I'm sorry for how you feel but what do you expect? If your manager doesn't know of your condition how can you expect her to make accomodations? I know many people don't want their employer to know what is going on because it could mean your job. But then you have to grin and bear it.

If your manager is treating you differently it could be because you are trying to hide how you are feeling. She probably senses there is a problem but doesn't understand.

The best thing is to go to your HR department and explain what is going on. Then they can bring in your manager and explain just what she needs to know. Once you do this it makes it difficult for them to fire you or hold it against you.

I would get a letter from your Dr. stating that your not allowed to lift things over "X" pounds. It doesn't have to state your health issues, it can be very straight forward and to the point. Turn that letter into your HR Department and then you have the right to say, Sorry I'm not allowed to lift that kind of weight. If the Mgr. has a problem tell her to check with HR.

Kat

I am sorry you were put in that position. The great thing about this board is that you can vent all you want and it is a good thing to do.

I do not know your job situation, but I do know jobs are hard to get and are hard to keep right now. You have been given excellent ideas. I guess part of your decision making needs to include if the lifting will cause you physical damage or increase your pain? Can you bring extra pain meds to help manage the pain if this happens again?

At 22 everyone assumes you are just fine and if you are not missing an arm or a leg they can not see your illness. It is really difficult for you, I really understand the invisible illness problem. You have to look at the players where you work and determine if they would make it so difficult that you would quit or would they let you go with some lame excuse? Or in the best case would they work with you?

You may want to start looking for a job that does not include heavy lifting.

Wishing you luck. Praying you feel better.
Hugs-RJ

Just like because a person looks healthy doesn't mean they're! WOuld using a dolly work/help you from straining yourself too much?

I hope I don't seem mean but I think this is a great topic to discuss. If you don't want your employer to know you medical business then you have to accept that there may be some problems.

Most jobs have a minimum requirements. They will say something like "must be able to stand for 8 hours, lift 20 lbs, wear protective gear, type 40 wpm, answer phones, drive, operate forklift" If they tell you this and you accept the job then they have the right to expect you to do those things. If you have a change in your ability then you have to tell someone. HR is good if it's a larger company. Otherwise it's your boss or the owner.

Also we usually sign papers that say we don't take drugs, won't drink while working or just before, and are able to perform the duties safely. If you sign something like this and break the rule then you can be fired.

I think it is better to be open and honest. If you have a disability they cannot discriminate against you and your state labor department will help. If there is something you do that is against the rules there is probably a good reason, a safety reason for the rule.

When I was injured in the car accident I went to HR. Then I talked to my bosses and we discussed what changes I would need. We worked together to make the best of the situation. I did more in some ways to make up for what I couldn't do. We shifted some things to other people and I picked up some things I could do. It worked very well for a year and a half at which time the meds I was on were just more than I could handle while working.

So my advice to everyone is to be honest. You will find that most employers appreciate your honesty and are willing to work with you.

Well.you said they did not know you had health problems. So, if I did not know you had them I would have probably chosen you over the older person too.

I think you should go to your boss and ask for FMLA papers and get those filled out. That way, they can't fire you for being sick.

thanks everyone for all the replies. the physical lifting (and the fact that i hit a box right into my pelvis which is where i have all my issues) for sure increased my pain. i appreciate all the advice. i work at the dollar tree with two shifts a week if i'm lucky so its not a serious job by no means. if it was more important of a job i for sure would go through HR or higher management and try to get accommodations. i probably won't be working there much longer anyways due to the fact that i'll be starting school in a little while.

ya'll all have great ideas and i don't take offense to any of them:) if i was to get another job sometime soon i reallly might do that dr note stating i can't lift much weight. it's a great idea that i honestly never thought about doing.

another note on this situation is i never signed any paperwork stating what i can and cant do, never submitted to a drug test, etc. literally i got hired and started work a few days later. (not the worlds most professional place haha) so i do keep my medicine in the car to take it if i really need to do so.

anyways i really just needed to vent yesterday. i'm glad ya'll are here.