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Husband terminated from work
Hi all,
As many of you know, my husband has MS and Addisons disease. He also had a fall (1st ever) at work, broke his femur, and has been off work since April. His Neurologist has also reclassified him from RRMS to RPMS.
His orthopedic surgeon released him on Monday, but with the stipulation he must use a cane. His direct boss at 1st said he thought it would be ok, and per company protocol hubby went for a "Fit for duty" eval from work clinic. They agreed with orthopedic surgeon, and corporate was contacted. They said no cane allowed, as the job duties are not safe if one cannot walk unaided. There is quite a lot of walking, stairs, and outside uneven ground walking where he works.
Corporate has also requested an updated eval from his Neurologist. Which the Neuro had already discussed with us the probability that hubby would need a cane from now on at his last Neuro appt which was about 1 week before the fall. Neuro referred hubby to PT, but he didn't get a chance to go to the PT appt before he fell...perfect timing...not.
His boss called yesterday and has paperwork for husband that his Neurologist must fill out. Basically it's a new evaluation of hubby's current physical status. He also was told "No work until no cane, period.". Which we know the cane is here to stay.
Hubby has an appointment scheduled with Neurologist for this Monday, and we will discuss everything that has transpired with his work.
I guess I'm just looking for feedback, as we know hubby will be terminated, and we are now facing the disability process. At his May appt, his Endocrinologist has already said in no uncertain terms that hubby's health is declined and he shouldn't be working. He also put in hubby's medical records "disability recommended". I'm fairly sure his Neurologist will also recommend disability.
We expected this, but when it happens, I don't think I expected it quite like I thought I did. So many questions are floating in my brain...
Thanks for listening, and I hope you're all doing as well as possible.
Regards,
C
As many of you know, my husband has MS and Addisons disease. He also had a fall (1st ever) at work, broke his femur, and has been off work since April. His Neurologist has also reclassified him from RRMS to RPMS.
His orthopedic surgeon released him on Monday, but with the stipulation he must use a cane. His direct boss at 1st said he thought it would be ok, and per company protocol hubby went for a "Fit for duty" eval from work clinic. They agreed with orthopedic surgeon, and corporate was contacted. They said no cane allowed, as the job duties are not safe if one cannot walk unaided. There is quite a lot of walking, stairs, and outside uneven ground walking where he works.
Corporate has also requested an updated eval from his Neurologist. Which the Neuro had already discussed with us the probability that hubby would need a cane from now on at his last Neuro appt which was about 1 week before the fall. Neuro referred hubby to PT, but he didn't get a chance to go to the PT appt before he fell...perfect timing...not.
His boss called yesterday and has paperwork for husband that his Neurologist must fill out. Basically it's a new evaluation of hubby's current physical status. He also was told "No work until no cane, period.". Which we know the cane is here to stay.
Hubby has an appointment scheduled with Neurologist for this Monday, and we will discuss everything that has transpired with his work.
I guess I'm just looking for feedback, as we know hubby will be terminated, and we are now facing the disability process. At his May appt, his Endocrinologist has already said in no uncertain terms that hubby's health is declined and he shouldn't be working. He also put in hubby's medical records "disability recommended". I'm fairly sure his Neurologist will also recommend disability.
We expected this, but when it happens, I don't think I expected it quite like I thought I did. So many questions are floating in my brain...
Thanks for listening, and I hope you're all doing as well as possible.
Regards,
C
You might consider placing a call to NMSS and talking to one of their advocates - It might be good to just talk about the options he and you are facing and get some clarity on the options.
Depending on the benefits level, he might be better off with the disability through work. sometimes there are extra benefits that are tucked into that package that we don't know about. For example, through my employer if I go out on their disability, their insurer will continue to pay into my retirement account based on my current salary, until I reach the age of 65. I found that out by talking with my HR benefits manager. That is quite the 'hidden' benefit and your husband needs to be sure to take the correct route before he commits to anything.
good luck - this is a tough juncture to find yourself at.
best, Laura
Depending on the benefits level, he might be better off with the disability through work. sometimes there are extra benefits that are tucked into that package that we don't know about. For example, through my employer if I go out on their disability, their insurer will continue to pay into my retirement account based on my current salary, until I reach the age of 65. I found that out by talking with my HR benefits manager. That is quite the 'hidden' benefit and your husband needs to be sure to take the correct route before he commits to anything.
good luck - this is a tough juncture to find yourself at.
best, Laura
Hello and many thanks to all of you for "listening" and caring.
Laura,
Husband hasn't applied for disability yet, waiting for the Neurologist to get all of the records since the fall/surgery. He will then call and we will go back for an appointment to discuss everything and make decisions.
I'm also not quite sure whether it will be social security disability, or disability from my hubby's current employer. He works for our City and they have their own retirement/disability thru the State. Hubby worked 30 yrs and paid into social security, so he has plenty of "credits".. But he's also "vested" with his current employer, so we don't know how this will work.
His employer also has been covering everything as an on the job injury. At 1st they tried to say "It's on you due to your underlying medical conditions". But after I spoke to hubby's private Dr and he said that was ridiculous, and we informed his employer of that, they quickly changed their tune.
I imagine we should be discussing things with the retirement/disability specialists at his work, but as the trust is gone, we are waiting to see the Neurologist again and go from there.
His Endocrinologist has already put in his medical records that he recommends disability due to hubby's severe Adrenal Insufficiency combined with the Relapsing-Progressive MS, Polyendocrinopathy, and cardiovascular issues hubby has.
So we will have his letter, Cardiologist's letter, and I'm sure the Neuro's letter supporting the disability. Which I'm grateful to have the support of the medical team. I just want my guy to live as great a life as he can. He's a wonderful man, and I hate seeing him go thru this.
Regards,
C
Laura,
Husband hasn't applied for disability yet, waiting for the Neurologist to get all of the records since the fall/surgery. He will then call and we will go back for an appointment to discuss everything and make decisions.
I'm also not quite sure whether it will be social security disability, or disability from my hubby's current employer. He works for our City and they have their own retirement/disability thru the State. Hubby worked 30 yrs and paid into social security, so he has plenty of "credits".. But he's also "vested" with his current employer, so we don't know how this will work.
His employer also has been covering everything as an on the job injury. At 1st they tried to say "It's on you due to your underlying medical conditions". But after I spoke to hubby's private Dr and he said that was ridiculous, and we informed his employer of that, they quickly changed their tune.
I imagine we should be discussing things with the retirement/disability specialists at his work, but as the trust is gone, we are waiting to see the Neurologist again and go from there.
His Endocrinologist has already put in his medical records that he recommends disability due to hubby's severe Adrenal Insufficiency combined with the Relapsing-Progressive MS, Polyendocrinopathy, and cardiovascular issues hubby has.
So we will have his letter, Cardiologist's letter, and I'm sure the Neuro's letter supporting the disability. Which I'm grateful to have the support of the medical team. I just want my guy to live as great a life as he can. He's a wonderful man, and I hate seeing him go thru this.
Regards,
C
What a trip your husband has begun with the employer - no pun intended. It sounds like you and he are resigned to the fact they are trying to push him out the door and no longer be responsible for the work related injury. That being said, and knowing he won't probably return back to work there, I hope he has filed a worker's comp claim for the injury and made sure this is covered under their insurance for now.
I'm sorry but I'm not clear if you have started the process of filing for long term disability (LTD) - through social security. That can be slow to evolve, so don't wait too long to begin that process.
Your doctors sound wonderful and i trust you will continue to let them guide you through these next steps. I'm sorry he is faced with this MS progression - it stinks.
hang in there, Laura
I'm sorry but I'm not clear if you have started the process of filing for long term disability (LTD) - through social security. That can be slow to evolve, so don't wait too long to begin that process.
Your doctors sound wonderful and i trust you will continue to let them guide you through these next steps. I'm sorry he is faced with this MS progression - it stinks.
hang in there, Laura
Having a doctor that gets it is vital. Having MS is stressful enough without having to do battle with your doc :-) It sounds like you have a keeper :-)
Kyle
Kyle
Hi all,
We really don't know much more yet. My hubby's Neurologist was frankly "not happy" at the way things appear to have transpired/are transpiring regarding the job situation. I think he is much like I am: taken aback by the " It's on you that you fell due to you underlying medical conditions..." that was the 1st response right off the bat to this whole situation.
Neurologist is requesting all records from the date of the accident thru now. He wants to review everything and he also wants to do some further in depth testing of hubby. The testing is more to try and find out if there is some nerve impingement as a result of the surgery that has increased hubby's leg pain.
Dr said this is an important thing, and he needs to give it the time and attention necessary.
The gist of everything is Neurologist talked in depth about how my husband feels about everything... He also said his job is to make sure his patients are taken care of...and that they have the best quality of life possible.
I think I've neglected to say what a great medical team my husband has been blessed with. Bottom line, even with the increased uncertainty we're facing we're certain of one thing: the Dr is in our corner.
I will update as we know more, and again I really thank all of you for abiding the spouse of a fellow MS warrior.
Regards,
C
We really don't know much more yet. My hubby's Neurologist was frankly "not happy" at the way things appear to have transpired/are transpiring regarding the job situation. I think he is much like I am: taken aback by the " It's on you that you fell due to you underlying medical conditions..." that was the 1st response right off the bat to this whole situation.
Neurologist is requesting all records from the date of the accident thru now. He wants to review everything and he also wants to do some further in depth testing of hubby. The testing is more to try and find out if there is some nerve impingement as a result of the surgery that has increased hubby's leg pain.
Dr said this is an important thing, and he needs to give it the time and attention necessary.
The gist of everything is Neurologist talked in depth about how my husband feels about everything... He also said his job is to make sure his patients are taken care of...and that they have the best quality of life possible.
I think I've neglected to say what a great medical team my husband has been blessed with. Bottom line, even with the increased uncertainty we're facing we're certain of one thing: the Dr is in our corner.
I will update as we know more, and again I really thank all of you for abiding the spouse of a fellow MS warrior.
Regards,
C
Kyle and Lizzie,
Thank you both along with Alex and "cramp" for listening to my "worrying aloud" as well.
C
Thank you both along with Alex and "cramp" for listening to my "worrying aloud" as well.
C
I hope things are going well for you. I haven't been on here much what with hubby's issues, taking care of my mom-she's finally getting over pneumonia, and my own Lupus flares. So it's nice to hear from you.
Thank you for your kind words. I also wish some others could see that assistive devices can be so amazing to allow people to live with dignity and as much safe independence as possible.
This rollercoaster is not a fun ride, and I'm just trying to be as supportive as I can for my hubby. The "it's ok, Oh wait, no it's not" stuff is sure hard to take. As at 1st his work said using the cane shouldn't be a problem. Now it apparently is...
We see the Neurologist today, will go from there...
Again, Thanks for listening...
C
Thank you for your kind words. I also wish some others could see that assistive devices can be so amazing to allow people to live with dignity and as much safe independence as possible.
This rollercoaster is not a fun ride, and I'm just trying to be as supportive as I can for my hubby. The "it's ok, Oh wait, no it's not" stuff is sure hard to take. As at 1st his work said using the cane shouldn't be a problem. Now it apparently is...
We see the Neurologist today, will go from there...
Again, Thanks for listening...
C
I like your family Dr! Employers & corporations try to 'squeeze' out of everything! I'm so sorry this happened to your husband!
Sounds to me like your husband could have fallen,whether it was the MS or not.Certainly,the working conditions weren't safe if the area wasn't well lit! And anyone could slip & fall on a rainy day! But now that I use a cane,I do understand how helpful they are in maintaining balance and getting around...rather than feeling awkward,I see it as an extension of myself.I only wish employers would feel the same way!
Sounds to me like your husband could have fallen,whether it was the MS or not.Certainly,the working conditions weren't safe if the area wasn't well lit! And anyone could slip & fall on a rainy day! But now that I use a cane,I do understand how helpful they are in maintaining balance and getting around...rather than feeling awkward,I see it as an extension of myself.I only wish employers would feel the same way!
Alex,
You're so right! With my diseases I've been where my hubby now is. He's always been my biggest supporter, and I am and will continue to be his.
He's my best friend. We pretty much "grew up" together...meeting when I was 15 he was 17. Marrying as soon as I graduated from high school, now going on 32 years of marriage and we have one son who is 28.
My husband knows he's important, he matters, and he's still the "toughest" guy I know. And I don't mean "tough" as in macho strong. I mean "tough" as in he has always faced everything with a quiet strength, and he is by far a much nicer person than I could ever be. My mouth sometimes says what my brain is thinking, when I should stay silent. :-)
I think that's really what bugs me the most. The fact he's always been a great employee, and I hate seeing him or anyone get taken advantage of. And that's what this feels like. When the fall 1st occurred, corporate actually told my husband it was NOT an on the job injury "due to his underlying medical conditions, that this was on him.". What's worse, is I kinda thought, "Well, hmm..really??...um, okaaaay??..".
So I called our regular Dr for hubby to see him. He personally got on the phone, and asked "Didn't you tell my nurse he fell at work?" . I said yes. Dr said "That is absolutely an on the job injury, people have accidents and fall, healthy people, people with health issues, etc. That's why it's called an accident".
"He wouldn't have been walking outside in the cold windy rain if he wasn't at work.". "Furthermore, his 'healthy' co-worker could've been the one to fall. I've fallen before!".
A lightbulb clicked with me, and I was like, "Thanks doc, I needed to hear that, you're right!".
Hubby had never had a fall, he was at work, outside, it was rainy, cold, windy, and dark because they haven't replaced bulbs in some outdoor lights. As of last week we were told by his coworkers the lights still aren't working. Even though I had mentioned it to his boss as well.
Plus my husband's bosses all knew about his health issues, and had no problems with him working.
Hubby called corporate back, told them what our Dr said, and it wasn't 2 hours later that they called back, "Oh yes, it certainly is an on the job injury...".
My husband was also very honest in saying he doesn't know why he fell. He didn't trip, his legs didn't buckle, he didn't slip. He said all of a sudden his hip was hitting the concrete. He certainly could've said it was dark, I tripped, etc. And blamed it totally on the job environment, but he didn't. And he wouldn't do that...
I guess I just expect better of people...
Thanks for letting me "vent".
Regards,
C
You're so right! With my diseases I've been where my hubby now is. He's always been my biggest supporter, and I am and will continue to be his.
He's my best friend. We pretty much "grew up" together...meeting when I was 15 he was 17. Marrying as soon as I graduated from high school, now going on 32 years of marriage and we have one son who is 28.
My husband knows he's important, he matters, and he's still the "toughest" guy I know. And I don't mean "tough" as in macho strong. I mean "tough" as in he has always faced everything with a quiet strength, and he is by far a much nicer person than I could ever be. My mouth sometimes says what my brain is thinking, when I should stay silent. :-)
I think that's really what bugs me the most. The fact he's always been a great employee, and I hate seeing him or anyone get taken advantage of. And that's what this feels like. When the fall 1st occurred, corporate actually told my husband it was NOT an on the job injury "due to his underlying medical conditions, that this was on him.". What's worse, is I kinda thought, "Well, hmm..really??...um, okaaaay??..".
So I called our regular Dr for hubby to see him. He personally got on the phone, and asked "Didn't you tell my nurse he fell at work?" . I said yes. Dr said "That is absolutely an on the job injury, people have accidents and fall, healthy people, people with health issues, etc. That's why it's called an accident".
"He wouldn't have been walking outside in the cold windy rain if he wasn't at work.". "Furthermore, his 'healthy' co-worker could've been the one to fall. I've fallen before!".
A lightbulb clicked with me, and I was like, "Thanks doc, I needed to hear that, you're right!".
Hubby had never had a fall, he was at work, outside, it was rainy, cold, windy, and dark because they haven't replaced bulbs in some outdoor lights. As of last week we were told by his coworkers the lights still aren't working. Even though I had mentioned it to his boss as well.
Plus my husband's bosses all knew about his health issues, and had no problems with him working.
Hubby called corporate back, told them what our Dr said, and it wasn't 2 hours later that they called back, "Oh yes, it certainly is an on the job injury...".
My husband was also very honest in saying he doesn't know why he fell. He didn't trip, his legs didn't buckle, he didn't slip. He said all of a sudden his hip was hitting the concrete. He certainly could've said it was dark, I tripped, etc. And blamed it totally on the job environment, but he didn't. And he wouldn't do that...
I guess I just expect better of people...
Thanks for letting me "vent".
Regards,
C
Unfortunately there are ways around the ADA for employers. Just make sure you document the disability. I waited too long to apply for Disability with the Government and now I am being denied. Documentation is so important.
Most people are tied to their jobs for self-esteem. It is hard to lose a job. I was a HVAC and Refrigeration Technician. It was hard when I could no longer do the work. Then I worked for veterinarians which I no longer can do. Finally I was an artist and that is too hard. People think being an artist is easy and it is not. My eye sight and hands do not work anymore.
I have to still feel useful with out a job. I also felt bad putting more on my husband. I always pictured myself taking care of myself. I never even intended getting married until I met my husband and fell in love.
The main thing is we all need to feel needed. When I got the Cancer and people stopped calling asking me for help I felt bad and started isolating. I realized then everyone needs to feel needed.
Transitions are hard to. Retirement is hard but when it comes against your choice it is harder.
Recently I got a deaf puppy. I was asked to take her or they would Euthanize her. I thought I am too sick for this right now. It has been the best thing. She was 8 pounds and totally dependent. I had to get up and let her our regardless of how I felt. She cried like a baby in her kennel and did the other puppy things. I had to be very patient with her. I drive an hour each way for her obedience classes. My husband agreed right away. He saw that I was isolating. I was not seeing people or leaving my bedroom. He knows I am good with training dogs. He was afraid it might be more work for him and it was she got us both up at 3AM. I have stepped up to the plate. I am getting out and exercising her which means exercising me more. I exercise her like a horse I have her run circles around me with me standing in the middle. She gets tired.
Fiona is turning out to be a pretty nice dog. She will be a Service Dog when Polly, my 12 year old Dalmatian Service Dog Retires. Polly is deaf too. The two of them had taught me you can be happy even if you were born different. You can also be useful. They make better working dogs because noise does not bother them. I can have them in noise that would bother other dogs. The ignore more things too.
It is hard but let your husband know he will always be needed we are all important.
Alex
Most people are tied to their jobs for self-esteem. It is hard to lose a job. I was a HVAC and Refrigeration Technician. It was hard when I could no longer do the work. Then I worked for veterinarians which I no longer can do. Finally I was an artist and that is too hard. People think being an artist is easy and it is not. My eye sight and hands do not work anymore.
I have to still feel useful with out a job. I also felt bad putting more on my husband. I always pictured myself taking care of myself. I never even intended getting married until I met my husband and fell in love.
The main thing is we all need to feel needed. When I got the Cancer and people stopped calling asking me for help I felt bad and started isolating. I realized then everyone needs to feel needed.
Transitions are hard to. Retirement is hard but when it comes against your choice it is harder.
Recently I got a deaf puppy. I was asked to take her or they would Euthanize her. I thought I am too sick for this right now. It has been the best thing. She was 8 pounds and totally dependent. I had to get up and let her our regardless of how I felt. She cried like a baby in her kennel and did the other puppy things. I had to be very patient with her. I drive an hour each way for her obedience classes. My husband agreed right away. He saw that I was isolating. I was not seeing people or leaving my bedroom. He knows I am good with training dogs. He was afraid it might be more work for him and it was she got us both up at 3AM. I have stepped up to the plate. I am getting out and exercising her which means exercising me more. I exercise her like a horse I have her run circles around me with me standing in the middle. She gets tired.
Fiona is turning out to be a pretty nice dog. She will be a Service Dog when Polly, my 12 year old Dalmatian Service Dog Retires. Polly is deaf too. The two of them had taught me you can be happy even if you were born different. You can also be useful. They make better working dogs because noise does not bother them. I can have them in noise that would bother other dogs. The ignore more things too.
It is hard but let your husband know he will always be needed we are all important.
Alex
Thank you all for listening. I know the ADA is here to help, but from what we've been told if they (his work) can't make accommodations without "undue" hardship then it's not likely we can do anything about it.
Regards,
C
Regards,
C
There are anti discrimination lawyers. We have one that is a non profit in our area.
Alex
Alex
The ADA protects us from these situations. Since walking with a cane is a disability; they cannot fire him strictly because of this. That situation becomes wrongful termination / discrimination and you have the ability to pursue litigation therefore.
I am truly sorry to hear of this situation for both you and your husband.
Best Wishes!
Lizzie
I am truly sorry to hear of this situation for both you and your husband.
Best Wishes!
Lizzie
Hi C-
Knowing something is coming doesn't make it stink anyless when it arrives. I don't have any sage advice about your road ahead, just wanted to say I'm sorry that your MS journey has progressed.
Kyle
Knowing something is coming doesn't make it stink anyless when it arrives. I don't have any sage advice about your road ahead, just wanted to say I'm sorry that your MS journey has progressed.
Kyle
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