to ten days at a time. And I missed alot of work. It took me quite a long time to get my diagnosis, but I did go in when I had a bad flare, they finally took the blood work for RA and it was positive. But by then I had already quit my job before they fired me. I was able to collect workmans comp. for a year until it ran out. I hope you get some relief soon. And hang in there.

Lori

Posted 4/3/2007 5:19 AM (GMT 0)
Remember the FMLA Act. You can miss up to 12 weeks per year for your on medical health reason, and your employer cannot count that against you. There are forms your doctor has to fill out and you have to get them approved, but each time I have had to use FMLA for my arthritis flare ups it has been approved. As your supervisor if they have heard about this. One time it was 4 weeks before I could see a nurosurgeon abouth the disk problems in my neck and I was able to use FMLA for that and my own GP filled out the papers stating the appointment date and meds I was currently on. Hope everything works out.
Posted 4/3/2007 1:27 PM (GMT 0)
You guys are fantabulous!!! I did talk to HR and am now using the FMLA, for at least the next two weeks. yeah She said after my Rheumy appt. we cantake it from there. I am so relieved. Haven't worked since last thursday but I'm still having alot of pain. Not as bad,but worse when i wake up. The swelling has gone way down though. Thanks to all of you for all the support,and words of wisdom. Joy

Posted 4/3/2007 8:02 PM (GMT 0)
So glad things are looking up for you! Keep us posted on how you are doing
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