Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

This community is a place where members can discuss current events and weigh in on what's going on in the world.

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Tom1965 05/14/2009

I'm still working, dx in July of 08. Felt sick on vacation went to the ER. Wed. Ran tests dx on Thurs. Felt like my life went to hell on FRI. Went home on SAT. Felt like no one wanted to talk about except my wife. Went to work MON. Anyone have problems at work after dx. I havn't told anyone. Don't know what there reaction will be. I work for the DOJ, at the BOP. Our job falls under Law Enforcement. I had a co worker dx in 2007 and had to retire. She needed to stay out of work for a while, told them she would be back in a few months if she could. They sent the paper work for Medical Retirement to her house. Fill these out and sent them back. Scared they'll try it to me if I tell them. Havn't missed any work from MS yet. Lucky I guess. I've been looking up laws. They probably can't touch me if I don't miss work. Don't want to take any chances. Any thoughts or ideas. NOV I believe is National Disabilities Awareness month. Could be a good Ice Breaker, NOT.

ChrissyH 05/18/2009

I am a teacher. I was dx in 2004 while I was teaching a self contained 2nd grade. I interviewed and hired for and IST position. It was still teaching, but with a smaller number of kids and lots of clerical work. I left work in 2007 on a medical leave and then a medical sabatical. I am returning in September. My adminitrators have been more than accomadating to me. If approached a non-threatening way they will often end up on your side.

deleted_user 05/18/2009

tom,
If I could have hid it I would have.

I think you have made a wise decision.

May MS never become an issue for you at work or anywhere else in your life.

and ...

May the force be with you!

Best of luck to you,

Hope

P.S. The ADA is a mandate, not a bonafide law. It is a set of instructions that will hopefully be used as a guideline and followed. It does not force anything, it only makes a lot of suggestions. It was in place when I got dumped. I remember saying, "I am not afraid of losing my job! There is the American with Disabilities Act to protect me!"

Yeah ... right. *barf*

deleted_user 05/20/2009

I ponderd about adding a reply to this. The reason being, I know many will be angered by what I write.

The reason the clause "undue hardship" is included is to have a measure of fairness to the employer. It is well within the rights of an employer to let you go if you can't do the job you were hired for. It's unfair to your employer, and others you work with to have to pick up the slack from you not being able to do the job. You also can't just expect them to put someone on a desk job, there has to be a position open for a desk job. It's unfair to think they have to just create a job for you.

I have had to pick up the slack for people who were not able to do their fair share. It's one thing if it's a one time deal, it's a different animal when it's on going, and constant.

If one is able to be depended on to do the job they were hired for it shouldn't be an issue. If not, then a new line of work is indicated.

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