Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group
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I really don't know how to describe my co-workers. They are heartless. Since I have developed my issues, working is more of a challenge. I usually just sit at a desk. I used to teach some classes and they were to hard on my body as there was a lot of walking involved. Well, the more I walk, the more my body fights and I end up on my cane or in my wheelchair. I got a doctor's note to get me out of the teaching. I still have to get up and get appointments and walk but not nearly as much. Well, in retaliation, my co-workers decided to go to the boss and complain about how much work they have and that getting the door for computer class was too much for them to do. Now the supervisor created a schedule for all of us in the unit to get the door when someone comes to use computers. Our building is a govt. building and is secure, so people cannot just walk in. So, I am scheduled on Tuesdays to get the door for these people. Isn't this what my doctor's note was to prevent? I have difficulty walking and when I do too much walking I end up in my wheelchair.
I feel I need to talk to my supervisor about this but I want to wait until I have cooled off and gotten some other opinions about this.
I have already started a more "sedentary" job assignment because of the problems I have walking. She knows that I need "sedentary" work. This does not qualify as "sedentary" in my opinion.
I just hate this job anymore. It's like since I developed a disability, I am treated like a problem. I feel that the powers that be are doing everything they can to get me to quit the job. I definitely am going to write up my complaint to the EEOC. I talked with an attorney before about the bosses going behind my back and trying to talk to my doctor about what my disabilities are. She said I would have to first file with the EEOC before I can do anything else.
I would rather volunteer my time at my daughter's school than deal with the insincere witches I work with here.
Tell me what you think. Does my doctor's statement stating that walking is too much for me include this "doorman" job? Is this sedentary work that my doctor suggested I do?
Thanks for all of your responses in advance.
I feel I need to talk to my supervisor about this but I want to wait until I have cooled off and gotten some other opinions about this.
I have already started a more "sedentary" job assignment because of the problems I have walking. She knows that I need "sedentary" work. This does not qualify as "sedentary" in my opinion.
I just hate this job anymore. It's like since I developed a disability, I am treated like a problem. I feel that the powers that be are doing everything they can to get me to quit the job. I definitely am going to write up my complaint to the EEOC. I talked with an attorney before about the bosses going behind my back and trying to talk to my doctor about what my disabilities are. She said I would have to first file with the EEOC before I can do anything else.
I would rather volunteer my time at my daughter's school than deal with the insincere witches I work with here.
Tell me what you think. Does my doctor's statement stating that walking is too much for me include this "doorman" job? Is this sedentary work that my doctor suggested I do?
Thanks for all of your responses in advance.
the walk is probably not more than 50 yards. It isn't the distance but the number of times I would be answering the door. I have asked to be moved before and they refuse. I would be opening the door repetitively all day long. Could be 50 times might just be twice. Depends on the size of the class and how often the clients choose to take a break. It was because of the walking involved in the first place that I had to ask to no longer teach the class. I taught it in August and I was exhausted from the up and down in just three days. I was using my cane and answering the door and was slow. I felt that it was too much and spoke with my doctor about it. He agreed with me. I will try it...but do feel that it still goes against what my doctor's note states. Since you are familiar with management situations, what would you think if my doctor's note states that I am suited for sedentary work and not the walking involved for computer class?
So as long as you're not physically exhausting yourself, as long as you're still physically able to walk, as long as you can answer the door in your own time and at your own pace and as long as this is on a rota basis, I would look on it as an opportunity to get some exercise in, and exercise is VITAL when you have MS.
My w/c is waiting for me in the corner of my home (I am also currently looking at scooters too) but it sits there right now as a reminder to stay on my feet as long as I can and to fight it to the very end...I feel like once I give in, that's the end of being upright for me, you know?
Perhaps you could consider a scooter? I know they cost, but there are occasional good buys on craigslist if you keep a watch.
Don't let your resentment build up or your hatred of MS to be transferred to your coworkers...most people don't understand MS -- how sometimes we can walk and sometimes we can't so they think you are being lazy or taking advantage. :(
Good luck in how ever you are able to deal with your difficulties.
2)Use the walker, etc. If you are too slow, I would think it would be in management's best interest to find someone faster. Otherwise, see it as an oppurtunity to get a free workout on their dime ;). I do not know your work environment, but I do not think we would make our customers wait 5 minutes for me to make the 50 yard trek to the door very often.
3) "Since you are familiar with management situations.." unless you were hired for and your job description was Doorman or Greetor, I do not see any problems in accomodating and giving you a more sedimentary job. Is your biggest problem jeaoulosy from your co-workers that is causing your problems? And yeah, I would rather volunteer at a school, but that doesn't pay for the doggie biscuits, so I guess I will keep coming to work. Is your manager naming the people that are complaing to them? If so, confront them, even if it must be in public.
As a side note, once you file with the EEOC, you may find it harder to deal with the managers.
they feel bad because you have a condition,
they feel bad because they don't understand your condition.
they resent that you are 'taking' the job of an able person
they don't know how to treat you
they have their own problems
they are caving in to peer pressure
whatever... it would be great if you could find one of them who you can talk to one on one and try to find out why they are being so inconsiderate. Then you may have a hope of opening up some communication.
It is hard to counter pack mentality, and while it would be ideal to take them on, you HAVE to think of the long term affect on your health and weigh up the worth of any action you may take.
Don't let the turkeys get you down!
I think that for physical & emotional well-being, we MS patients need to have a positive attitude when it comes to challenging ourselves ~ spin it until you find the silver lining ~ if this helps, look at it as physical therapy that you don't even have to cut into your spare time to attend & you're getting paid while you do it.
The scooter suggestion was a good one. Know what else you could / should look into? A segway. Maybe you can find a deal on Craig's List or eBay; maybe you can get a dealer to donate one.
I hope it all works out for ~ GOOD LUCK!
I think she is concern about the office. I do not know they would help much by the time you got out of your chair, get on the scooter the customer would probably be gone.
1. It is very hard to find a job
2. Use a scooter to get to and from the door
3. Try to think objectively about what you are really angry about.
What I heard from your note is anger and frustration about not being able to do your job like you used to. I don't want to misunderstand but I think you are alienating yourself from your job and your co-workers. You feel you are being singled out because of your disability.
It sounds like the supervisor made an accomodation fair to all parties. So maybe you can figure out a way to fullfill the accomodation. Use an easier way to get back and forth to the door so you conserve your energy. Lock the scooter up at work and leave it for when you need it. I understand others points about exercise but you an only do what you can do.
Talk to your supervisor about ways you can do the job. Do they have somewhere you can safely store the scooter for example. Can they install a switch inside to more easily open the door. I have one in my apt that uses a remote up to 50 feet. Just thinking of ideas.
Don't lose your job which is what I ultimately see happening. Try to look at the situation differently. I know its easy for me to say and I don't know all the details. But in this job market, plus the isolation you will feel if you leave I'd really think twice.
Filing complaints, complaining to your boss, no. I think you'd be better off demonstrating that you need motarized help to open and close the door. And you are trying your best to contribute equally.
Its tough. I hope you can work it out.
Melanie
Where I live, there is a stmt, 'unless it provides undo hardship for the employer,' that will allow them to say they can no longer take special requests from you. It's not fair for your handicap to make more work for the rest of the world. I'm not trying to be mean, just fair.
As far as the door man job. I have worked in this area for 10 years. I have been with this agency for 18 years. Since I was unable to teach computer classes because of the immense amount of walking, I was given a sedentary job in its place. The walking was letting people into the computer lab. These people come in and out of the computer lab several times per day. They take breaks and never anyone takes a break when the others do. At any rate, the more I walk, the less my legs work. I understand about the exercise but I literally was overdoing it. I asked to no longer teach the class because I was using my wheelchair or walker or cane more and more while I was teaching because my legs would literally give out on me. I got a doctor's note and was given a different duty. The girls who still teach the class, we were on a rotating schedule, have now decided that they don't want to have to answer the door all the time anymore either. So, the supervisor of my unit gave us a schedule of days that we are to answer the door which goes against the whole reason I stopped teaching the class in the first place.
I spoke with the supervisor and she stated it was a mistake on her part. She forgot that I had difficulty walking. I told her that I was willing to give it a try and do what I can. I just cannot guarantee that I will not show up some days with my wheelchair or walker or cane.
On another note, the agency's director is always concerned about me walking around the office even with my cane or walker as he fears the liability from "in case I fall".
I feel I have this resolved. I thank you all for your comments and I take them all very seriously.
I am extremely frustrated that I cannot do the tasks that I once did. Even more frustrated that my co-workers who have known me for so long feel that I am "faking" this illness or just trying to get out of my job duties. The teaching job duty is not in my job description, so I don't feel I will lose my job because I can no longer perform that duty.
Your co-workers sound like a bunch of bitches!
I wanted to write that in my last response, but then I thought I would be construed as a chauvinist, ;).
Your last response does seem to convey that management is really trying to accomidate you. The problem seems to be the stress because you are letting the opinions of your co-workers get to you. What are they blind? Can't they see that you sometimes use a wheel chair?
Anyway, do not let them get under your skin. You need to worry about #1 at this time and how #1 is going to keep her job. Remember, getting along well with co-workers also goes along ways with management as well as just doing your job. If your situation puts alot more stress on your manager, he/she may begin to feel you are the problem since you are not getting along with others. If the answering the door gets to be too much again, it sounds like your manager has already commited to helping you out.
Without knowing ther exact details, I cannot believe they have such a top seccret, secure traing room that they cannot leave the door unlocked while employees are in the room.