Tell boss?

[marlo34]

How many of you who work told your boss about your illness? Good idea/bad idea?

[thenea]

I haven't told an employer per se but I "came out" to my entire nursing class in the middle of the semester.  I was worried because I practice under the license of my professors.  We have to pass a physical and submit titers/immunization record every year but I wasn't diagnosed until a few weeks after I turned those in so I decided to stay mum for a while.  It was really eating at me, the whole experience, and especially whenever someone would talk about neurological disorders in class I'd raise an eyebrow but keep silent.

Then one day we all had to sign up to present on routes of medication administration and if we were on medication, they asked us to bring it in and explain it.  I was in the subcutaneous injection group.  I was so nervous about what people would think and it turns out the only thing people were really shocked by was how thin my needle was.  All that worry for nothing.  Turns out I have classmates with diabetes, blood disorders, asthma, heart palpitations and even cancer (in remission).

[sandythegeek2]

I have told my manager as well as my colleagues. They were worried about me having all these doctors appointments and kind of couldn't hide the occular migraines when I had to abruptly stop working for 15 to 20 minutes when they hit me. I didn't want my boss to think I was slacking off. He's very understanding and we're kind of like work friends. I'm not diagnosed yet so I worry more if I do get diagnosed.

[Sidesteps]

I have just shared with my immediate supervisor at my new job --- my MS hasn't impacted my work. I am pretty open but I am private about my aches and pains for the most part. :)

[HeyAbbott]

I actually just told my boss about an hour ago.  I'm going with the totally open approach and hope for the best.  It's a bit scary... Actually the scariest part about this whole thing is the thought of not being able to support my family.

[rendean]

I had to tell due to my symptoms and numerous appointments. Walking down the hall way hanging on for dear life is attention getting but it was better than falling whihc I did in my office.

I worked for a legal firm and asked for an a ccomadation and they only were compliant with half of my request. The issue in my case was a small firm and Federal law states companies under 50 employees do not have to follow the letter of the law.

I was let go the day my disability went into effect.

To do things over, I would NOT tell if at all possible.

Ren

ps more details in one of my old journals

[marlo34]

I definitely do not want to keep my ms secret, but I also do not want to single myself out (I HATE being singled out) and I have a mortgage, loans, parents I support, a child, you all know the deal. I just about died when I looked at what disability would pay if I were to be disabled. It was about a 1/4th of my pay. Terrifying.

[Lulu54]

I told my department chair as soon as the testing begun because I knew she would be supportive.  Our former President , who still works on campus at the age  everyone else would retire, was diagnosed with MS in the late 1980's.  He was immediately public about his dx to cut down on rumors.  That alone left me feeling secure in telling others.  I have been open with everyone and actually organized our MS Walk team through  our university.

That said, if my situation were different, I would definitely hesitate and tell only when it is essential and to whom  Good luck, L

[jibjen]

Hello,

I told my direct supervisor. We also happen to be very close friends. I do not really know how "high up" she has told people in my company..I have worked at my company for 15 years....They are somewhat a second family to me and we have all shared personal experiences with each other.

If I am having issues due to my MS, I typically speak to my supervisor about being out for rest time..but I usually work through it. If she has told anybody else they certainly have not said anything to me.

She has been really supportive. I did not feel like I should try to hide it, due to the fact that it is what it is for me....and I am sick..

JibJen

[Jacksmom516]

I have kept very quiet about my dx.  Luckily I had a foot injury which eventually lead to my dx so everyone thought I was going to Dr Appts for that as well as PT.  I am in a company that is pretty much going month to month and I didn't want to jeopardize my position with them thinking they did not "need" me any more.  There are a few people who know here but my boss or his boss no.  

[kwarendorf]

I have decided to keep very little about my MS secret. My boss, and his boss, and anyone at work that wants to know, knows I have MS. When I was being diagnosed I was going to a lot of Dr.'s appointments. I didn't want anyone to think I was goofing off, looking for another job etc.

Everyone at work has been very supportive.

Kyle

[saucygrl]

My entire left side went numb while I was at work and I could hardly walk.  There were a bunch of people who were witness to it so I pretty much had to tell them.  Thank goodness the people I work for are VERY understanding.  The real estate agents I work with are very supportive about checking the work I do for them for mistakes.  My computer screen is framed with sticky notes.  My coworkers are a huge part of my support system. There are places I have worked before however, that I would have kept my mouth shut!

Good luck with your decision!
Chris  

[jenphilly]

I was about to post that I was fired soon as my FMLA ran out...   Company did not consider that the ADA appllies, so there is an EEOC charge under investigation, but I would say unless you need accomodation or such, I personally would not share....  

There are companies who will be completely supportive, but honestly, I thought I worked for one of those companies!!  

Good luck!!

Jen

[marlo34]

I have pretty much decided to keep my mouth shut just by googling some info. Yikes.