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getting fired or quitting

Thu, September 03, 2009 12:00 AM

Hello. I need your advice. In 2007 I was diagnosed with Cohrones/UC. Since than, I have had 4 colonoscopies, sydmoidoscopy, 3 fistula surgieris, 3 Remicaide infusions, and I currently have a temporary colostomy. My current medications are 6-MP and cymbalta. In May of 08, I had a bio-plug inserted into my fistula due to it not healing. With eveything I had to go through, I lost a lot of work. This past week, I had to return to my surgeon because I had another abcess. He is not sure if it is from the same fistula, or if another has developed. He is recommending me to the chief of gastronologist at his hospital and is recommending new medication, preferrebly Humira infusions. Everyone, including my Dr. is suggesting that I quit my job, for the stress is causing my flare ups. I looked into Disability and public assisstance. My question is. Should I quit my job or wait and allow my supervisor to fire me due to all the time I am missing? Does it matter as far as my eligibility towards disability or public assistance. Does anyone have any information or experience they can share to help me make my decision. I don't like the idea of giving up my job due to being there for 20 yrs., but like my husband tells me, I have to take care of myself.

kiangelo
Joined Sep 3, 2009

Fri, September 25, 2009 6:55 PM

Reply posted for Joe.

They may not legally be able to fire you for your disease, but they can make sure you are written out of the budget. I know it was done to me. Consider it a downsize.

waviking
Joined Sep 25, 2009

Mon, September 14, 2009 8:25 AM

Reply posted for kiangelo.

I have had UC& gurd since 2004 I am 53 yrs old, the Dr has a hard time keeping it under control, I have flare-ups that last for months sometimes. I awake in the mourning sick, nausea but I try to go to work. sometimes I make it there sometimes I have an accident will change at work & come home & miss. My recent episode was prolong because some other factors were involved so I ran out of FMLA days and sick time. I started using vacation days. I have worked for my company for 15 years never missed a day till my UC started. My company called my home and told me to either report to work or be terminated I knew they couldn't do this(we are union). So now they are using violations of the attendance policy against me(I have to let them know 24 hours in advance if I am not going to be there-rules). Oh I am a machine operator I run high speed machines that make medal fitting and stuff, running the machine is important but they get upset when my numbers are down because i am running back & forth to restroom or going to locker room to change clothes. I have tried to explain what is going on, I keep them posted with all the documentation from the Drs. And now when I thought this was my flare-up of UC & gurd I find out when I went to Drs I was having a heart attack, I had to get blockage taken care of. They are going to have fun with this. And yep my GI Dr says reduce your stress I dont see that happening. What to do next?

storm565
Joined Sep 14, 2009

Tue, September 08, 2009 12:00 AM

Reply posted for SaintElmosFire.

Do not quit your job. Your boss can not fire you for being sick. Do as the previous post said, file for FMLA(family medical leave act). Your doctor will fill out the form. This is your right and it is the law.

Joe

joe
Joined Oct 24, 2019

Thu, September 03, 2009 1:03 PM

Reply posted for kiangelo.

Have you considered the FMLA (family medical leave act). Ive signed up at work just in case I need it. It could buy you some time to ease the stress in your life while you attend to your health. However, it would also protect your job.

saintelmosfire
Joined Jul 17, 2008

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