How to handle Work Supervisors that don't think you are sick.

[Redbomb]

I was wondering if anyone had this (or similar) situation and if so, how you handled it?

My job requires that I"m "on call" one week in every five, in case there is a problem during the evening.  Once in a while there will be a problem identified by one of our clients and recently we have been expected to stay at work and get the problem fixed (no matter how long it takes).

Since I don't look like I'm sick, I'm concerned that upper management might not understand when I take off and leave (even if my projects aren't done) when It's time for me to leave for Dialysis.  Also, I know I'll have problems If I get a call while I'm sitting on the machine (either in Center OR when is start Home-hemo), but fortunately my co-workers in my group have said that they would be willing to get a call from me if this happens.

Anyway, maybe I'm worrying needlessly, but I also can't afford to be dismissed from my job because I'm not "doing my required duties".

Anyone have any thoughts on how to handle this if it comes up, or if something similar has happened to you?

Thanks for any/all Input!




EDITED: Moved to work section-kitkatz,moderator

[kitkatz]

I have similar worries, however I am up front with my bosses about medical need on Mon, Wed and Friday and not to expect me to meetings or anything on those days after school. If you have a hassle you can always bring in the ADA and make them do a 504 plan for you on the job.  Most bosses are understanding if you work with them with a schedule that works for all of you.

[goofynina]

I know this may sound childish but can your neph write a letter explaining the seriousness of your health issues and the need for dialysis?  Unless they see it in black and white i dont think they will ever understand 

[KT0930]

As Kit mentioned, ESRD is covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Basically, what it says is that if you can do your job "with reasonable accommodations", then you cannot be fired based on your medical status.

[MattyBoy100]

The law is the same in the UK.  It is illegal for an employer to discriminate due to your illness.  I have been honest with my bosses since I was diagnosed and there is a bit of give and take between us.  They let me work early shifts on my dialysis days and give me my days off on my non - dialysis days so my days off are days off and free of both work and dialysis.  The down side is that I work two late shifts a week so really only have two evenings a week free to myself.

I don't complain though as I am glad to still be employed and working.  I would go mad if I was stuck at home with no job.

I think the issue here is to be honest with your employer.  Can you not change your on - call schedule so someone covers you on your dialysis sessions and you cover their shifts on your non - dialysis days?  Just an idea.  There is always a way round things if people plan it properly and as long as you are honest.

[Redbomb]

Can you not change your on - call schedule so someone covers you on your dialysis sessions and you cover their shifts on your non - dialysis days?  Just an idea. 

Well, hopefully I'll be doing home-hemo, which means I'll be doing Dialysis 6 days a week, so that particular option won't work.  I can always hope that my fistula will be forgiving and allow me to work on the computer while I'm hooked up, and that will solve the problem! -- THAT will be good! 

[boxman55]

as long as you don't have to bend the area your fistula is that might work but you never want to infiltrate the fistula hurts to much. Be carefull... Boxman

[rookiegirl]

I keep my manager up to date on my health issues.  I also have FMLA (Family Medical Leave Absent) completed by my Neph.  I've been very fortunate to have an understanding and compassionate manager.  Everyday she asks me how I'm feeling and if I need anything.  When we have some down time at work, I keep her inform on how my Dr's and Clinic visits went.  I just try to make sure I give her the 411 updates.

I know it's very difficult to make people understand that you are really sick.  Especially if you don't look sick or feel sick.  Since I've been back from a my short term disability, people say I look better now than I did 2 months ago.  Not to see I looked bad just better.  I've lost 20lbs since I've been on PD.  Beside looking pregnant because of the 2000mls of fluid, I look good so they say.

[thegrammalady]

Can you not change your on - call schedule so someone covers you on your dialysis sessions and you cover their shifts on your non - dialysis days?  Just an idea. 

Well, hopefully I'll be doing home-hemo, which means I'll be doing Dialysis 6 days a week, so that particular option won't work.  I can always hope that my fistula will be forgiving and allow me to work on the computer while I'm hooked up, and that will solve the problem! -- THAT will be good! 

if i can crochet while hooked up, i'm sure you can manage a computer