Aniek
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5374
posted
So, I'm considering going on medical leave. This is a huge deal for me. During my first 4 years of treatment I worked full time and went to law school at night. But now, I'm just always exhausted and I just can't focus at work.
I have a recent mycoplasma diagnosis. My LLMD isn't sure if it is a new infection or if it is just showing up now that the Lyme has been treated. It could also be something that went into remission and I relapsed.
I know I need to put my health first, but the idea of not working is terrifying. I'm thinking of just taking a month so I can start treatment. Has anyone done a short leave and had it help?
I'm already down to a 3/5 work schedule.
-------------------- "When there is pain, there are no words." - Toni Morrison Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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posted
Me too, except I can't get it together enough to file the paperwork and have this Doctor fax this and that for the FLMA crap. It's easier to go into work exhausted and plowed. Plus I appear totally normal so everyone would think I'm being a scammer.
lose-lose this disease.
Posts: 501 | From Cleveland Ohio | Registered: Apr 2009
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Aniek
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5374
posted
My doctor recommended I take a minimum of 6 weeks off. I think I have enough leave for 4 weeks, not sure about 6. Which means I might have to do unpaid leave. I think it is worth it in the long run to take 2 weeks unpaid.
I have really mixed feelings though. Part of me is really looking forward to taking the time off, and learning how to relax again. I really pushed myself too hard and I stress way too much about work. And it's not like I've been productive lately.
But there is also a part of me that feels like the bugs are winning. I was able to work and go to school at night for 4 years. I hate that I can't handle it now.
-------------------- "When there is pain, there are no words." - Toni Morrison Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
aniek,
don't let the situation get to you; you've done one heck of job doing what you did for so long!!
also, are you in a federal or state job? before i left work, employees could DONATE 1 HR. OF PAID SICK LEAVE TO FOLKS LIKE YOU so you would not be without a paycheck after your sick leave ran out.
does that still exist in govt? best wishes.
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Aniek
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5374
posted
bettyg,
Thanks. I'm not in government and while they have sick leave donation, they don't have it for managers and I'm a manager. I'm catching up on my timecards today to find out how much time I have. I should have at least a month leave and can afford a couple weeks unpaid if necessary. It may just push our home buying back another month.
-------------------- "When there is pain, there are no words." - Toni Morrison Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
aniek, thx for the reply back and your comments ....
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sometimesdilly
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9982
posted
Aniek-
You aren't letting the bugs win by listening to your body and taking a break.
Rather, you'd be giving yourself the best possible chance to annihilate them in this round, and to store up some healing power to keep them from getting uppity again anytime soon.
You're an amazing lady to have made it through law school and work and treatment without giving an inch. Time to focus on taking care of that amazing self. Your other goals can wait- I have NO doubt you'll tackle them with panache and success soon enough.
take care- dill
Posts: 2507 | From lost in the maze | Registered: Aug 2006
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posted
I reduced to part time at the start of my treatment in Dec. That has been a huge help to me.
Personally, while working at all is difficult, I was scared to take a leave of absence because I was worried about when/if I'd be able to return.
It's a very personal choice. My work both stresses me out and anchors me to something other than this illness. I'd work as little as you need to get by, and as much as you need to keep your sanity.
Posts: 455 | From Was in PA, then MD, now in the Midwest | Registered: Nov 2008
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When my symptoms hit in January I took an unpaid leave of absence. Fortunately the company I work for has been very supportive.
I returned to part time schedule at the end of May but once I was diagnosed and started treatment for Lyme, I again was unable to work. I am currently on leave until Spetember.
If all goes well, I hope to return three days a week rather than five. My supervisors are willing to accomodate whatever schedule I need to stay healthy. It helps that both supervisors have dealt with Lyme disease in the past. Both were treated when they noticed a bull's eye rash and early treatment was succecful in both their cases.
My advice, do what you need to remain healthy and fight this disease. Somehow, you will get by. I didn't think we would make it through on only my husband's pay but we have cut back and things are okay.
Good luck! JT
Posts: 72 | From Massachusetts | Registered: Feb 2009
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lymednva
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9098
posted
Good advice from Dilly. I agree with her!
-------------------- Lymednva Posts: 2407 | From over the river and through the woods | Registered: Apr 2006
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My newly infected husband is so weak and exhausted that I know there is no way he could possibly work. Fortunately, he is retired.
If you think time of may help, try it. You can always go back if you think the rest isn't helpful. Right?
Posts: 212 | From Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: Jul 2009
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
yes, SSDI, has a work program; if it doesn't work out, it doesn't jeopardise your receiving ssdi benefits.
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Just be sure to cross your "T's" and dot your "I's" when you are off. Keep good records, etc. I was just fired and still cannot find work, because of the glowing reference that my former job of over 11 years has been giving me.
I don't want to cause more anxiety for you just make sure to keep good records about everything. My employer really turned on me. Now I am almost out of unemployment, have NO health insurance for me and my 10 year old daughter that has LD also and can't find another job(I'm a nurse and still can't find a job).
I have a lawsuit against them, but it is taking way too long and I have the feeling that I am not going to get enough to cover the effects of this.
It has been a nightmare! So please, make sure to write down everything! Keep a log of some sort to protect yourself.
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