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Balancing work with Fibro

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Posted 12/3/2013 1:51 PM (GMT 0)
Just wondering, for those of you who still work full time, how do you balance work with Fibro?
I started a new job a year ago today.( 6 months through a temp agency then hired by the company) I had been out of work on disability for 3 years. I had multiple major knee surgeries and neck and spinal cord surgery. I was denied disability so I had no choice but to go back to work.
I was diagnosed in September 2013 with Fibro. Leading up to the diagnosis and since then I have missed a lot of work. In the last 6 months I have missed about 10 days due to Fibro. Today I called out again. I am so stressed that I will loose my job or be written up due to my absences. They do know about my Fibro. I find that I don't rest well when I am home sick because all I do is worry about work :( I was thinking of requesting FMLA paper work so I have protection and then they can not fire me due to my illness?
Has anyone else done this? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!! I am in a flare and absolutely everything hurts.
Thanks for listening!
Posted 12/3/2013 2:51 PM (GMT 0)
I think requesting FMLA is a good idea as it does cover you and your job. I am no longer working but when I was, I did file for FMLA. Unfortunately for me, I was unable to return to work and was also denied for disability. I am now living with my brother.
Posted 12/3/2013 3:03 PM (GMT 0)
I don't know. The paperwork may be a good idea? I just submitted a sick day request today. I'm in a flare and using my hands to type is difficult. Fine for casual usage - but I am an online teacher and grading papers, commenting on essays and manning my inbox will be too much today.

I work from home and feel blessed to be able to do it, but worry and wonder. 10 days a year... I have to use them wisely.

I have a hard time lately with spelling and coherent thoughts. Sometimes I worry whether I am even capable of doing my job. I feel like I "fake" it a lot ... just muscle my way through. But...

This is me rambling. ;) I am curious what others have to add. :)
Posted 12/3/2013 3:24 PM (GMT 0)
Technically, since they know you're disabled you're 'protected'. BUT, having the paperwork means that you and them are in agreement that your disability is serious enough that they won't try to get rid of you. I think what you should do is have a discussion with them about your role and see if there is a way to work from home during these absences. My reasoning is that once you lose that twelve weeks, it's gone. What if you need another surgery? I just want to make sure you are aware of these what ifs before you file and that you have exhausted every possibility.

Also, make sure you do your due diligence on disability coverage so you understand it completely.

Good luck! :)
Posted 12/3/2013 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone I appreciate all the suggestions!!
Posted 12/3/2013 7:07 PM (GMT 0)
You know you can apply for SSD again using a lawyer.
Posted 12/3/2013 7:17 PM (GMT 0)
Achey ,
Don't have much advice as I work 50hrs a week. I have fibro some anxiety and osteoarthritis of the spine and acid reflux disease. So in a way I feel lucky after seeing what all you have been through. I truly feel you need a medal for making it to work this long. Whatever you decide I do wish you the very best. Let us know your decision. Take care gentle hug
Posted 12/4/2013 5:19 AM (GMT 0)
I lived on FMLA for years. They allowed me to work for many years before I had to file. I was very thankful for them. My employers were great in working with me. Your Dr's fill it out, so your manager will see your diagnoses. So it's important to let them know. I was blessed to have people donate sick time to me. This way down the road if you decided to file for disability is all documented. If your seeing Dr's make sure you mention all your problems and they document it.
Posted 12/4/2013 8:01 AM (GMT 0)
I currently have FMLA at work. I chose the intermittent leave, as opposed to taking the whole 12 weeks at once. I am covered for at least 4 days per month to be out due to fibro. However, that often is not enough. As of right now, I could seriously care less if I ever returned to my office. Not that I don't love my job, but it is beginning to take so much out of me that I have nothing left for my family when I get home.... Contemplating leaving work and trying to get disability... I do have LTD, but again, I would have to be out of work for 135 consecutive days, and then I would get it if it is decided that i am disabled.. Nice to know that even though I pay for the coverage, it is still up to the insurance company as to whether they think I am actually disabled...
Posted 12/4/2013 2:16 PM (GMT 0)
Yvette,

Ugh. Isn't LTD the pits? And can I also mention that Sedgwick is evil? It just is. When I got my new job I was so sad to see that they were the insurers for the LTD. Very non accommodating and untrusting/overworked folks.
Posted 12/7/2013 1:50 AM (GMT 0)
Here is an update. I asked my HR Manager for the FMLA paper work for intermittent leave. She literally laughed and said "there is no such thing as intermittent leave. You can not call in sick when ever you feel like it and expect FMLA to cover your butt so you don't loose your job!" Lately it's been about once per month. Needless to say the HR manager doesn't know much about FMLA. She was shocked when I had a lawyer from the department of labor call her and explain it. My doctor said she will write in the form what ever it is that I need. I told her I have a flare 1-2 times a month lasting 1-3 days sometimes a little longer. For me not having to worry about my job will help me tremendously. It is not approved yet and I do expect some resistance from work, but I have done my research and know the law. Information is a powerful tool!
Unfortunately I do not have any LTD or STD through work. I tried to get it personally and all companies deny me cause of preexisting conditions.
For those of you who have STD and LTD it is wonderful. I use to have this and as soon as the STD ran out LTD kicked in for 2 years!! Ahh the good old days.
Best of luck to everyone! I so appreciate all the feed back and support:)

Post Edited (Achey all over) : 12/6/2013 6:56:01 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/20/2013 9:35 PM (GMT 0)
You did not mention the type of work you do. After my diagnosis I had to give up my physically demanding job and find something flexible that allows me to set my own schedule and work at my own pace...Hope this helps.
Posted 12/23/2013 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
It's not easy...that is for sure. I really don't have any type of social life on the weekends, as I spend it mostly sleeping and resting and catching up on my sleep from the week. I work m-f and rest on Friday and Saturday. Sometimes hubby can get me to go visit friends or family or take in a movie. I don't like spending my free time catching up, but if I don't do it, I will end up missing days off during the week.

That is not a guarentee that it still may not happen during the week, but right now for the most part, if I rest accordingly on the weekend, I can usually get the entire 40 hours in during th week.

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