Aa
Problems with employer
Has anyone experienced a problem with an employer knowing you have hep c? I'm paranoid I'll loose my job and am looking for some guidance..Thanks
Clarification --- I am not sure if my boss should have scheduled that class. He also MADE me go to the CEO, President and my CO-managers to tell them I was ill and may have to be out alot.
I also told my boss of six years I have HEP C - I was not feeling well and tired all of the time when I was first diagnosed and missing work was not something I ever did before. I thought it was best to tell him DO NOT DO THAT... I do not work in the medical field nor in a job where there is any chance of me getting hurt and transmitting HEP C. My boss scheduled blood pathegon classes for employees in which I had to attend. The HR person said the classes were scheduled because of me! The OSHA trainer kept saying "why did you request this class as you are not a high risk industry"
It was awful to have to sit in this room and have to hear the class jokes and comments on HEP - I am not sure if they had this right.
It was awful to have to sit in this room and have to hear the class jokes and comments on HEP - I am not sure if they had this right.
I finished the 48 weeks last Thanksgiving. I work in a middle school with sp ed kids. Have 3 bosses. I told 2 of my trusted co workers in case something happened at work.. they'd know. I never felt comfortable telling anyone else as I need my job. I over heard one teacher talking about how horrible hep c was...to others. I was actually thankful I didnt' tell anyone... as I didn't want people to "stare" at me...or make "comments" behind my back or feel anything of that sort. But it was HARD all last year. There were times I was so dizzy.. leaned against the hall wall to keep from tipping over. It was actually better for the kids I worked with because I was so slowed down. My med benefits paid for the treatment...the co pay was $60 a month. I still feel uncomfortable about telling anyone... afraid I might loose my job...and dont' want to fight for rights.
About all the unkind directed comments.... "The last word is not a victory when nothing intelligent is said"
You don't have to tell them to get FMLA! You just have to get a doctor to fill out the form, and he or she does not have to dsclose, just confirm the problem, even if your employer wants a secound opinion, they have to send you to a doctor that is not employeed by the company and pay for it! Look up the rules on line! That way you can give them hell!
Holy Cow everyone do not tell your employers about this thing we all have ... Sure, in a perfect world we all should be able to disclose our Hep-c status to our employer but oh boy were not in that place yet :( .... I too have heard about a person who thought she'd come clean & tell their employer of 5 years about her HCV, she also though she'd built up some degree of job security & trust etc but to her shock & horror they made it so difficult for her with attitude changes & gossip etc she had to leave just to keep her sanity, she fully regreted telling them I can tell you! It is kind of dishonest not telling them I suppose but life has to go on especialy for number one, that is you!!! .... (getting off soap box now hehehe)
I did pegasys #24 last night (I'm Geno 3a) I have to do another 3 shots for a total of 27, Long Story Short; I accidently spilt 1 shot & my Doc gave me a Rx for another 4 shots asking me to do the extra few, ok no biggy I said ... my last shot is on the 5th february then continue Ribavirin until 11th february YIPPEE thats my finish date the 11th Feb... then the big PCR blood test, I've got everything crossed all my fingers & toes hahaha
<b>Stay Focused Everyone & Remember Our "Goal"</b> Interferon + Ribavirin Treatment although its not nice it is very "Do-able"
<b>Steve</b>
I did pegasys #24 last night (I'm Geno 3a) I have to do another 3 shots for a total of 27, Long Story Short; I accidently spilt 1 shot & my Doc gave me a Rx for another 4 shots asking me to do the extra few, ok no biggy I said ... my last shot is on the 5th february then continue Ribavirin until 11th february YIPPEE thats my finish date the 11th Feb... then the big PCR blood test, I've got everything crossed all my fingers & toes hahaha
<b>Stay Focused Everyone & Remember Our "Goal"</b> Interferon + Ribavirin Treatment although its not nice it is very "Do-able"
<b>Steve</b>
Yeah I agree with Steve on this one. Why would you tell your employer? This could easily work against you. Worst case scenario would be if you were sick all the time and had to come up with an explanation. However, this is not very common as most people are able to work and perform all other duties on tx.
It is a hard decision to make. My husband and I work for the same company, and we had THAT DAY had our big supervisor meeting about Medical Health confidentiality, etc, at which my husband's boss and I were both present. I told him he had nothing to worry about. He was worried about all the IGNORANCE of people afraid they will "catch" it. He had to tell his boss because he does physical outdoor labor, and frankly, was pretty much out of commission for the summer months. Well, his boss said he would keep it quiet and by the NEXT DAY at least 5 people had called and asked me about it. We chose not to log a complaint, because, the insurance, benefits, etc are all thru my job and we were afraid of repercussions on me. You think you know people, but you don't. Fortunately, you ARE protected by laws, and they can't fire you or discrimate against you because you are sick. And there IS FMLA. That can't protect you though, unless you tell them.
I am my employer, so that part wasn't a problem. My employees all know are are all supportive. I did have a case where I told a client about HCV and tx and no one there has returned my calls or emails since. Coincidence? Perhaps. But my rule is need to know--any one who doesn't need to know, doesn't need to know.
I work at a large university. When I was diagnosed, I immediately went to the Human Resources department and let them know about it. Then, because I don't trust my supervisor, I went to two well-respected faculty members whom I trust in the college where I work (one of many in the university) and told them the situation. I also explained to them all that there was a chance I'd have sx from tx and I didn't want my boss using that to say I had unexcused absences or was somehow incapable of doing my job as excuses to get rid of me. I just wanted them to be aware of what was truly going on. They know what my boss can be like, and they totally supported my taking the step to tell them. Fortunlately, I work in Health Sciences, so it wasn't like talking to clueless people.
Finally, I went to my supervisor and explained to her. She said she'd keep it confidential, but would have to let the Dean know since the dean wanted to be in the loop of what was going on with the staff. I said that was fine. My supervisor turned out to be very supportive. She said that she'd understand if I needed time off, and only asked that I'd let her know if any important work was pending, so she'd cover for me (I deal with a lot of mandatory govt deadlines). I said I would.
Since then, I've had no problems. I took an extra week off at the holidays, and I didn't feel well yesterday. I went in very late, in time to conduct a large meeting I was responsible for. I called in to tell my boss I'd be late, and when I saw her at the meeting, she asked how I felt. I told her I didn't know when I'd be on an even keel. She smiled and said, "don't worry about it, you've already explained the situation and I understand. I know this must be rough on you, and I hope you get to feeling better."
I notified her today that I couldn't come in.."the same as yesterday." I just couldn't drag myself out of bed this morning, and seem to have cold sores developing on my face. Sore throat too.
My boss can be a very vindictive person, and I've seen her scream at faculty and be totally inappropriate. Faculty want her out of there, as they've seen how she's scapegoated me for things she's done wrong. Despite all this, when it comes to my hep C, she's been very supportive. Still, I feel better knowing that I told HR (for legal reasons) and two respected faculty members whom I trust (as witnesses, should I need them). I feel better knowing the bases are covered...just in case.
Finally, I went to my supervisor and explained to her. She said she'd keep it confidential, but would have to let the Dean know since the dean wanted to be in the loop of what was going on with the staff. I said that was fine. My supervisor turned out to be very supportive. She said that she'd understand if I needed time off, and only asked that I'd let her know if any important work was pending, so she'd cover for me (I deal with a lot of mandatory govt deadlines). I said I would.
Since then, I've had no problems. I took an extra week off at the holidays, and I didn't feel well yesterday. I went in very late, in time to conduct a large meeting I was responsible for. I called in to tell my boss I'd be late, and when I saw her at the meeting, she asked how I felt. I told her I didn't know when I'd be on an even keel. She smiled and said, "don't worry about it, you've already explained the situation and I understand. I know this must be rough on you, and I hope you get to feeling better."
I notified her today that I couldn't come in.."the same as yesterday." I just couldn't drag myself out of bed this morning, and seem to have cold sores developing on my face. Sore throat too.
My boss can be a very vindictive person, and I've seen her scream at faculty and be totally inappropriate. Faculty want her out of there, as they've seen how she's scapegoated me for things she's done wrong. Despite all this, when it comes to my hep C, she's been very supportive. Still, I feel better knowing that I told HR (for legal reasons) and two respected faculty members whom I trust (as witnesses, should I need them). I feel better knowing the bases are covered...just in case.
If you don't mind me asking don, do you use a financial software program to run your company? And if so, which one would you suggest for a small business?
This isn't really about work but it does go to the ignorance that seem people demonstrate over this, uh, "situation".
One night my husband (you all know him as Greg) was in the garage fiddling around doing Man Stuff when the UPS guy came up with a package. Greg was bleeding pretty bad from a cut on his hand, so when the UPS guy approached him to sign, Greg politely declined and explained that he had better sign on his behalf. At that point the UPS guy looked suspiciously at Greg and said "I noticed you've been home all the time, somthin' wrong?" Greg told him that he's been ill and explained that he had Hepatitis. Well, the UPS graciously backed out of the garage, put the package down and walked away. Few days later I heard some brakes kind of screech in front our house, and about 30 seconds later the doorbell rang. Greg walked from the kitched to the door and opened it but no one was there. So he shut the door and started to walk away when suddenly he turned back, opened the door and there on the porch was a package... Greg turned, looked at me and said "what the hell" when suddenly it hit both of us that our UPS guy was too afraid to even have Greg open the door!
We both just started cracking up, Greg had tears rolling down his face, it was so funny just envisioning him screeching up to our house, running up to the door, ringing the doorbell and running full speed ahead back to his truck.. Greg says that soon he won't even bother to stop, he'll just fling the package out the truck as he drives by...
Now, Ya gotta laugh over that one!
Debbe
One night my husband (you all know him as Greg) was in the garage fiddling around doing Man Stuff when the UPS guy came up with a package. Greg was bleeding pretty bad from a cut on his hand, so when the UPS guy approached him to sign, Greg politely declined and explained that he had better sign on his behalf. At that point the UPS guy looked suspiciously at Greg and said "I noticed you've been home all the time, somthin' wrong?" Greg told him that he's been ill and explained that he had Hepatitis. Well, the UPS graciously backed out of the garage, put the package down and walked away. Few days later I heard some brakes kind of screech in front our house, and about 30 seconds later the doorbell rang. Greg walked from the kitched to the door and opened it but no one was there. So he shut the door and started to walk away when suddenly he turned back, opened the door and there on the porch was a package... Greg turned, looked at me and said "what the hell" when suddenly it hit both of us that our UPS guy was too afraid to even have Greg open the door!
We both just started cracking up, Greg had tears rolling down his face, it was so funny just envisioning him screeching up to our house, running up to the door, ringing the doorbell and running full speed ahead back to his truck.. Greg says that soon he won't even bother to stop, he'll just fling the package out the truck as he drives by...
Now, Ya gotta laugh over that one!
Debbe
I've found this to be a great site for just that kind of information:
http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/
Be sure and check out the category links at the bottom of the page also.
http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/
Be sure and check out the category links at the bottom of the page also.
I use Quickbooks. It is pretty general purpose and pretty bug free. It helps to have some training in using it and setting it up, but your accountant should be able to work with you. It's not too good with inventory, but the programs that are cost bigger bucks.
Go to any search engine like (google.com) and type in 'hepatitis C and employer'. You will find a vast amount of information that will answer your questions about the workplace and hepC.
I agree with The Gaffer, that this cannot be discriminated against. I work for a very large corporation that deals with employees at every stage of illness. I have talked to my Human Resources dept. about possibly going on Short Term Disability IF the side affects get to bad. They were very helpful and supportive. Then I talked to my immediate boss, and we decided to have one of our weekly Dept. safety meetings ( approx. 15 people ) on Hepatitis c! Everyone has been very supportive, and understanding....I hope you can find the same response...Good Luck and GOD BLESS.
As I understand it, if our liver damage is significant we're protected by ADA laws. If you're employed by someone with over 50 employees you're protected by FMLA laws. I have heard some nasty horror stories here and there about people being mistreated -- I remember one from the board where someone was told to recover by X time or look for a new job. I am not sure what happened there. I recently had a co-worker who suggested I was abusing FMLA (I've had maybe 12-16 days of missed work in 53 weeks of tx and all have been covered by FMLA) -- I put an end to that by going to the boss and telling him to have the person cut it out or I'd file a EEOC complaint with the government.
Mark, in my humble opinion I would not tolerate any discrimination because of a disease such as Hep C. I think there are laws protecting you. I am sure you shall read more on this subject here.
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