Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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xaviermom74 09/16/2009

I started the job I am presently at 2 years ago as a school social worker after 10 years with state government. I took the job due to numerous miles of driving(gas prices) and slow reimbursement(sp?) State gov benefits were better yet I am now working a job with small amount of driving. I was attempting to join sick leave bank as I now have 18 days saved up(you have to give 3) well I found out today after 2 years of being employed I can not join the sick leave bank because I am not a teacher or a certified staff, I am now scared to death- what am I going to do if and when I have a relapse. Just venting.

Thanks for reading.

Neener 09/16/2009

Do they have a policy where staff can donate leave or do you have to join the sick leave bank? Also, for what it's worth, I've had 3 relapses in the past 9 months and although I've felt totally crappy. I've been able to work through all of them. The only thing I took time off for was the appts. with my doctor and the solu-medrol transfusions. I won't say it was easy, but I survived. Of course, I'm a counselor and so I have a private office and sit behind a desk all day.

xaviermom74 09/16/2009

From my understanding you have to be a member of the bank to receive any donated leave. I have a desk job also but I float from different schools from week to week. I just remember when all this ms stuff began, I was out sick for weeks, luckly I had sick leave from my state job that transferred. Hopefully I will be able to work through if and when a relapse occurs. Always in fear I guess.

deleted_user 09/17/2009

Does the school have any kind of short-term disability policy? You're probably eligible for FMLA. Otherwise, pray your relapses are only in the summer...

pj22 09/17/2009

first of all you can not let it get you upset-know that it is hard not to, but that can cause you to have a flare up, FMLA you have to be employed with the compqany for at least a yr. so just do some checking on things,
.fmla terms
.staff donatations-like neener talked about.
AND MOST OF ALL TRY TO KEEP YOUR STRESS DOWN.
what medication are you on for ms, just a fyi, i had several relapses in a yrs time, went on tysabri, have not had one since i started (over 2 yrs), please take care of yourself... you are the most important person to you

xaviermom74 09/17/2009

Actually when I got sick after I had minor surgery is the only time I have had a relapse. I am not taking any of the MS medications- Never have.

Not sure regarding the short term disability, I will check that out.

deleted_user 09/17/2009

I am also a social worker. Are you a member of the National Association of Social Workers? Even if your employer does not offer disability insurance, you can apply for it through the NASW. I am lucky in that my employer offers such benefits, and I am also married and can use my husband's benefits, but I would definitely look into any coverage you could get through the NASW and call the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to see if they have any ideas. Good luck!

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