Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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jennilee68 09/01/2011

Last month, my doc wrote a note for my employer excusing me from teaching classes which is an extra duty on top of my regular job. The teaching has become difficult for me as it is hard to walk and talk. I can do my regular job with no problems at all. Well, my employer sent a letter to my doc wanting more specific information about my limitations. My doc's office called me and had me come in to discuss this. My doc was angry that my employer was asking for more information. We discussed it and I gave him some information. He is going to write back and tell them that it is just too physically taxing for me to do the added job of teaching classes and that it would further exacerbate my symptoms to continue pushing myself to that extreme.
I feel like my employer is looking for a loophole in order to fire me. Am I just being paranoid? do they need this information? I just don't know what they are after now. any words of wisdom or help with this would be greatly appreciated.

deleted_user 09/01/2011

I can't speak for Colorado, but in Minnesota, we are an "at will" state, meaning your employer can fire you for any reason at any time. I am guessing, your concern for your job is warranted, but educate yourself and look at the specific laws in Colorado.

jennilee68 09/01/2011

Colorado is an at will state as well. That is why I am fearing the worst.

deleted_user 09/01/2011

Call you local MS society or a disableds person network.

I have heard that if you have registered for the family medical leave act (or something like that) you are still protected even if your state is an "at will" state.

deleted_user 09/01/2011

Rozleen probably has a really good point. Check into that, because that may be the thing that saves you. Unfortunately, the "at will" states can terminate you for ANYTHING, so any discrimination is very hard to prove.

MSKC 09/01/2011

Go to the Americans with Disabilities Act web site and read about your rights. You can also call them. Your employer has to provide reasonable accommedations for you. Your employer could be in a lot of trouble if he/she is not ADA compliant. Please contact them about your rights and your local MS Society or Association for advice. You live in an "at wil" State, but you do have the ADA on your side. They cannot fire you because you are disabilied, that is discrimination. Get all the facts you can about your rights.

I am so sorry that you are going through this. It is hard enough to be chronically ill......then to have a boss who is not cooperative stinks!

Take care of yourself!!

deleted_user 09/01/2011

i hate that "at will" nonsense. in ga, they call it "right to work" which means your boss can fire you whenever. i think the fact that you had a note from your doc should have been more than enough info. aside from ensuring the doc actually treats you, i don't feel your employer is in any position to demand you discuss your situation.

is the boss hostile towards you? do you get good reviews? i dunno, sometimes people just like to meddle in others' business. i hope that's all... but i agree with the others. having an advocate in place just in case seems wise.

good luck and keep us posted.

jennilee68 09/01/2011

thank you all! I am going to contact the ADA tomorrow morning. I have filled out the paperwork for FMLA at work as I had to apply for use of the "sick bank" leave. I ran out of my own leave and had to borrow from the bank. That has been a big help for me to continue my job. Especially when all of these strange symptoms started. I was in the hospital a few times as the docs tried to figure out what was wrong with me.

deleted_user 09/02/2011

I live here in California and got dumped 6 weeks after the DX -- it was a "management decision" mind you. I was very very sick at the time, falling down outside, a cane hidden in my bag and car and oh what a mess I was. I thought I had them fooled but they knew and they simply did not want a sick person working for them but they did not say this -- "management decision" ... yeah right ... I was a tenured State employee! Will be angry/pissed off about this for the rest of my life! :(
I hope you fare better than I did. Trying to hide the reality of what was going on with me was pointless.

STEVP 09/02/2011

Speaking from a management side, this is not all that uncommon to verify what an employee can and cannot do. I see several dr excuses per week with only a signatuire stamp. The receptionist at the front desk of most dr offices hands "Excused Fromm Work" out very liberally. Is teaching a physically demanding job or is it just extra hours?

Keep in mind that an employer also needs to know your limitations so as not to put you in harms way. They have a liability interest to protect as well. They need to know your limitations.

pj22 09/02/2011

You need to get FMLA papers from your employer asap.. Get your doc to fill them out. It will give you a little more piece of mind. And when you are having issues or can not work on days, it will protect you. Go to your HR person and get these.. Good luck. Wish you the best and take care.

jennilee68 09/02/2011

I spoke with the ADA this morning. They said that my employer was crossing the line when they sent that letter to my doctor and didn't send me a copy as well. Even asking for specific details related to my disabilty is a big no-no. They told me I have grounds to file a complaint if I want. I am feeling that maybe I should just wait and see what my employer does. If I am fired, then I have a loaded gun to use against them. My husband thinks I should file my complaint now. He thinks I should put my employers jobs on the line. Hard to know what to do.

MSKC 09/02/2011

Wow jennilee......that is great that you were able to talk to the ADA. You are in a dilemma about what to do with that info. It could cause you more problems, which would also cause your employer problems for non compliance and HIPPA violations. Prehaps you could call the ADA back and get advice on how to handle it or call a lawyer. I got harrassed by one manager, but he left and got another job, thankfully and my new boss was great, helped me through the retirement process when I got my diagnosis. I was a State employee and had been so for over 14 years. You have enough problems dealing with your health and you do not need crap from your insensitive boss. Keep fighting and take care!!

deleted_user 09/02/2011

I say file the complaint. The worst it will do is tell your employer that you know your rights.

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