Hepatitis C Support Group

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral disease which can cause liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by blood-to-blood contact with an infected person's blood. Many people with HCV infection have no symptoms and are unaware of the need to seek treatment. Hepatitis C infects an estimated 150-200 million people worldwide.

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Worried about work.

bestshot
bestshot
I was just wondering if anyone else is having this problem with work. When I started treatment I was working full time at the same place for almost 15 years/. A few weeks into treatment it was quiet apparent that I wouldn't be able to work full time. I was taking lots of sick days off and using holiday days for sick days. So, work was nice enough to let me go down to a three day week. But, with the understanding that I had to stick to those days and not take any more time. Actually my bosses words were you have to promise. I told her I couldn't promise but I definately try my best not to take any other time off but, sometimes things happen that are beyond my contrl I told her I can't always tell which days are going to be good or bad. So I went on the three day week and like I thought there were days I had to literally drag myself in there. On Friday when I woke up I felt like crap worse than normal. I had my shower and got ready. When it was just about time to go I got up and my legs almost gave out. I tried so hard but just couldn't do it. So through tears I told my husband that I just can't do it today. He understood but still worried about how my work was going to react. I called in and left a message for my boss (she never aswers the phone) told her the story and let her know how sorry I was and if she needed me just call. Now I find myself sitting here wondering if I am going to get fired over this. The stress is getting to me now. So, I guess my question is was anyone ever been fired over this? Is it even legal to fire someone for being sick? By the way I do have a dr's note. Would love to hear your feed back.
Thanks
Debbie
erniecoolcat
erniecoolcat
Sorry that you're having such a rough time at work. That was my initial fear was having to take time off from work..a lot. I have a full-time job M-F (flexible schedule thankfully) and I have been there over 16 years.

You can talk to your Doc about the 'Family Medical Leave Act' (FMLA) benefit, which guarantees your job for 12 weeks with time off as needed for yourself or qualifying family members. You cannot be fired. Thank you William Jefferson Clinton. Google that benefit...it will give you some comfort. Many use it just to flex their schedule to care for themselves or a loved one.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yes you can not get fired if your company approves FMLA. But they can lay you off when you come back if they want.
dillytime
dillytime
yea in the united states we have FMLA...it's against the law to fire u cause u're sick...u have 1 yr...then they can let u go....does canada have FMLA? if so u're doing ok..........also maybe u're boss is more compassionate than u think...they just need some 1 there to do the job.............don't worry be happy........tx. want last forever.......
erniecoolcat
erniecoolcat
..people keep saying that, that treatment doesn't last forever! I can't hear that enough. It sure feels like a long, freakin' journey though -- a double marathon for sure and for some a triple.
bestshot
bestshot
I don't know if Canada has FMLA or something similar. I have tried searching the gov't websit and the labour laws and so far have not been able to find what I am looking for. Some of these site are not user friendly. lol
erniecoolcat
erniecoolcat
Bestshot, I would highly recommend seeking input from a Medical Social Worker at a nearby hospital...preferably someone that works in Hepatology or GI. They should know what resources and services are available in your neck of the woods. They can be very helpful professionals.
bestshot
bestshot
These are all good ideas DalisMuse. My only problem being is since I went on part time hours my pay cheque is not what is was!! I beliver UI only pays about 60% I would have been better to do that right away. I don't think I would be ablt to survive on what I would get now. Don't get me wrong my company has be quiet accomadating so far. It's just they made it quiet clear that more time off after letting me down to a three day week wouldn't be acceptable. They said "after all we are trying to run a business". The most ironic thing about all this is my boss has been my best friend since age 12!! And the owner of the company is her husband best friend whom I knew in high school. It is a very small company only been in business about 2 years before I started. I think they ar kinda making things up as they go along. lol. I have seen them sue ex employees more than once and win. Over stealing customers after they left the company. They have been great to me in the past but I have also seen them at their worst when they think they have been crossed.
Debbie
deleted_user
deleted_user
I worry every week for the same thing. I had a reputation for being a hard worker. I have been with the company for 8 years put in many hours. Now I can hardly make it through an 8 hour day and I know that the quality of my work is also sub par. I have used up my sick time . The irony is that if I get fired or laid off that I will not be able to cover my insurance costs to continue the treatment. I try not to think about it too much.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I am doing treatment for the third time. The last time I was stressed about my job the entire time. I also went to a three day work week for a while, that stressed me out also. I believe all of the stress added to the treatment not working.This time I went into the boss before I started and laid it all on the table. I asked if they would allow me to keep my job and the treatment would last 72 weeks. I started using my disability policy after 6 weeks of treatment. It is a drop in income at 60%. All bosses are different, I spoke from the heart and it seems to have worked. I can not say that I am not still concerned about keeping my job, but the stress level is very low this time. I recently took a class called Life Skills. In that class the statement was made that 70% of what we worry about never happens. I am finding that to be true. My recommendation is to go on disability and lighten your stree load.
Best of luck
deleted_user
deleted_user
EVERYONE no matter what Country you reside in ought to have a permanent letter in your work file from your DR stating you have been under their care for a chronic illness ( you NEED NOT say what it is) since so & so date, and will be under their care thru so &so date....
There may be adjustments to the work week that will be necessary.


Give one to your immediate superbisor/ boss and 1 to HR for your file. Keep a bunch of copies for yourself just in case you need for legal purposes.

Also ask you Dr for a complete copy of your file including labs and
Procedures so you have it at on hand if needed for any reason.

I wish you the best. I had worked 6 mos and only missed 3 days.
In month 7, 2 weeks. In month 8-9 already out 2 wks w/o pay with a knee injury and still on tx...
Bless your heart and wishes of few and easy sides for you...=)
Sarpsis
Sarpsis
Definately FMLA! Right away.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Do they go by quarters. If so if you just recently went to reduced hours maybe those quarters dont count? I am going back to work Monday July 9th after being off 15 months. I commend anyone that can take this treament and work. I wish you the best, hope you feel better soon.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Debbie, since you have been a loyal employee for any years it seems like you would qualify for the FMLA benefit, it will secure your job while you are utilizing the leave. You've already made a great effort by reducing your hours, it may reduce your stress level some to take the approved leave.
bestshot
bestshot
Thanks to all for your input. I guess right now all I can do is play the waiting game. I did get some good advise and will have a little more knowledge if needed.
D
deleted_user
deleted_user
Sorry for the troubles you're having. Here in the US we have FMLA. I have renewed mine for the past three years through my doctor. i drive a truck and had so much fatigue.

Now that i'm on week 37 of 48 and really running down now.....I am so happy to have it. My work is well aware.....your job has no choice about you going on FMLA here. It's a federal thing. I can basically work part time, so I do. Good luck.....glad the Canadians are chiming in to help you.