Scared

I have been in a flare fir months, my job is the diurce of my stress. I do have Fmla and i usually miss 1 day pet week. My family is worried sick about me they want me to take leave to get better. I do agree but so scared! I need advice, who else had done this?

Hi Scared,

Sorry you are dealing with this and hope I can help.

A month ago I went on FMLA/Short Term Disability. With FMLA they hold your job for 90 days and STD will pay while you recoup. You need to have your doctor sign and authorize the STD so you get paid to recoup. The insurance company might also request your records. I was scared and my stress source was my job. I felt bad as I was doing the work of 2 and now the work of 4 is put on two of my colleagues.

I'm not sure I can return to the pressure. But I do know that you need to take care of yourself as work will not take care of you. Call and work with your doctors to see what your options are. Hope this has helped.

Please let me know how you make out.

QW

Hi Necee,

I hope I can be thorough with my answer but if not, ask. I have worked for 5 years at my current job, and when I could not go to work, physically being unable, I spoke to my doctor and he filled out the state disability paperwork. I live in California, and we all pay taxes to SDI in case this happens, and since I have paid SDI for so long (long enough I guess), I qualified and they are paying me about the same amount as when I worked. In addition, my employer is using hours from my sick leave as required by the state, and now that I am out of sick leave, they are using my paid leave to pay me. Its some calculated amount thst they are required to pay. Somehow the state coordinates it all. I have had to extend my disability twice, and the doctor just fills out a form. I also get a note for work so they are kept up to date.

In my opinion, you need to talk to your human resources, or boss about doing this. All those missed days at work add up and even though they may be excused by the doctor, they add up and can br reason for firing uou. However, I believe if you take leave, depending on your policy you will be able to keep your job for some length of time.

What else are you scared about? You sound like you have a very supportive family that cares for you. I have that as well, and I am also on Lyrica and Cymbalta. I believe that taking leave has allowed me to rest and to adjust to this “new” body of mine. I have seen 4 different doctors so far and see a new one this week. I am able to do this because I am off work and taking care of myself. I need this time for me. Its why I paid that tax and worked so hard for so long. You may just have nothing to worry about.

I know it is scary to enter into these situations that are new, and those we have no knowledge or experience in, but the sooner you become familiar with it, the sooner you can lay your fears to rest. And relax and make an educated decision.

I know I posted a lot and I hope this helped. Please let me know if you have more questions. Do not be afraid, we are all scared at times and I was no different than you.

gentle hugs
meow
Heather

Hi, Necee. I am sorry you are going through this. I personally haven’t any experience with FMLA, but I would like to offer my moral support. I think it’s important to try and keep calm, lean on your support when you need to and be careful not to let your fear of unknown overwhelm you. It is great you have a supportive family. They are a very important resource and source of comfort for you in this difficult time. And you know you have us here as well… always.
Hugs,
Laurie