Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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Brain & Nervous System
/ Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

Phase 2

Amazonmom
Amazonmom
Phase 2 of my life official begins on October 2nd. I told my employer about my MS, after keeping it hidden for years. I had a BAD relapse that ended up with me crawling on the floor at work one morning. Long story short, as soon as I told them of my MS, they ordered a Fit For Duty test. I failed. Now they are allowing me to use some of my Sick Leave up prior to the Official being removed due to Medical. I did the smart thing and got a lawyer, and things are progressing slowly forward. The good news is that my Human Resource Officer told me, since I'm doing a Medical Disability Retirement, I can find another job and work up to 80% of my currently yearly salary and not loose my Disability retirement. So now I have the challenge of finding a desk job that will accept/hire me as Disabled. Plus, I thought I would be proactive and start to look for a wheelchair accessible van too. I remain Positive through this scary transition time and TONS of paperwork. I was told it could take from 6-8 months from when I am terminated and the paperwork is summited before I will see any of the money to help my family continue on. I haven't had to try to find a new job in 13 years.....let the games begin!
bleedinblue
bleedinblue
I went through the same thing Medical Disabilty retirement in May 2014. I really did not want to retire but realized I was becoming a liability. Hope things work out for you, best of luck.
Anne8
Anne8
I sincerely hope you have a positive experience with early retirement!
ChrissyH
ChrissyH
I had to take Early Retirement 3 years ago. All-in-all I taught for 20 years. I had hoped to be able to teach for 30 years, but it just didn't work out that way. Since I am receiving SSD I am only permitted to make 20,000/year & that wouldn't take me even close to my previous salary. I am starting a job after Labor Day blogging for my niece's company. The best part is that she's paying me in cash so I won't be in jeopardy of losing my SSD.
Give yourself time to 'defuse' from the job u r leaving. (What type of job had u been working?) You might want to contact your local MS Society for potential ideas. I know the MS Society where I live employs many disabled adults.
Hoping for bright spots in your future.
lorrieonline
lorrieonline
All the best to you with this transition. In Florida we have a Vocational Rehab organization that helps people with disabilities in finding work and getting new skills. Do you have something like that in SD? Look forward to hearing a smooth transition for you.
Amazonmom
Amazonmom
Thanks everybody for your support and comments. My previous job I work 40 hours a week as a Supervisor for the Federal Government, so this will be a big transition for me. My biggest concern is trying to find a new job. Will I be an immediate scratch off the list if I show up to the interview using a walker or a wheelchair?
haristottle
haristottle
Hi, would be very interested how things work out, as I am in UK and learning a lot about USA system. Good luck with everything :)
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