Accused of drug abuse

[tjrusert]

Hi Friends,
I had a job review today.  And I was told that sometimes I come into work and have a hard time focusing and I act a little "spacey".  I have geno 1a and did not respond to treatment.  I went off of the meds 15 months ago.  Can the tx still cause problems with my focus.  Or can HCV cause me to be a little spacey.  I was accused abusing drugs while at work.  I thought maybe it was because of fatigue.  But this is a serious accusation. I do get a little ditsy sometimes when Im over tired but I would never ever doing anything like what was suggested.  I have missed work because of fatigue and it upset my manager so now Im pushing myself to get in and this is what I get.  Thanks for listening. Basically I feel I was accused of drug abuse because I was just tired.

[Mary4now]

oh middle management, such a bleak story.  I am sorry you have to go through this, all it takes is hiring the wrong manager, give her time, she will probably be gone.  If there's one lesson I've learned is managers come and go.  I have left a few jobs myself due them.  I have very little tolerance anyway, but you being an employee for 11 years.  craziness, talk w/ your boss.

[tjrusert]

Thanks for the advice Cindy.  I dont think they believe me when I say Im tired all of the time.  

[EyesofBlue55]

I dont think I would go as far as letting them count pills in your bottles.Just tell them that youd be glad to take a drug test anytime.Your medical history shouldnt go on a billboard
for everyone.Keep it professional but let them know you dont like being accused of doing something your not.Everyone has bad days.Im tired all the time and I drive a school bus!!!!! And I randomly take drug tests !!!!!

[tjrusert]

Thanks for all of the input everyone.  My manager will be gone for a week now.  She sorta did a hit and run with me.  She was there while I was going through the tx.  Maybe she does see something different in me.  I dont know.  I am going to the boss to tell him that I will submit to a random drug test anytime.  Also since he is my Optometrist, he has a list of the drugs that I take. I will also offer to have my medical records released to him if he wants them.  He is a truely great person and I totally trust him.  I still think he will be shocked when I talk to him on Monday.  If he wants he can count the meds to see how much is in the bottles.  I have worked there 11 years and we used to be like a family.  But  this manager came in about 3 years ago and we expanded the business and hired more ppl.  Its just hard to have ppl question you in a place where you have been so comfortable for so long. I think Im just going in when Im extremely tired and that is when I seem off to her.   Thanks again.

[James10500]

Tell the manager you will submit to a drug test at anytime.

Fretboard-I'm sorry you've had that experience *****

[frijole]

Hi.  I am doubtful that the hep C is causing your lack of focus 15 months after your treatment. Has this manager that gave you the review known you for a long time?  Was he the manager throughout your treatment?  I am wondering if he is just trying to tell you that something is wrong and different in you.  If you are on treatment for anxiety maybe there is something he is perceiving that just doesn't seem like the you he knows.

I would check with a doctor and get some tests run.  It doesn't sound like discrimination to me but maybe there are some other circumstances here.  Have you two had issues before?

frijole

[fretboard]

It's the pitts to get accused of using when you're not, My guess is it's all about being HepC positive.  Ppl suck when they find out you have HepC and it's way better not to tell anyone at all, ever.  Sure they will act like they accept you and everythings alright but the truth is most ppl don't accept it at all and talk behind your back about it.  Well that's been my experience anyway and I'm not the only one who has been discriminated against because of HepC.  In your case I hope I'm wrong!!  good luck with your HepC and the idiots who discriminate and look down on some of us!

[EyesofBlue55]

I would have a drug test done on my own and take it to the owner-maybe they could get the Heat off of you.Better yet show it to the manager!!!Tell her youd be happy to take a drug test ANY time-no problem!!!

[tjrusert]

They do know about the HCV and they have been good about it.  Im not really sure what kind of drug they think Im taking.  The only thing that I have that might be abused is Xanax.  And I usually only take that if Im having a panic attack.  I certainly would have no reason to use it before work.  Also its a small dosage and was prescribed because of anxiety issues.  I would certainly be willing to take a drug test if I knew what they thought I was taking.  I am only having trouble with the manager.  I am friends with the owner.  I may ask him if he wants a drug test done.  I think he would be shocked that the manager even suggested it.  The problem is that the manager would be really angry if she knew that I went to him.  Im thinking about my options.  

[Mary4now]

yeah, take the drug test do what copyman says and you have them.

[copyman]

if you are clean insist on a drug test, "for the record". Do they know you have HCV? I may tell them if it becomes necessary on keeping your job. If you tell them and they fire you then they can be sued.
hope it dont come to that.
best of luck