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Employment during flare-up

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Posted 11/1/2007 6:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone,  To bring everyone up to speed, my Rheumy took me off work til January to recover from a flare-up due to stress & working overtime.  I thought everything would be ok ... applied for FMLA & STD through my employer.  But my employer insists I will loose my job if I don't return by December 13th & STD was denied --- I'm not technically disabled, just unable to work under these stressful & overtime demanding conditions.  Does anyone have any adivse?  I'm considering making a career change into something that is less stressful & has a more flexible schedule - I have no idea what to consider though.  I feel like I'm in a catch 22 - cannot do my current job but cannot be considered disabled.  I just need income to keep the meds & doc visits rolling.  Sorry to sound so sad, but I'm getting terribly depressed about this. :(  
Posted 11/1/2007 6:28 PM (GMT 0)
OMG!!!! Jenny, How can they do that? That is a lawsuit wanting to happen. I know you said that you STD was not approved, but what about your FMLA. Companies will try anything not to pay. I work for a larger phone company and they will try to make it very hard for us. Now, they can go and ask your doctor if the put you somewhere else, can you work? I would go back to the doctor...

Jenny, keep you head high
Posted 11/1/2007 6:56 PM (GMT 0)
Frank, My FMLA was approved, but that is unpaid time. I'm seeking legal representation at this time ...
Posted 11/1/2007 9:45 PM (GMT 0)
That's good Jenny.  They can't fire you for being unwell.  Especially if it's doctor ordered.  I'd get a letter from your doctor to give to your boss.  I was fired because of an illness I had.  I had shingles back in 2004.  I was away for 3 weeks for very good reasons!!  I got back to work and was told it would be best if I didn't return.... Nice eh.  I was so mad, but it worked out for the best anyway.  I'm self employed now and loving it!

 

But it's good you have legal representation for this. It's descrimination.  Not good.  Frank had good input on this too.

 

Keep us informed,

Ginny

Posted 11/1/2007 9:46 PM (GMT 0)
Good for you girlfrend.....

I wish you the best
Posted 11/2/2007 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
FMLA is granted for up to 12 weeks. If your doctor filled out the paperwork correctly they are bound by law to hold a position open for you for that long - this does not mean that they have to give you the same position when you return, but you are guaranteed a job if you are gone for 12 weeks or less. If you go beyond 12 weeks, you are not guaranteed a job. Have you already been out before this? If not, December 13th is nowhere near 12 weeks away and If they try to fire you, you could sue the crap out of them. Also, I would ask to refile the STD paperwork, bring it to your doctor and ask him/her to make it look good. I took STD before I even had a diagnosis and my PCP wrote Chronic Fatigue syndrome. The insurance company paid my STD with no questions asked - and even extended it past the original date that I requested with a simple Rx from the doctor. This does not seem fair and I wish you the best of luck and health through this. I know this is so hard.
Posted 11/2/2007 2:58 AM (GMT 0)
I so totally relate with this question. I am having a major flare at the moment and I just missed a day of work without being able to call in... It was soo weird I just did not wake up for all day I was sweat drenched when I did.I have no idea what to tell my boss. I am still foggy and exhausted...kinda slow you know. I am so scared to lose my job , I need it, but there was nothing I could do to for it. My blood pressure is through the roof and I'm constantly feeling "off". How can I explain this to my boss does anyone have a clue?Pain sucks don't get me wrong, I have a lot of it now but I am so used to I no longer really care. What I care about is if I lose my job, I lose my kids...I so am so freaked right now. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Posted 11/2/2007 11:15 AM (GMT 0)
As a person who supervises several people, I would want to hear from you first thing this morning with and apology and an honest explanation of why you did not come in to work yesterday. Let your boss know that you will go to the doctor today and get a note - and make sure you do that.
Posted 11/2/2007 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah I did that first thing...I also supervise several people and I don't like keeping people in the dark. I had to go to the ER. God I hate hospitals. Thankfully it came out that their were no major issues but my flare is likely getting worse. Bummer.
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