Work problems

[pookie1127]

work problems

Does anyone have any problems with their work not understanding the problems with their disease? I have Crohn's and right now my employer is giving me such a hard time. They still haven't approved my FMLA for this year. They think I fake my symptoms and just want to get out of work even though they know I had a resection a couple years ago. I'm not sure what to do. HELP!!!

 

[kello82]

i have had some pretty up front conversations with my managers about the problems. i try to make it very clear that i will do anything to make it easier for them, i even asked them if they wanted me to quit.
i think this shows the attitude that you do realize their predicament concering your illness and that you are open to their ideas of how it could run more smoothly.
i also try and use facts when descrbing the sickness level if its required. like :
-in restroom 2+ times every hour
-fever returning every 8 hours
-medication that possibly affects you work skills
Instead of
-"i feel absolutly terrible, my stomach hurts, i have a fever, and my meds make me drowsy."
from a more factual list i think the employer should be able to clearly see how your conditions prevent you from doing your job sufficiently.

 

[danman]

Kello is right.
Make a list of the symptoms of crohn's. Even the ones that you don't have. Then get your doctor to write a letter with your history and present both to your employer.

Don't just hand it to them, arrange a meeting with your manager and the next manager up the chain. Talk to them about how you feel.

I have always been lucky with employers, as long as my work didn't suffer, they let me go about my doc appointments as I needed them. But I've always been upfront with them from the start.

You'd be surprised, a lot of people know someone with crohn's, so if your direct manager doesn't, perhaps his/her manager does. If they know someone with the condition, it helps them understand what you go through.

 

[Agent X20]

Hi Pookie, try this, maybe hand it over to your manager:

http://www.nacc.org.uk/downloads/factsheets/employers.pdf

It is a UK document, so some things may be different, like the DDA for example

Good luck

 

[danman]

That's a fantastic document Steve.

It just about covers everything that an employer needs to know.

Good find!!!

 

[robbo87]

thats a superb document, thanks for the link, just signed up to the site aswell.

ive been off work now for three weeks , one of those being spent in hospital where i was diagnosed. and i see the specialist next week, and my sicknote runs out at the start of feb. and im very worried about going back to work.

I have a very physical job involving lifting and stuff which i struggled with enough when i was well!... but now i have lost 2 stone and become very weak along with it that im not gonna be fit to carry out my job.

i am hoping to speak to my boss tommorow in the hope that i can clear things up with him and maybe be put on less hours and be givin a role elsewhere within the company that will be less physically demanding, but should that not be able, im a bit stuck as to what to do, i don't want to end up leaving but it may be my only option. but i also really want to return to work because being off sick and having nothing to do and not earning the pennies is really getting to me!

 

[teeny5]

I sat down with the two managers above me and explained the whole thing. What I had went through, what the doctors said about my case, and what could happen. This way they could ask any questions they wanted (I told them to please ask anything) and I could give them a little info about the disease. I work with over 50 people I see everyday and only a few have even ever heard of the disease. Of those fewer even knew what it really was.

I also make sure I thank them whenever they have to accommodate me in some way like having to leave early for a Dr. appointment. I keep them updated if anything changes as well. This way they don't think I am just being flaky or lazy...they know when I am having a rough day.

 

[GoJohnnyGo]

I'm pretty lucky I guess. My workplace has 9 or 10 people with either Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis (out of about 600). Many more folks are familiar with it, either knowing a friend or relative with it. It's a somewhat common disease in my part of the world.

Several levels of my bosses are in my corner, which helps immeasurably. Having said that, no doubt there's a faceless bean counter thousands of miles away in head office who'd love nothing more than to turf the employees with chronic health issues (legally or not).

 

[Agent X20]

Robbo
Read up about the Disability Discrimination Act (probably on NACC site... or google it). Bottom line is that your employer can still dismiss you for breaking the terms of your contract (poor sick record for instance)... just like any "non-crohnie"... but they can't unreasonably discriminate against you because of the crohns and they have to make reasonable adjustments.
It may depend upon how long you've been working for them, and what capacity they have to make "adjustments"... like giving you a lighter job and flexible hours.
My attitude when meeting management about these things is to stay positive, don't be awkward, try to meet them half-way.
Good luck!

 

[robbo87]

thanks.

Well i went into work today to have a chat with my boss and it went quite well. I printed off the guide for employers of the nacc website and handed that to him, and he was very reasonable and understanding about it.

Im only on a 20 hour contract anyway but was always expected to do double if not more than that in overtime.. but he has agreed to be flexible with me where my hours are concerned and let me stick to the 20 a week so ill just be in 2 days.and work around when i can work rather than the other way round (legally so long as im doin the contracted hours i cant be sacked anyway...)

im still gonna have to do the same job as before but he understood that i will be quite weak at first and less physically able, so whilst im out on jobs ill hopefully be given the lighter workload where possible and build myself up. I just hope this doesnt affect the relationship with my workmates. i dont wanna be the one who looks like he isn't pulling his weight whilst everyone else is killing theirselves.