Leave from work?

[Tishtock]

I was recently diagnosed as having postpartum thyroiditis.  After reading all of your posts, I now realize it is not in my head (feeling like crud, headaches, hip pain, fatigue, heat racing, anxiety, depression.)  I am currently filing for FMLA through my work and am wondering if anyone else has had to do this?  It seems as if thyroid diseases are so misunderstood by people who are not suffering.  I am just getting so afraid that I will lose my job and my health benefits.  Also, I have  always had headaches and tremors and about 2 years ago  I was having fainting spells.  My doc at the time (switched docs as she thought the weightloss and headaches I was complaining of was just from having a baby and didn't run any test after seeing me 3 times!) told me to put more salt on my food.  I am going to go pick up my medical records from there as now I am worried that maybe something was wrong then.  I didn't question her as to why I should put more salt on my food (most people are told to put less right?) and I feel so stupid for not asking her why.  Thank you all for your time.

[stella5349]

If you are filing for FMLA your employer will have records for the medical office backing your situation. It is not a guarantee you will have your position after you return - but it does provide you with some security by law that you do have a medical condition. The more you stress out about the things going on - the more likely you will become sicker and won't bounce back as soon as hoped.

You are going about it appropriately and stay with that if you need to. Depending on your job and position FMLA - your doctor - and your employer may be able to work out a situation of reduced work load. Can you go part time? Limit some responsibilities? etc.

Take into consideration your health and how you want to handle it. I gave 110% in everything while I was "somewhat" ill for the same reasons I think you are doing. Eventually I got so sick the bottom fell out under me. Yep - lost that job I had and everything. Then when that happened I got really got sick mentally and physically. That was he//.

Thyroid issues are life changing. You need to find the right decision for your health and everything else should be second. Things should balance out and hopefully your employer will work with you - if you communicate with them.

[AR-10]

I haven't worked since October, and I'm self employed. I probably won't be going to work for a few more months at least. Maybe another year.

I fret about losing my health insurance, but at least I have a little more control over that than you do.

I filed for SS Permanent disability in October, and I'll probably get it. :(


Your situation is not that extreme, but yes, people can miss a lot of work over Thyroid issues. And, no, nobody really understands what it's like unless they have had it or they live with you.

And welcome to the forum. :)