I say file for FMLA. (if you have that option) If your boss is understanding than tell them. I know with FMLA they want detail as to why you need it so it would be helpful to tell your boss.

Good Luck!

I think you have to be mentally ready to share the news. Like MsRee said if your boss is understanding let him/her know you are dealing with a medical issue and are working with your doctor for treatment options. I think your comfort level will help you to decide how much to disclose. Praying that things will work out, hang in there.

I would file for FMLA. You do not have to share it with your boss, but you do have to put it on the FMLA papers, well your doctor will have to fill it out stating what it is for, but that will mainly be seen by your HR department. I does help if your boss knows what is going on, that you have a medical problem so I hope you do have an understanding boss. I sure do wish you the best!

My concern is how confidential my HR is going to keep it. My workplace hasn't had the best reputation of being professional.

I also want to say I LOVE this website. I appreciate everyone that takes the time to respond. Thanks

NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS.... DON'T lose your insurance coverage!!! If for some reason you're ever not able to continue working, make sure you get COBRA and understand everything about it - here's info if you don't already know about it:

http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/cobra.htm

Moreover, I had a friend that didn't go back to work after feeling sick, not knowing what to do and was later diagnosed, now she has a pre-existing condition and can't find insurance coverage. Medical expenses are outrages. Just make sure you take care of yourself while keeping your financial cost down and educating yourself in the insurance world. The best of luck to you.

I don't know how the medical side works there but one thing that I did see in your post is your neuro THINKS you may have ms.
Based on that statement alone, I would try not to tell the boss till it is confirmed.
As for hr not doing the right thing, they should get in big trouble (would here) if they discussed your health condition with anyone outside hr that needs to know.

Remember once told, you can't untell too. It does very much depend on your relationship with your boss too. I would tend to stick to chronic disease till ms is confirmed too as a lot of people still see ms as someone who is going to end up in a wheelchair & no use in workplace too.

As cw2008 said you have to be mentally ready too, if you say ms you could get questions/sympathy/judgement that you are not ready for too.

Think about it carefully & take it slowly. By all means file for the thing others were saying & do make sure you have insurance before diagnosed too.

Take care of yourself.

I think I would tell them, explaining that you are starting on medication that will hoefully help you. This can eitherf make it easier for you, or maybe harder, but at least you have moved past that problem.

How big of company do you work for?

I agree with everything being stated so far. Get INFORMED regarding your companys medical/ short/ long term disability benefits. Read and ask questions about ANYTHING you do not understand. I went on medical leave in April of 2010..it was supposed to be 6 weeks, and here I am. I am still being paid and was never treated badly. I worked DIRECTLY with HR. They walked me through EVERY step of the process. It is THEIR JOB to do so. CONFIDENTIALITY is HUGE..or should be. I worked for a very large bank and unless I said something to someone, I guarantee NO one knows my business. A breach in ANY of such rules would be grounds for termination whether you work for a company of 4 or 400 where I'm from. I agree to take your time and become as educated on this topic as you can. Good luck to you :)