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Posted 7/30/2009 4:38 PM (GMT 0)
My work has recently come to the conclusion that they don't want to work with my reduced schedule anymore (and then they complain when I can't make it in because it's outside my ability) long story, anywho...  They requested I take a 2 week personal leave to "Feel better and get with your Dr's to let us know what kind of restrictions you will be on"  (yeah right as if 2 weeks is going to get me to feel better...) 

Basically, I want to know what kind of restrictions those of you who are still working are on.  Thanks!

Posted 7/30/2009 5:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sgirl,

2 weeks is definitely not enough time to straighten things out!  This disease is far too complex and idiopathic to just fix it!

I am having problems with work too.  Being recently diagnosed, I think I have shared too much info with my boss.  In fact, I just had a big project taken away from me because I was "not well enough to handle it" (when in fact, I WAS!)   It can be extremely frustrating to explain to people that we know what we can handle and what we cant!

Right now, I am lucky enough to work for a company that allows me to work from home.  If I did not have this option, I dont know what I would do.  When I do have to be in the office, I sit near the bathroom and just let my boss know if I need to lie down for a while (we have a "wellness" room).  If it gets bad enough, I just take a sick day (and pray I make it home without having to stop 20 times!!)

 

DX: UC (Proctitis) January 2009 (age 24)

Status: Currently in flare since Aug 2008 without remission

Medications: Align (probiotic), Cortisone Enema, Lialda, Prednisone (tapering), Flagyl, Cipro, Canasa, anticipating Dipentum after round of Prednisone,

Post Edited (TripleKiss) : 7/30/2009 11:26:13 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/30/2009 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
I have had this for a while and I feel like I have crafted my whole career around being able to get to a bathroom. I am content where I am but this isn't the job I imagined for myself.
Does your work have any kind of Career/Life services? Many bigger companies do, to help you through tough times with various resources or supervisor mediation or whatever.
Good luck,
amy
Posted 7/30/2009 8:42 PM (GMT 0)
triple... what kind of job is that...so i can get something similar LOL.
Posted 7/30/2009 9:20 PM (GMT 0)
Me too. Sorry, usually hang on the IBS board. What type of work is that? LOL I work part time but would consider full time, if somehow I could get thru an 8 hour day. The only way I think I could do it is if I stopped eating 2 hours before I start work and then not eat until I get home.

If I were ultra rich, I'd start a business with a thousand bathroom stalls.

What type of business would be, I have no idea. LOL

sgirl - one thing I have learned the hard way is to become your own advocate. Record everything, keep your papers in order, state what you need, clearly, firmly but politely too.

We have every right to request accommodations even if our disability/situation isn't visible to everyone else. It's still legit.
Posted 7/30/2009 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone!

Triple, wow I want your job!  I would absolutely LOVE to work from home.  But I'm in retail and there's not much I could do from home.  :(

Amy, we do have something like that but they only do so much.  For example, only 3 over the phone counseling sessions a year. 

Marsky, I keep records of everything.  I've been screwed a few times because I didn't keep a certain paper so I've learned to keep everything.  I even make copies of my availability schedule.  lol  I'm full-time and would love to go part time (they would too) but they changed their insurance policies at the beginning of the year and the only insurance for part timers is a 20K max plan, and only certain amts of that can be used for certain things.  Really dumb insurance I tell ya.  so I'm stuck full time so i can have the insurance to cover me. 

I'm actually going to be going on maternity leave early because work is being so inhumanely rude to me and others.  They say they care and will work with me but then pull this crap on me and refuse to work with me.  *sigh*  It will be better for everyone if I go on leave.  I think I have insurance set up for the beginning of the year (right when I get off leave) so I can go part time and not have to have works insurance.  I just have to call the new insurance and double check on the p-e condition waiver... 

Posted 7/31/2009 12:31 AM (GMT 0)
I work for a pharmacuetical research company (go figure- but at least I have access to lots of info about the drugs I am on).  We do clinical trials and such for drug companies who are trying to get their drugs approved.  But, I am in the administrative side of things.

The worst part is that at work where I sit there are only 2 SINGLE PERSON bathrooms on the whole floor (One is female and one is unisex LOL poor guys!).  That makes it kinda tough when I am there.

Posted 7/31/2009 2:52 AM (GMT 0)
sgirl: Maybe you might want to see about temporary disability. You still get the money and you will have time to figure out the medication that will help you get back on track. I see it as a perfect out to help you health wise. That's if you want it.
Posted 7/31/2009 9:50 AM (GMT 0)
Are you in the US? If so, You need to do some research on ADA and how this impacts your rights for accomodation from your employer.
Posted 8/2/2009 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
I also work from home. The biggest issue for me with working outside is being outside for nine hours straight surrounded by restaurants, cafes, modern cafeterias and coffee houses. It's hard for me to resist all that food. Nowadays, most breads, sauces, deserts, and drinks sold in restaurant-type establishments contain HFCS, which I can't have because I'm fructose intolerant.
Posted 8/2/2009 6:14 AM (GMT 0)
There was a brief, sweet period of time when I was symptom free. I jumped at the opportunity to get back to work. I landed a dream job as a gymnastics instructor. I was loving being able to get back to working out and get paid for it at the same time!

Then Pleurisy sent me to the ER. The Doctor put me on a medical profile that had a strict lifting limitation. No more than 3lbs. Well, there went my job. I was lifting, flipping and spotting children and teenagers (most that were bigger than I, as I'm petite) for hours a day. I hoped the condition would pass sooner rather than later, since the Doctor explained that it isn't a lasting condition and usually clears up within three days, a month at the latest. That was three years ago, it still comes and goes.

The gym offered after school child care, preschool and pre athletic training that management allowed me to do. I eventually realized that the lifting restriction could put the kids in danger. One of my four year old pre schoolers, tiny for her age, slipped through a weak spot of a trampoline and got stuck between the coils. There was a six foot drop to the concrete below. I got to her before she slipped completely through and ignored the restriction and lifted her out. Poor thing had busted her lip but was otherwise alright. That's when I decided to leave the job, sadly. They say I can come back any time and allow me to visit often. Good luck with your job and I hope you get to feeling better soon.

Posted 8/2/2009 6:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hi. I would second the recommendation to look into ADA (Americans with disabilities Act) and I would add that depending on how long you worked there and how big your employer is, you might be covered under FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act).
Do you have disability insurance through work? It's required in some states, I think.

So you might have some options other than going out early for maternity. But that sounds like it would definitely make things easier than dealing with this situation. It sounds very difficult to say the least!
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