Here We Go...Questions from Human Resources at my job

I work for a nat'l major paint co. & just got a call from HR.
They are challenging my reasons for taking weekends off.
I have my FMLA paperwork in place & they must be reviewing it now. Anyhow, they are trying to get me to change my day that I take my shot so that I can work some weekends??  I was pretty abrupt about it and told her that No, I can't change the day I take my shot & I don't think they realize the seriousness of this treatment & that it is a form of chemotherapy. I explained that the main reason I take the shot before the weekend is so that I can have my husband here to take care of me.
Keith (hubby) thinks that they may try to pull a shi**y, to try to drive me out of my job and I need to be prepared for what might come up with the stigma of this disease. *sigh*

[NYgirl]

Lady

Unfortunately a few of us have gone through a lot with "corporate" having this disease.  Although it is blatant discrimination they seem to really be ablee to do what they want.

As you ARE ON CHEMOTHERAPY (and yes IT IS in fact one of the treatments for leukemia for example) you DO NEED TO TAKE IT AT THE SAME TIME every week.  You can't change the day on a whim. It is serious medication and if you are doing your job the other 5 days scr*w them.  Oh it makes me so upset.

I just always wonder why they cant just go "wow I'm so lucky it's not me" and be KIND.  And help make it easier!  But they can't. NO compassion left in corporate America today.

I'm so sorry. It's SO WRONG.  Since you have the FMLA papers all filled out and approved that might make it hard for them to really do anything?  I would fight fight fight and back them into a corner. As long as you are keeping up your part of the deal that was already agreed to - how can they just want to change it now?

Ridiculous!!!!!!!!!!!!!  God I need to join a gym (too lazy) or just get a punching bag for at home!  I have so much ANGER right now!

[Dale_Ray]

A number of people in the forum have been dealt some real challenges by employers. They just have to understand that this is something that you can't turn on and off and switch days. After 12 weeks of the FMLA and employer can be wicked, the Cobra comes into play and job position elimination is another card some will play. Debbie (NYgirl) had a real dandy of a boss and went through some problems. I let my wife think these problems through for me now just because of the "thinking problem" that the drugs cause. Good luck. Dale

[Lady E]

Thanks you guys.  It really did upset me today.
I'm with you NY...I need a punching bag or a bullet to bite right now. :(...

[Lady E]

I really wish that this forum also had a chat. I would really like to "talk" to some of you sometimes.

[Kalio1]

Everyone is right, it is chemo and you do need to take the shot on the same day and also you need ( and deserve) to do your shots on the days when Keith can help nurse you through it. I'd contact a labor law attorney for advice. You have done all the right things and made all the proper notifications here and they do not have a leg to stand on so stay strong and F**K them. Too bad they want you to work weekends! How rude of them! They better all hope THEY never get sick. You are in the right here and they are treading in dangerous waters that could cost them BIG TIME. That's why I say to consult with a labor atty. so you can have everything in place and have an idea of the legal aspects should they try any funny stuff with you. If they try anything, sue the pants off of them. Usually the first consult is free, so find the top dawg in your area and get him/her's advice and know you have the atty. there should it come to that. Do not alter your shot days for them or you will be stuck fending for yourself on those days and take it from me, that can be really difficult sometimes.

[Lady E]

Thank you.  I will fight tooth & nail if I have to.
Im going to start documenting everything now regarding the work issues.
E

[friole]

If I recall from earlier psotings, you did not work every weekend.  Is that correct?  If that is so, are they just asking for you to change your shot on the day you have to work weekends?  Also, if I remember previously, on those weekends you work you must lift heavy paint cans/boxes around but that is not part of your normal daily routine.  Is that correct?

It is not just the weekend work that comes into play but the physical nature of the weekend work that becomes very difficult to handle on tx (remember how hard lilmomma had it in her job).

It might be time to solicite the help from your doctor.  Perhaps he could write a letter, expounding that the shot night cannot be changed and go into a little babble about anemia and the consequences of overdoing and how that could lead to more significant health problems which might keep you from your job..... just a thought.

E - on another matter, I think I saw on another thread that you had written a letter to someone or organization (?) -- it was in reference to hepatitis awareness and was on one of the (many) Tyler threads in which you said that 1/10 people have hep C.  I think you had better check your facts if you are going to advocate.  At least in the US, I think we are approaching 300,000,000 people.  It is estimated that 3-4,000,000 are infected.  This is more like 1/100, not 1/10.  Also I think you said that hep C is on the incline.  I don't believe this is a fact either.  I believe the peak (of infection) is past but what is happening is that of those who were infected years ago many are now reaching the transplant stage and it is that that might overwhelm the medical system in the next 10 years.  I think many LESS people are being infected now.  

I am sorry to point this out, but if we are to advocate and have credibility we must speak from fact.
frijole

[NYgirl]

Kalio said They better all hope THEY never get sick.

You know - that was the first thought on my MIND. WHY can't some people be compassionate without that happening first?

Lady, as Dale said I had a REAL dilly of a boss - just the worst man you can imagine (I used to like to call him Danny Devito on a bad day cause he reminded me of a non-funny DD).

It was IMPOSSIBLE and I cried over what they did here a LOT.

But...in the end.....he tried to get me fired and HIS BOSS, the President of the company scooped me up (it just happens to be his cousin).  So now I work for my x bosses BOSS :) And this boss DOES have compassion and he DOES understand AND he not only compliments my work to the OTHER higher ups but he PROTECTS me.

So it did all turn around in the end.

It took a LONG time - but I want you to know and REALLY get this...if you continue to just do what you have to, do it the best you can - eventually SOMEHOW (and believe me when he was trying to get me fired I couldn't figure out ANY way this could work out) it will work out to your favor.

Do exactly what Kalio said - it's the best advice.  Talk to a labor attorney and just tell them simply how you are on chemotherapy and would like to know if you HAVE to change days or if the FLMA does give you some protection.

Just try and hang in there. Cry when you have to but dn't let them win - you are fighting for much more than just YOU here. WE have to teach them that we ARE valid people and we DESERVE to be treated as such.

The days of leper colonies went out a long time ago.

You CAN beat them.  I know it.

Just have the faith!

Debby

[Lady E]

My schedule was working perfectly for me. Work Mon-Thurs til 2:00, come home & take my shot on Thurs. Then have Fri, Sat & Sun to rest. I Always feel crappy Fri & Sat, and always feel "iffy" on Sunday. Sundays, my mind WANTS to do things, but when I do, my Body Says "Tsk Tsk Tsk..better go sit down"
I usually try to listen what my body is telling me.
NY got a pair of boxing gloves I can borrow? :)
E

[friole]

Right on the incline statement.  Someone else on the board must have said that.  There are just too many opinions and too many facts and I find myself mixing them up.  I started a word file on facts. Even the various organizations vary.  So I appologize for that one.

Sounds like your job is pretty intensely physical so you might not want a doc to write about anemia.  They could decide you couldn't handle the job and that would be bad. Still, I think a doctor's letter might help.

frijole

[Lady E]

I will definately talk to my doc tomorrow about the issue, and ask for a letter. Thanks for the advice.

P.S. Don't worry about the other thing, apology accepted. Just blame Brian Fogg ;)

[Lady E]

Speaking of Brian Fogg...this is a good one!
I found a tube of Olay moisturizer, so I started using it yesterday.  I thought, Hmmmmm...this is a little greasy, but we're supposed to use an oil based moisturizer, so it works.  Soooo, I Just went to put some on (With my glasses ON)& noticed that its Moisturinse In-shower body lotion!!! Says right on the front of the tube  After you cleanse, smooth on, rinse off, like a conditioner. I LMAO!! At least it wasn't Vagisil or Prep H!!!!!

[avidreader]

I'm not sure, but if treatment were to be considered a temporarily disabling condition (as is pregnancy in certaing cases) might not the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) come into play? In that case, your employer is required to make reasonable accommodations for you in the workplace.

[aiuta]

Up until now, there was only one person in this world upon whom I would wish Hep C or this treatment (and unfortunately he already has the illness).  Hearing this makes me desire another little blood exchange though (Okay, perhaps that's excessive, even for someone dealing with Riba Rage and a couple of other things).  What you shared makes me really angry, though.  I am SO sorry, too.  We need to be allowed to heal, not forced to deal with all this bureaucratic bull.

I have to agree with the person who suggested perhaps consulting a lawyer if this persists.  Here we'll give you support and empathy, but perhaps a lawyer could let you know exactly what are your RIGHTS in this matter and what are theirs.  I have been to see several lawyers for the first time in my life recently.  While, in general, they aren't my favorite people in the world, for the most part, I leave the appointments with more knowledge, which, for me, translates into a greater sense of power and a decreased sense of being a victim. Certain lawyers didn't charge me for initial visits and there are always phone consulations too.  I have learned to make sure we are clear on costs, though--from the outset.  

Anyways, that's my 2 cents, or 16 cents in this case.  I am VERY sorry that you have to deal with this, Lady E, especially right now while you are in treatment and your liver and body doesn't need any additional stress than it already has.  I hope you will continue to keep us informed and get all the support and help you need, here and, if necessary, beyond this Forum.  

All my best.  I'm sending you good vibes.  -Aiuta

P.S.  I understand the desire to talk face-to-face or meet people from the Forum.  Sometimes I've wanted to suggest a mid-country reunion.

[Pdilly]

What a bunch of BS&!&.   Document, document document.
Document everything and anything related to your situation no matter how small.

[Lady E]

Deb, thanks for your encourangment. You're awesome.

Friole, You are right, and when I hit "send" on the stats I said about 1/10, I thought oops..hope that was right! And you are right again as I need to know my facts when I open my mouth (or my keyboard).
On the other issue,
If I recall from earlier psotings, you did not work every weekend. Is that correct?
No, I worked on the average of 1 day every other weekend. We rotated wkends on an equally fair basis. As far as lifting In all honesty, we lift more paint on most weekdays because there is more contractor sales during the week. Weekends are usually slower, selling less 5 gal pails & shorter days.
And on your last issue, Also I think you said that hep C is on the incline.  Nope..I dont believe I ever knew or stated that.
:)

[Alady1620]

I am so sorry they're giving you problems.  I think it would be prudent for you to contact an attorney for advice.

One thing that you might want to consider is that some people take the shot on Friday's and feel fine on the weekends and end up sick Monday's and Tuesday's.  I guess the meds affect all of us differently.  It may be that you are able to work one day a weekend every other week.  There is just no way to determine that will be the case every weekend.

Stick to your guns, bc, even if you don't feel horrible on the weekends, you need that time to rest and be pampered.  If you need to make changes in the future that is fine but do not let those insensitive HR corporate people tell you what to do.  They have no clue what you're going through.  I have found that they usually back down if you are aware of your rights and stick to your guns.  A letter from your doctor is also excellent advice.

[GrandOak]

As others have pointed out, being a chemo-therapy it is crucial that it be regular each week to maintain the consistent level of medication within the body throughout the entire week.

It is my understanding that the pegylated-interferon injection must be given within a day, give or take, to the week of the previous injection.  So, if you could not take it on Friday one week, you have the option of Thursday or Saturday.  But this is only recommended on an occasional basis for that week and must return to the regular Friday weekly schedule ASAP.

If you are pressed for evidence, then unless I'm mistaken, this may be documented within the Product Insert (PI) for your injections.  If not, then I believe you should be able to either find studies which support this or in a doctors/pharmacist PDA.  Otherwise, try contacting the pharmacutical company for your injections and try to get this documented by them on an official letterhead.  A PIA I know, but as I've found out with my wife and her depression disability, even our great USA Federal Government employer tends to follow a do as we say not as we do when it comes to EEOC rules on harassment and disability issues.

I know that I can receive this information in some form of documentation from my doctor, pharmacist, or specialy pharmacist.

[Lady E]

Thank you also for your support!! That would be great! And I've done that twice! (had a union of people from all over!)http://www.geocities.com/the_lady_e/page3.html
oops..sorry, that slipped. LOL
arrest me! *putting my wrists out*

[aiuta]

Oh my God!!!  That is so cool and you are so pretty-- I mean that picture of THAT WOMAN in that RANDOM site somewhere on the Web is so pretty!  Wow!  You really had a reuinion?!  That's so cool.  Thanks to you, I have to tell you I have the HUGEST smile on my face right now (I'm listening to the music on one of your--I mean that random lady's-- links too, Five for Fighting).  There is something surreal to me about the fact that everyone here helps me so much and we don't ever get to meet.  I accept that those are the terms, and I understand.  I am much more grateful to meet you all in part, than never to have met you at all.  But, every once in a while, it is nice to "sneak a peek" of who I am talking to--I mean of of some random picture of some random beautiful woman who could be someone I may once have talked to once in an imagined conversation in my mind : )  It seems you may inhabit some random state north and east of NY and south of MA.  If all goes as planned, I should be moving somewhere around there next fall.  Maybe a little reunion could be in our future!!!  Thanks again so much for putting a HUGE smile on my face.  I'm also very impressed at how good you are on the computer.  That is one impressive site you-- I mean that random beautiful lady somewhere out there in Cyberspace-- has.  Thank you SO MUCH, Lady E.  If beauty and coolness were the qualifiers, you've earned your name.  All my best, a VERY HAPPY (THANKS TO YOU) Aiuta

[Lady E]

Thank you for letting me have the opportunity to make you smile today. :)

[aiuta]

Yeah!!!  My only regret and apology is that I used time and space of your IMPORTANT and ESSENTIAL thread to do so.  I'm bowing out now, in hopes that you may get any and all other on-topic support and help you need.  ALL my best, Aiuta

[tornada]

They really can't jerk you around over FMLA like that. They are trying to intimidate you. Stick to your guns and if need be report them to the proper authorities.

[way]

An FMLA for a chronic illness allows you to work without being able to perform all of your duties all of the time. It allows you to miss work without the requirement of a doctors excuse, and allows you to miss up to 80 days a year, and drug therapy,and recovery from said therapy is listed as an example- right on the freaking paperwork. I call sick quite a few Mondays and no one has said boo to me. Legally they can't screw with you.

If Friday is the question, well how many Fridays are there until you finish TX. Probably less than 80.

I would try to download the rules for FMLA and highlight them and bring them in to your supervisor.

The rules do say something about the need if at all possible to be flexible according to needs of employer, but that you are sick from TX I'm thinking over rules this.

[Pdilly]

What a bunch of BS&!&.   Document, document document.
Document everything and anything related to your situation no matter how small.

[Kalio1]

This study dated 9/2005 puts HCV infected people at 2% of the US population.

http://aidsinfonyc.org/tag/coinf/hepatitisPipelineJuly05.html

[cuteus]

some members here have and do meet off the board, no rules about avoiding personal contact, just need the gut feeling that it is k to meet this person or that. MAny of us met at the NYC March, last yr and this.  Just a little piece of forum trivia. ;-}

[Lady E]

Cool! I think that's awesome.
Thanks for the trivia tid-bit & have a great weekend.
E

[sadiemay]

I am very sorry to hear this is happening to you. My husband has had problems at work also. They terminated him and his insurance because he refused to discontinue his tx. We live in Illinois and we contacted the Human Rights Commission. My husbands rights were violated and the Human Rights filed charges against my husbands former employer. This has just taken place over the last week so we don't really know where this is going to take us yet, but you have to fight back. These kind of things should not be allowed to happen, so whatever state you live in you might check into the Human Rights. Good Luck to you and stand up for your rights.... Debbie

[Kalio1]

How horrible for you and your husband. Bad enough he is struggling with HCV and treatment only to have his employer pull that ****. Like you really needed that! I am glad you guys found the strength to fight and have now had your case filed. Although the wheels of justice move slowly, they do move so hopefully when all the dust settles you will be compensated for your losses and also will be compensated for their violation against him too. I hope things are better for you now.
Did he try to get assistance from Commitment to Care? Why couldn't he use COBRA to extend his insurance? It isn't legal for them to cut off his insurance or let him go because he got sick.
Did you contact Commitment to Care? They have very generous qualifications and cover my meds both the interferon and the rebetol. It is a patient assistance program sponsored by Schering Plough, the company that makes the drugs. Their number is 800 521 7157. It is really worth it to apply and fast and easy, they ship the meds to your home.