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So frustrated! My company doesn't care about my condition!
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rbjbkb posted:
This is my first post here. I just need a place to vent to people who know what I'm going through. My husband is amazing but I feel like I vent a little too much to him. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a little over 2 years ago. I also have IBS and depression. The company I work for is not being very accomodating. There are rumors they are trying to eliminate my job title so I think this only makes them even more annoyed with dealing with me. I used to work a set schedule, M-F. Then the company changed my job title saying it was just a title change. Suddenly my schedule became erratic and I was expected to be on the sales floor more and more even though my job as an operations manager took place mostly off the sales floor. My co workers with the same job title are experiencing similar issues. I tried to work what I was scheduled but with my condition it became too much. My doctor wrote a note stating that I needed a set schedule. That started an odyssey of fighting with HR that is still going on today, over a year later. I have now provided documentation from 3 doctors saying that I need a set working schedule to accomodate my condition. I can't work alternating days and shifts. It's hard enough to sleep at night and get up in the morning but when working all kinds of hours it's near impossible. Recently I spoke with a lawyer. Even though he said he was familiar with firbromyalgia I don't think he was. He became obviously annoyed and kept asking me questions over and over again. After he raised his voice I hung up in tears. I'm not sure if I really don't have a case against my company or if he just didn't want to be bothered. My husband works for the same company I do and he works a set schedule, he has the same job title I do. He doesn't understand why the company is giving me a hard time. I really think the company is trying to get me to quit. But then I worry that maybe it is just me. Am I asking too much? I have to work. We can't afford to keep our house and provide for our daughter without 2 incomes. I think all this nonsense about my schedule is having a negative impact on my health. I've gained 30 pounds in the last few months and my symptoms have intensified. I am almost in a constant state of panic because I fee like if my company won't comply with my doctors' orders I won't be able to work. Then I won't be able to provide for my family. If anyone has any advice I would appreciate it. Thank you for letting me vent and get all of this off my chest.
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Dollbug responded:
Hello and welcome.....OMG..you have a lot going on with you...and way too much stress...what makes it even worse is the fact that your husband also works for the same company...(which might cause other problems)...

The doctors' notes should be enough for the company to provide you with a better schedule...I would keep good notes about everything that happens...I would continue to talk to HR about the issues that you are having...and again...take good notes...you might just want to fill out the FMLA (to protect your job if you are having to miss work)....THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT, for you sake..

Unfortunately, I also had a very bad experience with the company I worked for...and I was there for over 14 years...so I know what you are going through..

Hang in there and try to work out the problems...

Good luck and take care..


MiMi
IN GOD WE TRUST....MAY GOD BLESS AND GUIDE AMERICA....

My personal exchanges are Vitamin D and Pain and Wrath of the Dragon....if you care to visit..
 
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xperky responded:
There was a time that companies actually cared for their employees! No more.

I wonder if you can find the energy to start looking for a different job in town. You would have to take your time and keep quiet about it at work of course.

I had a great job that went sour with a new boss. I did not get out of the situation in time and got very ill from the over-working and stress. I hope you can change things and get away from the negative environment.

In the meantime, be sure to simplify the other aspects of your life, and find plenty of time for light exercise and rest. Best of luck to you!
With Compassion,
Margaret
 
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Booch007 responded:
In the meantime while this is being pushed on you....do some positives for yourself. Get the best shoes, be hydrated...check that meds are enough and supplements are right. Think about all the actions you ask your body to make and keep good posture and be aware to alternate the muscles.

This is how I survive my crazy work week. I now care for 2-3 departments and I never stop moving all day. I just bought "Orthaheels" from QVC to see if that support alligns me better and the legs and feet follow with the back...if this works i am changing over to this company.

Now I wear Merrills....best for me.

Being proactive to care for you is a must. Being angry and adding tension in your life gives you an increase in stress which will put weight on you and steal energy from you.

I feel at times God is closing a door for me and showing me it is time to move on...and then that window shows itself and I am RIGHT WHERE I BELONG. So maybe a change is in order. Change is never liked but it can be SO RIGHT when the transition is over.

Think about it. I agree with all above. Business is business today (few Mom and Pop stores). I am watching something unfold right now at work that is interesting.....little support for someone. I ask for little (I just keep trying to re-invent myself to stay above water). Look into some fixes for yourself, this is tough stuff....no doubt about it. So glad you have your husbands support so you have everything then!**

Imagine no DH behind you and the job twisting you up? It happens here...breaks us all up. We know how hard this diease is. I applaud you for two thngs, coming here to dump...leave poor DH alone now...we will here the ouches on a daily basis....and that you are still out in the work force trying to survive. Keep fighting the muscles and move....just be at top shape. Hydrated, well fed, no diet sodas, supplements covered, Vit D replaced, meds right.

I have a supportive staff but they still don't understand it all...and I am in medicine. No one gets this but us. TRUTH..
I just say...bad day and stay to myself more when I am in trouble....the distraction at work is amazing though to help me put it aside...then going home I seize up and am useless alot, but I made my day. Smile on and work done....

I wish you all the luck in this issue. Document and try and be creative to survive.....you are not the only one who had this happen to them. (((hugs and hugs)))) Nancy B
 
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Nononsenselady responded:
All of us with fibromyalgia that work or have worked know a lot of what you are feeling. If misery loves company then we all love you. I was a real estate appraiser 15 years ago and was working (self-employed) 7 days a week, from early morning to late evening. It was crazy. Finally my mind broke because I couldn't realize that my body was breaking. Don't let that happen to you. I have never been the same since. Ask yourself if the "material things" that you are working for are worth the price you are paying. Could you work less hours at your current job or at another job and cut back on living expenses i.e. rent, clothes, car payments, move to a smaller house etc.? That is what my husband and I did. We moved out of our big house into a much cheaper, smaller house, kept driving our older cars (still are driving the same cars) and I totally quit working for awhile. Now I work part time. It is hard to go to work some days but at least I know it isn't every day. My daughters did just fine with less material things. In fact I think it made them better people. You just have to realize that everything isn't "black or white; all or nothing" and that you don't have your back up against the wall. There are alternatives. Life is not worth it if you have to get up fighting everyone each and every day. Be kind to yourself. It is easier to be kind to others then! I think a lot of us feel guilty and "fake" with the diagnosis of fibromyalgia and so aren't as kind to ourselves as we should be. Take yourself seriously because your health (and mental health) depend upon it.
 
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cchjorth responded:
I have had FMS/CFS for 22 yrs. Your co. is not looking at the disability act for workers. You might ck with a lawyer that specializes in Disability. Or, look it up on SSA.gov site and follow up. I worked for SSA and your employer should read the Act. It might not help but you should have a guideline to get assistance. My employers had no problem assisting me thank goodness. 1) they had a disabled person on salary which help their HR position and 2) kept them in line with the Disability Act..
 
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cchjorth responded:
The ADA: Your Employment Rights as an Individual With a Disability Notice Concerning The Americans With Disabilities Act Amendments Act Of 2008 The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Amendments Act of 2008 was signed into law on September 25, 2008 and becomes effective January 1, 2009. Because this law makes several significant changes, including changes to the definition of the term "disability," the EEOC will be evaluating the impact of these changes on this document and other publications. See the list of specific changes to the ADA made by the ADA Amendments Act.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) makes it unlawful to discriminate in employment against a qualified individual with a disability. The ADA also outlaws discrimination against individuals with disabilities in State and local government services, public accommodations, transportation and telecommunications. This booklet explains the part of the ADA that prohibits job discrimination. This part of the law is enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and State and local civil rights enforcement agencies that work with the Commission.
What Employers Are Covered by the ADA?Job discrimination against people with disabilities is illegal if practiced by:
  • private employers,
  • state and local governments,
  • employment agencies,
  • labor organizations,
  • and labor-management committees.
The part of the ADA enforced by the EEOC outlaws job discrimination by:
  • all employers, including State and local government employers, with 25 or more employees after July 26, 1992, and
  • all employers, including State and local government employers, with 15 or more employees after July 26, 1994.
Another part of the ADA, enforced by the U.S. Department of Justice, prohibits discrimination in State and local government programs and activities, including discrimination by all State and local governments, regardless of the number of employees, after January 26, 1992.
Because the ADA establishes overlapping responsibilities in both EEOC and DOJ for employment by State and local governments, the Federal enforcement effort is coordinated by EEOC and DOJ to avoid duplication in investigative and enforcement activities. In addition, since some private and governmental employers are already covered by nondiscrimination and affirmative action requirements under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, EEOC, DOJ, and the Department of Labor similarly coordinate the enforcement effort under the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act.

go to website: www.eeoc.gov/facts
Hope this helps in some way...
 
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cchjorth replied to cchjorth's response:
The ADA: Your Employment Rights as an Individual With a Disability Notice Concerning The Americans With Disabilities Act Amendments Act Of 2008 The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Amendments Act of 2008 was signed into law on September 25, 2008 and becomes effective January 1, 2009. Because this law makes several significant changes, including changes to the definition of the term "disability," the EEOC will be evaluating the impact of these changes on this document and other publications. See the list of specific changes to the ADA made by the ADA Amendments Act.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) makes it unlawful to discriminate in employment against a qualified individual with a disability. The ADA also outlaws discrimination against individuals with disabilities in State and local government services, public accommodations, transportation and telecommunications. This booklet explains the part of the ADA that prohibits job discrimination. This part of the law is enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and State and local civil rights enforcement agencies that work with the Commission.
What Employers Are Covered by the ADA?Job discrimination against people with disabilities is illegal if practiced by:
  • private employers,
  • state and local governments,
  • employment agencies,
  • labor organizations,
  • and labor-management committees.
The part of the ADA enforced by the EEOC outlaws job discrimination by:
  • all employers, including State and local government employers, with 25 or more employees after July 26, 1992, and
  • all employers, including State and local government employers, with 15 or more employees after July 26, 1994.
Another part of the ADA, enforced by the U.S. Department of Justice, prohibits discrimination in State and local government programs and activities, including discrimination by all State and local governments, regardless of the number of employees, after January 26, 1992.
Because the ADA establishes overlapping responsibilities in both EEOC and DOJ for employment by State and local governments, the Federal enforcement effort is coordinated by EEOC and DOJ to avoid duplication in investigative and enforcement activities. In addition, since some private and governmental employers are already covered by nondiscrimination and affirmative action requirements under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, EEOC, DOJ, and the Department of Labor similarly coordinate the enforcement effort under the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act.


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