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FMS Community FMS Support Forums General & Support Working with Fibro how to talk to your boss
Working with Fibro how to talk to your boss
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11/30/2008 19:57
Cori
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 I am working full time right now. I do not have a physically depanding job, I sit at a computer. I do take frequent walks to another room for filing but I like the break. Work is so slow right now that it drives me crazy and then it gets crazy hectic where I start losing track of what all is going on. i work in Human Resources and have to be very detail oriented or I can mess up people's payroll big time! There have been several mishaps in the last few weeks that are really nagging at me. Luckily it wasn't with anyone's pay so not that big of a deal. So I am struggling, I no longer log on to this group at work because our policies have gotten stricter and I do not want to break policy of course. I am lucky to have a job in this economy and I am grateful. My boss knows that I have Fibro, I update her after appointments if I am on new meds or if there is any change in things. I miss on average 1 day a month from the Fibro. I am trying to do better but everyone has their days right.

Okay my question is has anyone asked for accomadations to help them with say working from home a few days a week or going to part time? I am not sure how much longer I can keep up this schedule, I feel so overwhelmed even with all these days off for the holidays. When I am at work all I can think about is going home. I feel like I am turning into a lazy bum. So how did you bring up the conversation regarding accomadations or schedule? Was it ordered by your doctor or did the company just help? I know that I would have to have a note from the doc for any accomadations in my job. Please help just in case I can't do this for much longer. I need support and/or advice on what to do right now. I have been working, but I feel like the Fibro is getting worse and don't know how much longer I can do this.



Sometimes it's hard to walk, talk, or even know what tomorrow brings. But as long as I have a smile on my face I can give a little bit of sunshine!
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12/02/2008 06:15
Rainmist
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 No answers, Cori, but I'm in a similar kind of situation. I was just diagnosed, and am trying to catch up with my boss to explain that I have Fibro and I'm going to need a couple of accomodations. Under the disability discrimination act in the UK this should be something that can be negotiated. What I want to talk about at the moment is Fibro related absences recorded separately from other sick absences, as disability related absences aren't given as information in interviews etc. I also in my job need to often work out of hours which my consultant doesn't want me to do, and which usually causes a flare - I'm willing to do the work out of hours, but want to ask if I can have the time in lieu the following day to try and prevent a flare or deal with one. I'm also hoping there should be understanding that I may need to take more sick leave than 'normal'. This has never yet been criticised and sometimes I think my boss thinks I'm crazy that I worry about this stuff, but it scares the heck out of me. I also want this condition on record in case I do in time need to reduce my working hours. Like you, I'm coping at the moment, and I find work is a great distraction, I enjoy it and it makes me get up, get out and move - but it's a struggle a lot of the time.
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12/02/2008 06:32
nicunurse74
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 Cori, sorry you are dealing with this issue. I work in the healthcare industry and have had both positive and negative reactions from coworkers and employers. Coworkers seem to feel threatened by the time away from work and wonder how they too can get additional days without repercussions, and employers find it frustrating not to be able to do more with the schedule secondary to short staffing, etc. I find it most difficult to be away from work and have to return only to feel the guilt from other coworkers' looks, actions, etc. It is refreshing to say that my current employer is very knowledgeable in pain issues and sympathetic in my plight. Past employers have not been so lenient, even with a physician's script. You are in my prayers and thoughts Cori. I do so hope you find compassion from your employer. :*
"He has achieved much who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much."
-Mrs. A.J. Stanley
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12/02/2008 07:23
Janilee
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 Hi cori, You should get a note from your doctor first to give to your employer and keep a copy for yourself. This helps you if you are ever terminated from work because of your fibro or when you apply for disability. Under the disability act, your employer has to make accomodations to make your working there more comfortable. You might want to print off one of the Pages about fibro that Starr put up the other day so your employer knows what fibro is. I was fired from my job in 2006. Although my termination wasn't due to my fibro ( I didn't know I had it at that time) I had other conditions that would be considered under the disability act. He gave me very good advice about what to do so that If I ever got fired again because of my disability, I would have a very strong case. The main thing is to let your employer know about it and make it part of your records.

Jan

May your troubles be less, Your blessings be more. And nothing but happiness come through your door!
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