Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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Anne8 09/04/2013

I FINALLY got a new job, starting next week. I haven't told them anything about my health issues, and to be honest, I don't remember if I had my cane in view in my first interview last October. I know I had it with me in February, because the human resources guy asked me something ( I just said I had some issues with my left leg).
So, any of you who have started a new job POST-diagnosis, how did you, or how would you bring up your specific needs? (Like, I will need to find a restful place between my 1st & second set of classes. . . )
Any feedback would be appreciated!

ChrissyH 09/04/2013

Congratulations on ur new job! What exactly will u b doing? I had worked as a teacher for 19/20 years. When I was going for my 1st reading of my MRI results I talked to my principal for release time. She was awesome with me. I then moved buildings for and ISTeaching position. I sat and talked privately with my new principal, again she was awesome with lots of support. After 2 years I took a turn for the worse and needed to take 2 years out of teaching. It was then that I had to talk to someone in Personal & had to let her know about my health issue. When I returned to 2nd grade when I returned, it was like WOW everyone, administrators included, knew of my health issue. That 1st year my Principal broke hippa-laws and told 1 of my parents. My Principal tried to wear me out & knock me down. Unfortunately it didn't work. He developed a new appreciation for MS. I then got moved to a new building due to over crowed schools. This principal I knew as an ISTeacher & as a friend. That Spring I let him know what accommodations my Neurologist insisted I have. Unfortunately, he was too involved with making sure the building looked great & was full of flowers. It was 3/4 through the year that the District's Superintendent realized what I had and saw that no accommodations had been made. He then saw a lawsuit pending and he took me out of work with full pay. The following August many accommodations were made. Actually too many were put in place. I felt like I was being constantly being watched closely. That wore me down & took the fun out of teaching so I retired.

This was a lenthly response. I just want to show you that if you express your illness, just be careful.

Anne8 09/04/2013

(I am also a teacher, but I will be working at a new university they are opening in Seville. I teach English as a foreign language, and the students will all be adults.)
I already have experienced what I consider to be discrimination from my former employer of ten years (who, yes, did know I had MS and I foolishly thought would actually respect the official, legal sabbatical we signed). So, I want to be careful. . .

Anne8 09/05/2013

I was feeling similar to how other people here sometimes feel like they are being ignored. . .but I will TRY not to take it personally that other than my friend Chrissy noone has responded for my very real need to get some people's suggestions as to what I should or shouldn't do. I REALLY don't want to end up losing my job and being on unemployment for ANOTHER year!

mjideas 09/05/2013

Anne, My advice is don't say much and rehearse negotiating. I too experienced a problem when I disclosed the condition. I was working in advertising.

Congratulations on the job!

Melanie

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