Hello!

[pookie1127]

I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in 2000. I had resection surgery in 2005 but still have some problems daily as I'm sure most of you can relate to. The reason I looked for a forum about Crohn's was because I wanted to have some advice and discussions with people who go through the same things I go through. I'm recently remarried (divorced inn 2003 from the father of my son) and although my current husband is really understanding and supportive of what I go through it would be nice to talk with people who deal with what I have to deal with on a daily basis. My biggest problem that I've been having is with my employer. For the past few years I've been on FMLA but our HR department always seems to think I'm faking my symptoms and that I'm just trying to take advantage of them when I am on FMLA. It's extremely frustrating. Right now I'm still waiting for them to approve my FMLA for 2009. Does anyone else have problems with their employers? I would love to hear some advice on how to handle this situation.

 

[My Butt Hurts]

Hi Pookie - and welcome to the forum. I'm sorry that I don't have any advice for you about employers, but I hope you find the answers you're looking for.
Welcome!

 

[mikeyarmo]

Welcome to the forum! Unfortunately I do not have any employer issues to share with you either. It might help to make a thread about this in the general section as more people are likely to see it there.

 

[MINI Cooper]

I know how frustrating it can be.
I got let go from my last job because I had surgery and went on disability.
I'd be interested to see what anyone else says about what can be done.
I went to a lawyer for my issue, and they said the best they could do is
have me reinstated, but I didn't want to go back to a job that wasn't
going to be understanding.

 

[drivinghercboy]

Hi

I am not sure what FMLA is, is that similar to long term or short term disability? That is what we call it here in Canada. I have had plenty of expereince dealing with HR on my short term disablilty. In the one company i used to work for which was union it was never an issue to be sick as long as you had the proper doctor documentation. Now with the latest company they are not union and they are quick good as well dealing with my crohns issues. My doctors documentation are update and signed and i stay in constant contact with HR to keep them up to speed with my condition. I always felt that i was going to get fired for missing so much work but like i said if you stay in good communication with HR and keep them updated with doctors notes and such you should be ok. BUT......it is illegal to fire someone because of illness, does not mean that they won't. Some friends of mine that i have met with crohns have be let go for missing a lot of work. They were not as diligent as i was in keeping a good communication between the doctor, HR and myself. That is the key... be 100% honest with them and keep them updated on a regular basis say 2 times a week and things should be fine.

Good luck
Ray

 

[melanie]

Hi pookie,
Well i cant work anymore due to my crohn's so advice as to your work place. With regards to your new husband and helping understand (it's plug time) I just written a bout about my exsperiences, that include my husband and sons perspective. I've had crohns 14 years had 50 ops and 100 plus hospital stays. My books not negitive it's a positive out look saying you can get through and still live with crohn's please check it out my book is not in stock (as they say)
The website is www.crohnsmystory.com
Mel