Medical leave question

[Devin215]

Hi Everyone,
Just out of curiosity how many of us chiarian's are on medical leave pre-op? I have been thinking about it and one thing I recognized was last week I got really heated about something at work (I was already trying to tough out a headache) and the minute I got stressed It turned into a monster headache. I went on a mini vacation this weekend too and I couldn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to....any stress on top of my situation just makes me worse. Currently I have pressure in my head kinda like brain fog, Pain in my neck shoulders and numbness in my arm, dizziness...I am wondering if I can just request my Dr. to put me off work till surgery? Has anyone done that? Everyday now is a challenge for me....I discovered last night a trigger point in my back too by my shoulder blade.... What else can I do? I miss 1-2 days a week already at work....I also have FMLA for my headaches but only intermittent Should I apply with the new Chiari Diagnosis?

[selmaS]

Ur insurance has nothing to do with FMLA...it is btwn u and ur employer.....since u r using some of ur time already u may not have all that much left.

Once u use all the FMLA time up, u must work another 1250 hrs and wait 12 months to reapply.So, ur HR rep is the one person that can tell u what u have used.

A new DX has nothing to do with this aspect ........that is just for coverage for insurance.

"selma"

[Devin215]

Hi Selma according to aetna iwould have to file a whole new claim with a new diagnosis so would that count?

[selmaS]

HI Devin,

With FMLA, u get 12 weeks off work with the same job and pay when u return. Sick pay is at the discretion of ur employer.If u r entitled to so much it could be gone.The other issue is u r already using ur FMLA in hours , u only get so much so depending on what u have used already, will u have enuff after surgery?

Talk to ur HR rep at work and see what u have left.Paid vacations can be used during FMLA if all ur sick time has been used. Each state is different, so I may be quoting PA's info here.

Let us know what u find out

"selma"

[ChiariWolf]

Hey Devin215- Pain is a bigger monster than drugs in some ways. You can't control it - manage yes sometimes but control not with Chiari it seems to do what it wants when it wants. Sorry to hear of your troubles but given what you've stated my opinion for what it is worth is this "You know your body, no one else does including your PCP. Thus you know when enough is enough." A good PCP would respect that and employer would no doubt rather grant time off for medical with the dr note rather fire someone due to conditions that you really are having a difficult time controlling. Thus I'd say ask the question what is the worst that could happen?