Lyme and work

Hello everyone! I am new to the forum, but have had Lyme for 2 years now. I'm looking for suggestions on a work-related issue. I work full-time, and have missed a few days over the past year (which I think is pretty darn good considering...). I actually got a written warning for said "attendance problem" and proceeded to tell my supervisor that I had Lyme disease, which was the cause of my missed work days. He was understanding, and told me to contact my current and previous drs so they can confirm my health issue. My current dr is a Naturopath and has been very helpful, and additionally the herbs she prescribed have actually helped me to feel better. My concern is the family physician group who first diagnosed me. I feel they will be dismissive, and say that they "treated me" and I should "feel better." I feel like wording things the right way is very important in this situation. Does anyone have experience with this sort of thing? Thank you in advance!

Hi I also work full time and I would suggest just using a letter Natropath as I would think that should be sufficient since they are currently treating you.

My workplace accepted a letter from my current doctor.

I have never gone back to or asked for anything from my General MD's that failed me and dismissed Lyme over and over again. I just wouldn't trust them in this matter. Your situation may be different.

If you want you could request a letter from them and go over it and if it is not suitable, I would not present to your employer.

Take care and best of luck and healing, Jo

I'm still plugging away full time. But, I have been taking quite a few days off lately due to doctors appointments. None for feeling bad... yet. I hope not to get there. My boss has been very understanding, which has been a blessing.

A note from your current doctor should suffice I would imagine.

Also, give your boss some literature on chronic Lyme so he has a proper understanding of what you are dealing with.

dacarte3 said...
I actually presented a letter from my LLND last year to my employer. They accepted it and were cool about it.

However, it really shouldn't make a difference. If one has the PTO/vacation hours to take them off then an explanation isn't even needed. They are earned days off.

I have vacation days, and then I have sick days. I have accrued about 2 months worth of sick days. If I ever have to use them all, or some of them often, we are required a doctor's note for it. Otherwise, we are subject to disciplinary action.

As far as vacation days are concerned, they like us to give at least 2 weeks advanced notice on what days we are taking off. Doesn't always happen though.

Astro - I have a job where I can pick and choose shifts...but how do I do that not knowing how I will feel tomorrow?

or even in two hours?

I'm fortunate that when I do get more improvement I can go back to that job and work 1 day a week...or more...but can't do it now.

Inky07 said...
Hello everyone! I am new to the forum, but have had Lyme for 2 years now. I'm looking for suggestions on a work-related issue. I work full-time, and have missed a few days over the past year (which I think is pretty darn good considering...). I actually got a written warning for said "attendance problem" and proceeded to tell my supervisor that I had Lyme disease, which was the cause of my missed work days. He was understanding, and told me to contact my current and previous drs so they can confirm my health issue. My current dr is a Naturopath and has been very helpful, and additionally the herbs she prescribed have actually helped me to feel better. My concern is the family physician group who first diagnosed me. I feel they will be dismissive, and say that they "treated me" and I should "feel better." I feel like wording things the right way is very important in this situation. Does anyone have experience with this sort of thing? Thank you in advance!

First, I'd suggest getting intimately familiar with your employer's Human Resources/Employee Benefits Guide. I'm referring to Sick Time, Vacation Time, Paid/Unpaid Leaves of Absence, Mental Health, Short-/Long-Term Disability, etc.

Next, I'd search Google for information on employment laws in your state. Perhaps see if you can find an Employment/Labor Law Attorney that might offer a free, initial consultation, should things escalate.

In order to play the game, one must understand the rules.

Document everything you can that would help strengthen your position. Have your Lyme-Literate Naturopathic Doctor (LLND) do the same.

Use the law and company policy in your favor.

I wish you the best.

I was self employed for five years too- time wise it worked out well.

The best jobs for most chronic conditions are ones with less time constraints and less being watched by management. Behind the scenes jobs, like ones introverts prefer. Opposite of "Front and center" jobs. Opposite of "shift" jobs.

Back when I slept on lunch - I was slamming coffee, mnt dew ect all day. It was no cake walk. Everyone noticed my head snapping tiredness on what few meetings I attended.

It was that or be homeless. We can do amazing things when there are limited choices.

Post Edited (astroman) : 10/10/2017 6:50:43 PM (GMT-6)

Good and bad news today...

My walking and balance is quickly going to pot. I have been stressing big time over this since the symptom started. I went and talked to HR today. I see our rep a lot and have a good rapport with her and have known her for 11 years. So, I felt comfortable discussing this with her.

Anyhow, up until now, I have been a bit of a dummy when it came to company benefits and such. I am familiar with 401K and what the company matches and health insurance, but that was about it.

Sooo, I told her my situation and that if this continues to progress, I will have to take emergency medical leave. I currently have 2 months I can take at full pay...plus some vacation time I need to use up. I assumed that when that was up, that was that. Little did I know that after the emergency leave is up, I am eligible for short term disability, if need be. This pays out 85% of my monthly income. And once that is up, I am eligible for full disability at 65%.

This was a HUGE relief as I thought after the emergency leave was up, I was out of luck.

So, even though, the progression of this disease sucks, at least I know that there is some income there.

cNickChick said...
What are some of the self-employed options that some of you have tried? I was doing a remote PT position for StitchFix, but they had a minimum of 15 hours a week, and I couldn't keep up. Right now I'm doing video transcription for Rev, which pays an absurdly low amount, but doesn't require a set schedule.

I want to get back to my FT job so badly, but I'm just not there yet. Always looking for other income supplements that are Lyme-friendly, if anyone has any to recommend.

Keep up the good work, Inky! With your docs behind you and an understanding workplace, you've got this!

It helps if your a jack of all trades type or have many hobbies - always work aval in your areas of interest. To me "lyme friendly" means on your time. YOu can do difficult things easier based on your time, when you feel best. When I did field mechanical work, I did easy work in the AM, harder physical stuff in the PM. If I had a boss- there would be no option in what I did or when. Napped in my truck when needed. Customers loved the end result so how I did it did not matter. This could be applied to many types of work.

I also fix stuff up in my home shop for resale - anything mechanical. My current day job is high tech science/physics based, so I find lower tech stuff easier and relaxing , thus still do side jobs.

Always though there should be a forum for clever work ideas.

Post Edited (astroman) : 10/11/2017 2:09:41 PM (GMT-6)

Thank you for the input everyone! Much appreciated. I still felt guilty asking my Naturopath to write me a letter for work, like people may think I am trying to "screw the system" or something.