I was fired

First off i want to say that when i found these forums i alomst cried because of how happy i was. I was diagnosed with fibro when i was 12 years old after trying to run the mile in school and falling unable to get back up.. or even move. I wasnt able to walk for 3 days after that. ive been dealing with it all alone since then. For those who have fibro you know how hard that is. I currently am 19 trying to survive with the worst possible fibro you can get. My mother laughs at me when my doctor does the whole physical check up whatnot because she says it looks funny the way i squirm at just a small touch.. its so not funny.. again i feel so alone.. ive been on alot of meds blah blah i can walk(ish) xD

ANYWAY my point is that i was fired because i was to slow, but im slow because of my disability. So is that a valid reason to fire me or could i fight it and get my job back? cause like finding a job with fibro is like impossible and then some xD

Hi, DragonKat, welcome to the forum. I'm sorry you're going through such a hard time. Have you checked out Fibro 101, the 2nd thread on the forum? You will find answers to LOTS of questions there, a list of possible symptoms, all kinds of good stuff.

I know a girl who was diagnosed with this at 15...after being put on some meds (forget which) and making some lifestyle modifications, she is doing much better. Not that any of us is ever cured, but better.

I hope you'll keep coming here and posting, because we'd like to get to know you!

Debbie

Wow lots more replies then i thought i would get xD thanks everyone ~
@Kidz Mom ~ Im currently going to school to be a psychologist^^ so ya i guess i lost my job.. its frustrating.. annoying.. but one day ima be famous right? xD jk i dont even wanna be famous xD but i will be an epic psychologist ^^ a job helps, and my uncle is a lawyer so i guess i can ask him
@Acheybody ~ thats sucks being diagnosed at 15, its always seems harder when ur younger. Doctors wouldnt even take my case til i was 18 because of how young i was. I did check out the forum but to be honest ive read so many fibro articles it feels like im reading the same thing over and over now so i more just skimed it sry. Im pretty down on symptoms when it comes to fibro by now
@Mrsppmrxky ~ ya the jokes always hurt, but nothin like the physical pain. i wish i coulda found others with my condition but before i was 18 i didnt leave the house much, rly i never left my bed. most meds arnt aproved for children and my condition was to severe for mild meds to have an efect. im glad things worked out for you and your husband. I have GAD too so its really hard for me to not oversize everything. im working with my school to help find a job. They have a department that recomends students for jobs so ya.. not giving up hope ^^

Hi, DragonKat, and welcome!  I'm so glad you found us and joined the family!  No, it's not funny when you are in pain.  I'm surprised your Mom would laugh.  I would be cringing if my kids hurt but maybe she thinks you are ticklish or something and that's funny to her.

 

You have gotten good advice, as usual, from our wonderful members! 

 

I think what your boss did is against the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Did they know you have fibro?  Anyway, here is a link to that act.  The words that are crossed out were done back in 2008.

 http://www.ada.gov/pubs/adastatute08mark.htm#12112

Perhaps you can talk to them and get your job back.  Maybe you could be more organized so you aren't having to walk as much.  You didn't tell us what you did for a living. 

 

Also, you can find things to help you walk better...starting out with walking more!  If you sit or lay too much you will be stiff as a board and have more pain.  But starting a daily walking program really does help and also gives you more energy.  If you "baby" fibro, you will be worse off.  I started out walking a short distance and then built up to walking more. 

 

One thing for sure, you can't let fibro dictate how your life will be.  If you do, you will have no life.  BUT if you don't give into it and find things to help you work around fibro, you will have a full and enjoyable life in spite of this illness.

 

Be sure to read Fibro 101...the second thread on the forum.  There are links to good info about fibro and you will learn a lot there...even things that might help you with your pain. 

 

I'm looking forward to getting to know you better.  Don't hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you.  Hope to hear more from you soon.

 

Sherrine

Dragonkat - Do you live in a city that provides rides for disabled people? I can't drive do to my disability. My city offers rides for disabled ones like me. I know several people ride the disability bus to work each day. When I ride it, the people encourage me to fight this chronic Fibromalgia.

Hi there! I'm so sorry that you're dealing with all of this at such a young age and that you also lost your job.

A couple words of advice - from an experienced employee and former HR person. If your employer knew about your Fibro and your limitations, then you'd have cause to dispute their decision. If they didn't know then they didn't violate the ADA (disabilities act) They have to be aware of it.

When interviewing for a new job in the future, you do not need to disclose to them of your disability and I actually wouldn't. Although they can't discriminate legally, let's face it, many people do and will. After you get hired somewhere then you can tell them if you choose to. In many cases you may not need to unless your Fibro really interferes with the position that you are hired to do.

Good for you for pursuing your schooling! Don't let your illness define who you are. Be a person who happens to have Fibro. Sometimes that's hard to do, but if you keep that in the back of your mind it can get you through some tough times. I've had Fibro since I was probably 21 or before when I think back to memories, however I wasn't officially diagnosed for 20 yrs later. Oddly, AFTER my diagnosis I felt worse mentally. You'd think I'd feel better getting answers. It took a lot of work for me to keep my Fibro secondary in my life even though it's been a really rough road for me.

Attitude is key - as well as support and a great Dr.
I sincerely wish you well!