Medical Leave?

[jt57]

Do many of you have to take a leave from work during tx?  1b, but no biopsy yet.  that is next week.

What are our rights in the workplace?  Need to keep the ins.  Really need the income, but......

Could you guys share your experiences?

Thx.

Jean

[wyntre9]

i haven't worked since starting treatment.  I went on FLMA for the first 3 months and then, when my sx just got worse, I went on income disability and finally on early DB retirement from my teaching job.

The sx are different for everyone but i were you i would get my ducks lined up.  You should be entitled to FLMA if you've been at the company a certain time and the company has above the minimum employees.  Googel FLMA for the complete law.  I wouldn't tell anyone at work what you're being treated for and you are under no obligation to divulge the nature of your health problem, as far as i know.

[spcecst2]

Would this fall under FMLA?  Yes, but you need to read the rules for applying!!!!!!!!!!!
Is Hep C a disease that falls under ADA? No, not specifically you need to read that law!!!!!!!     http://www.ada.gov/

[lmr28]

I am just wrapping up wk 3 and some days are much more difficult than others.  Can you take a break mid-day and rest if needed?  I think that if I could just lie down for a while in the middle of the day, I would do better.  I come home after work and CRASH hard.  

I agree with what others have said.  Tx is all so individual, sx are all so individual.  There is just no way to guess.  Take it slow and steady.  I also echo that you should choose wisely who you share info with.  My colleagues know that I am going through chemo, they do NOT know details of why, nor should they.  The less said, the better, but obviously the real deal can not be hidden...

Best wishes & good luck,
~l.

[FlGuy]

Your medical situation is no business of your boss. At best, they say 'huh', at worst they stereotype and discount you and may be find a reason to ditch you in the RE slump.  You have no idea if you are going to do treatment, you do not have enough information.  Until you do know more, do your job and stop yapping to the people on the job.  It may be a good idea to understand the parameters of your insurance.  But contact the insurance company and not people in the workplace.
Nor do you know how treatment will affect you, if you get that far.  One step at a time. I've been through treatment twice for a total of 70 weeks and missed less than 4 days of work, most due to appointments and travel for them..

[charm27]

I am going back to work in a few weeks,,Im in week 18. Wouldnt have been able to work the first 15 weeks. Have to take it very very slow.

good luck

[jt57]

I agree!  I am in real estate.  an on site sales agent.  I am required to work regular hours.   6 days a week, now, with the real estate slump.  

I have let my sale manager know that I am going through some health issues, but did not get specific with him.  

Has anyone had to get notes from Dr.  or anything?  Would this fall under FMLA?  Is Hep C a disease that falls under ADA?  I know these are alot of questions, but I am just really lost on what to do if in fact I do not tolerate treatment well.
Jean

[moahunter]

This is hard to answer because it depends on your type of work, the type of insurance your work has or the policies your work has, and how you personally react to treatment.

With me, I worked through most of treatment. I had the first few weeks off, and the last month off. In saying that, I struggled, primarily due to brain fog. If you have a job that requires you to concentrate and make decisions all the time, treatment can be challenging. Treatment can also effect you physically, and effect your moods. But, as noted, you will not really know until you try.

Be careful about who you talk to at your workplace - this was not an issue for me (as my infection was publicised), but others may have experiences that are not always positive in this respect.