I posted a few weeks ago about asking doctor for Short Term Disability from my employer. My appointment was today. He said removing me from work would be the worst possible thing for him to do for my condition. I explained how much work I've missed, how hard and painful it is to work, how depressed I am, and ended up crying in the exam room. He was completely unsympathetic and said this "obviously upsets me" but he isn't willing to discuss it. He does NOT recommend a reduction in work hours or duties and that I need to deal with the pain and that his job is to give me medication to help with the pain, not determine my work status and that I have 40+ years left in my life to work and I should just "get used to it". He said I would be more depressed if I was not working and my weight/energy would only get worse. Even though I explained that I have 2 children under the age of 3 to chase after, I would NOT have a sedentary lifestyle, but it would help me manage my pain better while waiting for medication to work if I was not working 40+ hours/week and I could rest when needed etc. I just don't get it. He seemed so snappy as soon as I brought up the subject. :(
He finished by saying I needed to "do whatever I wanted to do". I told him I feel I need a temporary break from my employment to help get my health under control, and he said then that was my decision, not his and he doesn't advocate it. I told him I need his approval (via signature) in order to proceed and he said he would sign, but would not evaluate me for disability because he "doesn't do that" and left the room.
I'm so confused. I just went out to the car and cried. I don't know what to do.