MS and your work/jobs

After reading the topic here on cognitive and other MS related issues, I’m wondering how does everyone here cope with being on the job.  

I work in a casual office so I’m at a desk the majority of the day with a few exceptions.  I do have a lot of issues with fatigue, cognitive problems, I’ve noticed I’ve been making more errors lately, FATIGUE, issues with balance – just the other day I practically walked into a wall  at the amusement of a couple of guys who saw me.  I totally look drunk some of the time.  

I haven’t told anyone at work yet, but how do you handle this?  Did you alert your boss/co-workers/HR department?  Do you take time off?  Performance  

[Lulu54]

Dear greenandchic, that is a tough one to negotiate until you feel comfortable with talking to them.  We have a great resource here - Lori Bradley, who works in a state program and is very well versed in the disability laws that apply.  Perhaps she or others will have some practical advice for you.

In my situation I knew that my job was not a problem and I first told my coworker and my supervisor.  After they were told I sent a brief email about my diagnosis to the department faculty (I work at a university) just to answer all the unspoken questions about my frequent absences for doctor appointments.  After we got through the initial conversations I was able to drop back into my casual office position here and get on with working.  

Good luck in figuring this out,
Lulu

[singinalong]

Hello!! I am not dx as of yet, but I can relate with you... I was starting to make a lot of errors, walking into walls, not able to see the computer as well, and not being able to collect my thoughts, and forgetful. After noticing for a few months, that this was taking place, I finally talked with my boss. She told me, that she thought I was hungover!! ( I dont drink!! ) that maybe I was hitting the bottle a little too much, and it was affecting my job performance. I told her, I needed to take some time off, to resolve whatever was going on, and take some time out for me. My health and safety were more important, and there was not a job on the face of this earth that was going to pay enough for me to stay, in the unknown condition I was in. She was wonderful about it, and says still after being off since October, that I will always have a job there.

[biowham]

Hey there, always a good question. I teach at a university, and one of the things I teach is physics. It's mechanics (motion), so...I do a lot of motion demonstrations. Last spring semester, I had to stop doing some of the things because the sudden movements of my head or the half spins I was doing were making me so dizzy that I'd almost fall down. My short-term memory is nonexistent, so I have my students email me a follow-up to ANY conversation we have in which we make important arrangements about exams, etc. I also work as an editor, and I used to do that work at night, but now I know that I have to be finished by 8 pm at the latest or I'll just be too tired and fuzzy to do it. I worry that I'm going to start missing details and not be able to do that job any more. Also, on my teaching days (I teach MWF), I have two long days that go from 9 to 3:15, and I'm on my feet, talking and being quite animated the entire time. And it takes me until my next teaching day--two days--just to get over that.

I haven't mentioned to any of my colleagues what's going on--I'm undiagnosed anyway--but I have made several adjustments to how I live and work based on these physical things that are interfering with my "regular" lifestyle.

Bio

[greenandchic]

Thank you for your responses.  Its good to know that I'm not alone in this.  I spoke to my HR manager today and he was very understanding.  We're going to go over some ADA and disability insurance info in a couple of weeks - just in case.  He's also going to help me figure out my insurance when it comes to the meds, etc.  Its good to have his support at this time.  

[Lulu54]

G&C, that must feel really good to have that out to an understanding HR manager.  I'm glad your news was received with compassion as well as support.  - Lu

[Todd36]

there's some information on the National MS society website that discusses employment concerns.  Check it out if you haven't already...

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/employment/index.aspx

Best,
Todd

[greenandchic]

Thanks Todd! I found that site a few days ago and its been very helpful.