The Work Blahs

[humpieumpumkin]

So here I am...

After 6 years of suffering with IC, I was diagnosed the end of Jan. Basiclly, I am missing tons of work. My supervisiors are truly understanding, but my co-workers are all misrable jerks. I left my prior job due to harrasment about how much water I drank-being called camel, etc-and most notably they kept track of how many times and how often I went pee. I was also criticized about needing time off when I was hospitalized for severe pain and needed time off. I called my uro the other day to ask "what the next step" was since I will get canned anyday now and he never returned my call. This made me furious. I also feel betrayed and like he doesn't care; I don't want to see a new uro due to all the time I have invested with my current doc. I fairness to him, I just started the new meds like a week ago. I already had to stop the dertrol due to severe constipation, and the benadry leaves me drowsy all day long. The flomax makes me dizzy and is causing nosebleeds. Surprisingly the only med I can tolerate is the elmiron. Thats a blessing. I dont notice anything yet but side effects which are kind of intolerable. Basically all I wanted was a plan for my own sanitiy. I dont know what to do. My uncle is contacting social security for me since he has experience with them and is my power of attorney. Are there any suggestions? Thanks for the help.

Erika

[janelle77362]

Sorry you are having such a bad time. When my old employer starting giving me problems because of the IC (I swear my old boss would send women into the bathroom to get me because he said I was in there to long), I quit. I found a great job with a group of people that are very understanding. And my boss is completely fine when I need a day or need to come in late because I am drowsy from meds I had to take the night before. I suggest you try to find another job if you can, it may just be trial and error before you find caring supervisors and co-workers. If you don't want to leave your job, than you have a valid claim as far as harrassment is concerned. Document what your co-workers are doing and bring in a small tape recorder if necessary. If you take this to HR or your boss they will have no choice but to respond. What your co-workers are doing is harrassment, and if you can prove that the company knew about the harrasment, you can sue and get a lot of money. I don't think your HR department or boss would ever want it to get that far. Just make sure you have a lot of solid evidence to present before going to them.
Good Luck!

[mary124]

I know with the different positions that I have had over the years with the State; my bosses have been so different its not even funny. One of them couldn't believe that i could be this ill- besides IC- I have a heart condition that was undiagnoisis at the time. But with the IC besides running to the bathroom, I was always going to the doctor for DMSO treatments and boss didn't like it, finally had to get a note from the doctor. (this boss was older than i was and couldn't believe that i was this ill!) The last few bosses that I have had been pretty decent. As long as I do my work and I'm here for 40 hours during the week that is fine with them. (when I do have doctors appt. they let me make the time up somewhere along the line within the week or 2) which helps me when I'm really don't feel like coming in.
Next time you see your doctor, or call him, see about asking him for a note explaining your medical condition (IC) my did, When you get this note from him, make copies and give one to your boss, and one to HR and keep one for yourself. Update it every few years. (It protects you). This is what I do, and since then I have had no problems.

[GriffsMommy]

I am lucky like Mary. I have a very nice boss. Of course she is worried about the bottom line like any boss has to be but she is understanding. I had my doctor write a note that explains that I have to use the bathroom a lot because I work in a call center and take phone calls all day so of course it is not good to be in the bathroom all the time. Since I got the doctor's note I haven't heard anything about it except for my co-workers and I joking around about it. I actually have my first appointment with a urologist tomorrow (talk about nervous) my gyn diagnoised me and my boss is fine with me coming in late just as long as I make up my hours so I will probably go in early on Friday to get to my 40 hours. The job that I got laid off from a year ago would have never been this nice so I was very lucky to find this job.

[Babs RN]

It is trial and error. I am now in a management position with a wonderful boss who is very caring. PM me if you need to vent, ok?

Hugs,
Barb

[humpieumpumkin]

Thanks ladies!

Im doing my best that I can. I work in a call center as well. I would be fine if my uro could just get my symptoms under control even a little. He is trying all the conservative treatments first like a good doctor but I need results in order to keep my job! We have tried Detrol, Vesicare, Benadryl, Flomax, Codiene, Darvocet, and I just started Elmiron a week ago. I really hope the Elmiron works. My main problem has been the side effects, as I have IBS as well, and a very sensitive system. I will keep you guys posted. I am also going for a second opinion in March. It can't hurt, right? Thanks for all your help ladies, and Babs for your offer

Erika

[babygirlh1]

I had my doctor write a letter explaining my two medical conditions. I brought the letter to the Human Resource Manager and explained my situation. In Connecticut, we have privacy laws so she can't discuss my medical conditions without my consent. I'm lucky, I have great co-workers and have not experienced the negative issues you suggested. It definitely would classify as harrassment. Before my current job, I did not bring a letter to the HR Manager and I quit because of the harrassment. If you love your job, then consider discussing it (with a written letter from your doctor) with your employer. With EOE laws and the ADA laws, you should notice a change in attitude once it is documented. Give it some thought, it's a personl decision - not everyone wants to give out those details to their employers. I love my current job, I don't want to get fired, I want to grow with the company...so it made sense for me to take the step. My HR Manager even helped me come up with a protocol to help me if I get sick at work. She helped me find a quite room that I can go to, she helped me with the exact phrase I would use if someone was looking for me while I was in my quite room trying to feel better. She has been great. I wish that everyone with IC could have that same great experience, but I know this won't happen for everyone. Best wishes to you!

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Does you company have sick leave or could you file for unpaid off with FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act - yes a person can use it for their own illness, but it keeps your job secure. It is a federal law. The company has to be big enough and meet certain standards of size and if they don't then it doesn't apply to them.)

I know it is terrible trying to find a solution to IC symptoms and working. (Been there and done that...) I am so sorry and hope you find an answer or way to make it better soon.

Best wishes,
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