Problems with employers

[lpatrice]

Need some advice, I was diagnosed with Crohn's/Colitis in 2009 after having two surgeries one in 2008 and 9 months later in 2009. My employers is having a big problem with my numerous doctor's appointments. Since being diagnosed I've still not seen remission; all of my symptoms are still active. Our office was told that they are going to relocate 50 miles away from my home and in Atlanta traffic it will take me at least 1 1/2 hours one way commute. I asked my employers for accomonadation, change my hours so that I wouldn't have to face much gridlock because of my condition. My employer stated to me that there was no benefit for him and refused to accomindate me with this problem. I'm single and can't afford to lose my job but I see a potential problem with this commute. Can anyone offer any advice?

 

[Cat-a-Tonic]

Hi Lpatrice and welcome to the forum. Are you able to work from home? That might be the best solution, although from the sounds of your employer I don't know if they'd allow that if they won't allow you to change your hours. I suppose you could also try to see if your doctor would write some sort of a letter saying that you can't drive that long due to your condition. If all else fails, you might want to start looking for a new job closer to you (and one where the employer is a little more sensitive to your medical needs).

 

[lpatrice]

Cat-a-Tonic,
Thank you for your reply, I first got a letter from my doctor and he advised my employers my condition and the doctor asked that they accomondate me because of my problem. That's the reason why my employer addressed me by stating the change of hour would not be benefit the him. When I was rushed to the hospital for really bad pains in my lower stomach and was told that I would need emergency surgery because a hole in my intestine; I called my employer and his comment was "how long are going to be out this time"? No compassion for what I'm going through. I'm a hard worker and a good employee but since going through this I'm so afraid that I'm going to lose my job and can't afford my medication. I'm looking for a job but because I'm still active and have not seen remission I so afraid. That's why I'm reaching out and asking for advice. I'm losing focus on everthing and having Crohn's has consumed my life in so many ways. I need to know how everyone managed and if anyone had the same problem and how they handled the situation?

 

[ameslouise]

Hi LPatrice:

How big is the company you work for? If it's more than 50 employees, they need to offer FMLA. Maybe a leave of absence until you get things under control?

There have been a lot of threads on here about disability and Crohn's - maybe you want to check those out to see if there's anything you can do down that avenue.

And you probably should keep searching closer to home. Your boss doesn't sound very sympathetic. I have always worked for small companies, and it's hard to be sympathetic and still run a business when you only have a few employees to begin with. Plus, that's a long commute -even for a healthy person!!

Good luck - I hope it all works out okay, and that you start feeling better soon!

-Amy