My job fuels my habit!

[Sillylina]

I work in a stressful environment and it's seditary.  My workstation is not comfortable because my desk chair is too big for me and I'm unable to sit back with full back support.  After going back to work after stopping, I get the urge to take Norco again to help with the fibro pain which is exaggerated from sitting poorly.  My doctor gave me a note to give to HR but they want a more detailed specific note before they will give me an ergonomic chair, or at least one small for me.  I am a counselor an it's over the phone and sessions run over an hour.  If I'm in pain I can't focus and I feel like I won't be helping that client.  I am always tired and foggy at work, seems to be why I took Norco everyday. Any advice?

[Pat1956100]

Good luck.  Let us know if it works.

[Sillylina]

Good suggestion.  My doctor is faxing them a letter.

[Pat1956100]

Ask your doctor to fax them what you need and have him mail you the original.  Tell them if the fax isn't good enough you will provide them with the original as soon as you get it.
Before you talk to your doctor, ask them exactly what they need.  Maybe you should check out some chairs first so you can let your doctor know what type to recommend.  Make it as simple as possible for the doctor and for HR and that way they can't delay it any further.

[Sillylina]

HR is in NJ and I am in CA.  They haven't seen my desk or chair.  My doctor wrote a note but because it wasn't specified what was needed, they wouldn't honor it.  Im also upset because I took 8 weeks of FMLA and since I've been back, almost 2 months, they won't allow me to take voluntary furlough which is offered to everyone else because it's slow.  I have to use FMLA for doctors appointments and I am running out. If I need a personal day, I can't have it.  They said its because I was out.  I feel like they are trying to run me out of the office.

[4adifferentlife]

I'm 5' and my H/r didn't care... The cushion just pushed me forward where I always wasn't straing for my feet to hit floor..

[dominosarah]

Has anyone from HR physically come to your work station to see how this isnt working for you?

[Sillylina]

I have lumbar support but I am 5'2 and I have an executive chair which won't slide under the desk.  When I need to type and write, I'm at the end of my seat.  

[4adifferentlife]

Had the same problem,  lumbar cushion, made the world of difference, if your not very tall as I am, my legs and back were being aggervated to reach the floor, lumbar cushion gave me support, and it worked, I couldn't have made it threw the day.

[jibi07]

hi there, i have the same problem, i sit at a desk all day, i work for our provincial government here in canada.. for health care.... i had the worse chair ever... i got a note from my dr, and my HR dept has gotten me a great chair...... much easier to work, keep bugging them, or can you call your labor board, tell them you got the note but HR still being sticky??? they have to do something if you have a medical note..... not sure where you live, but there has to be a labor board or something that can also help you out ?? good luck, i hope you get your chair... but like pat said, try the orbus forme till you get one!!

[Pat1956100]

You can also try those Obus forms.  They fit right on the back of your chair.
Some of those can really help.  

[Sillylina]

I would if I had the money!

[Pat1956100]

Buy a new chair, keep the receipt and when HR approves it, get them to reimburse you,