shakorox
03-06-2007, 08:20 PM
:mad: It's been a fustrating day for me. At the end of my work day my boss called me into her office. In there was the HR person assigned to my department. Apparently I am a work hazard:eek: news to me. I told my boss over a year ago that I need to see a pain specialist generally once a month for pain managment and she seemed understanding of my situation. I've always been honest about my condition and it has never been an issue before. Even as of recently I have met or exceeded on all of my expectation reports.
However, I was in a small fender-bender on a day where the freezing rain was an inch thick last week. Somehow my boss found out about this also today, she accused me of nodding off at my desk:confused:, on the contrary I was wide awake and worked thru lunch. According to her, I need to be evaluated and am considered a liability. She blamed my fender-bender on being medicated and told me that she thinks I have a problem:eek: I was then sent home and told not to return until I had clearence from employee assistance and my physician to work (I do paper-work all day).
First, I had my accident at lunch last week, OFF THE CLOCK. She only heard about it via office gossip. Secondly, I just met with my doctor yesterday about tapering my dose down because I have a great deal of relief from the nerve ablation I had about 9 weeks ago. I've been taking narcotic pain relievers of some sort for 13 years, for the last year I have been taking 50mg Kadian q12 give or take a few norco for BT. Since the nerve ablation started working I haven't used any BT meds and have been MUCH more active, so I spoke with my doc about lowering my base med to see if I could function just as good for less costly script bills. I've droped to 40mg q12 and still feel fine. I just don't understand why my boss is doing this to me. It just isn't warrented!
Has somthing of this nature ever happened to anyone else? Thanks a TON! Looks like I have a few days off, too bad I can't get paid for them.
However, I was in a small fender-bender on a day where the freezing rain was an inch thick last week. Somehow my boss found out about this also today, she accused me of nodding off at my desk:confused:, on the contrary I was wide awake and worked thru lunch. According to her, I need to be evaluated and am considered a liability. She blamed my fender-bender on being medicated and told me that she thinks I have a problem:eek: I was then sent home and told not to return until I had clearence from employee assistance and my physician to work (I do paper-work all day).
First, I had my accident at lunch last week, OFF THE CLOCK. She only heard about it via office gossip. Secondly, I just met with my doctor yesterday about tapering my dose down because I have a great deal of relief from the nerve ablation I had about 9 weeks ago. I've been taking narcotic pain relievers of some sort for 13 years, for the last year I have been taking 50mg Kadian q12 give or take a few norco for BT. Since the nerve ablation started working I haven't used any BT meds and have been MUCH more active, so I spoke with my doc about lowering my base med to see if I could function just as good for less costly script bills. I've droped to 40mg q12 and still feel fine. I just don't understand why my boss is doing this to me. It just isn't warrented!
Has somthing of this nature ever happened to anyone else? Thanks a TON! Looks like I have a few days off, too bad I can't get paid for them.
Sponsor
shakorox
03-06-2007, 09:29 PM
Now that I am over the initial shock, I want to speak to an HR person by myself. But I would like to find out what kind of rights I have, I'm just not sure where to look.
I do have to clarify one thing so the facts are straight. Regaurding the acusation of me "sleeping at work", I do recall the day after I last went to the ER. I went to the ER on account me not being able to move my head without pain. It turns out I was only having wicked muscle spasms and I was given some flexeril. I did get it cleared through my perscribing doc first. The next day I rember nodding off for a few minutes just after 7:am once the med kicked in, but I didn't take any more when I knew it would effect me that way. Reguardless of the fact that my brief nod was the result of a new med, she said it still constitues "sleeping on the job, as is described in the employee policy," she even said she could have terminated me!
My job demands attention to detail and I don't make any more mistakes than anyone else. and if I did make an unacceptable amount of mistakes they would be present is audits or during the quality inspection process. However there is no such proof.
This whole situation makes me feel like a criminal being charged with a crime.
I do have to clarify one thing so the facts are straight. Regaurding the acusation of me "sleeping at work", I do recall the day after I last went to the ER. I went to the ER on account me not being able to move my head without pain. It turns out I was only having wicked muscle spasms and I was given some flexeril. I did get it cleared through my perscribing doc first. The next day I rember nodding off for a few minutes just after 7:am once the med kicked in, but I didn't take any more when I knew it would effect me that way. Reguardless of the fact that my brief nod was the result of a new med, she said it still constitues "sleeping on the job, as is described in the employee policy," she even said she could have terminated me!
My job demands attention to detail and I don't make any more mistakes than anyone else. and if I did make an unacceptable amount of mistakes they would be present is audits or during the quality inspection process. However there is no such proof.
This whole situation makes me feel like a criminal being charged with a crime.
zach016
03-06-2007, 10:12 PM
Hi Shak,
You know isn't that just the way it goes. We WANT the people who are abusing their meds. to be 'outed' and I'm sure we have seen workmates who ARE 'out of it'on a regular basis. But what ends up happening alot of the time is that innocents get caught in the cross-fire!!
It sounds like you take your meds. very responsibly based on your post and have even gone down some which is something anyone abusing their meds. would never even consider doing. Never mind bringing it up with their Dr.!!
Unfortunately that Flexeril, especially when combined with a narcotic, can really do a number on someone. I take Flexeril and when I first started taking it I had a similar experience that scared the heck out of me!! Likeyou, I didn't take it before or during work after that.
If it were me, I"d probably speak with my lawyer about it and if he/she advised it was OK to talk to HR wihtout rep. I'd bring along my spouse or someone else to sit in. To us it sounds like a simple thing and we can understand how it could happen. To a new HR person trying to make a name for themselves, in a hospital setting, it might not seem that way.
Good luck.................zach16
You know isn't that just the way it goes. We WANT the people who are abusing their meds. to be 'outed' and I'm sure we have seen workmates who ARE 'out of it'on a regular basis. But what ends up happening alot of the time is that innocents get caught in the cross-fire!!
It sounds like you take your meds. very responsibly based on your post and have even gone down some which is something anyone abusing their meds. would never even consider doing. Never mind bringing it up with their Dr.!!
Unfortunately that Flexeril, especially when combined with a narcotic, can really do a number on someone. I take Flexeril and when I first started taking it I had a similar experience that scared the heck out of me!! Likeyou, I didn't take it before or during work after that.
If it were me, I"d probably speak with my lawyer about it and if he/she advised it was OK to talk to HR wihtout rep. I'd bring along my spouse or someone else to sit in. To us it sounds like a simple thing and we can understand how it could happen. To a new HR person trying to make a name for themselves, in a hospital setting, it might not seem that way.
Good luck.................zach16
mzpain
03-06-2007, 10:55 PM
This is a little different subject but it concerns idiot opinions and how others tend to focus those opinions on us CPers. I had a care coordinator from my insurance call me offering "help" with my health care needs. This happened because I had went to the ER 4-5 months ago (i'm ok now). Anyway I let her know I have a great doc, know how to advocate for myself concerning my healthcare etc...then remembered a problem I have with my insur. not paying for my ADD meds which is Dexadrine, the insur. will only pay for kids under 19 getting it not adult ADDers. The woman went psycho saying "Oh my God that is SPEED! do you know that? who is prescribing it? etc... I just laughed at her and got just as snotty as she was right back and informed her I knew that it was just like ritalin and others that is one of the common ways of treating ADD, then I said "Oh my Gosh did you know they are actually willing to pay for it if given to a teenager? :rolleyes:
My point is that your boss is a frigg'in hypocrite! She has an uninformed opinion of you and your meds and intends on screwing up your life just because she thinks she "KNOWS" everything about everything. You now have a new pain to to deal with YOUR BOSS. Ask around, check out on the web, or look in your local yellow pages for an employment attorney, some of them may advertise free consultaion, you need an attorney NOW before she pulls too much crap with her opinions and gossiping. You could be facing alot more than just her hypocritical opinions if your not careful, you do have rights and believe me you had better stop her or else you can be standing in the unemployment line, no I take that back you wouldnt even get unemployment because they would use the same lies to deny you that too. Just get an attorney, you'll be glad you did. Good luck:angel: :wave:
My point is that your boss is a frigg'in hypocrite! She has an uninformed opinion of you and your meds and intends on screwing up your life just because she thinks she "KNOWS" everything about everything. You now have a new pain to to deal with YOUR BOSS. Ask around, check out on the web, or look in your local yellow pages for an employment attorney, some of them may advertise free consultaion, you need an attorney NOW before she pulls too much crap with her opinions and gossiping. You could be facing alot more than just her hypocritical opinions if your not careful, you do have rights and believe me you had better stop her or else you can be standing in the unemployment line, no I take that back you wouldnt even get unemployment because they would use the same lies to deny you that too. Just get an attorney, you'll be glad you did. Good luck:angel: :wave:
youngone00
03-07-2007, 01:40 AM
This really makes me mad.. I tell you something, and I'm really really sorry for saying.. I dont think, and I dont think you should think that its going to stop here. If she has a prejudice, its going to continue and continue until she gets rid of you, or forces you to get rid of yourself.. I think you should definatly, or if not definatly, atleast strongly strongly consider, getting an attorney. Think of it in the sense that you have absoloutly nothing to lose by atleast contacting one. Its not fair, and even if you did nod out, that is one single day, and you bein on the med's your on doesn't even affect your work. Its amazing how judgemental people can be.. You know, I never wished my pain on anybody at all, infact I never would wish anything so bad on anybody. I do have to tell you though, I am in a sense starting to wish it upon all of these Dr's, Pharmacists, and other people who want to look at us like we are druggies, liars, and in general just bad people. I mean, I only wish it upon them just long enough to realize what its like.. Please keep us updated, and let us know what you decide to do. Remember, if your worried about retaliation from your job, you can atleast call (or you can even email alot of Lawyers now and explain, and they will call you and tell you if you have a case) and see what they say, without anybody actually contacting your job.. I wish you all the luck with your job, and I hope your pain is doing good..
Bryan
Bryan
kelsey1
03-07-2007, 01:51 AM
gosh ,i had something similar happen to me a few months ago,i was at work and i was waiting on cops (i am a watress SP?) anyways i was getting off and the cops i was waiting on said that they would lock me up for driving while on meds because they over heard that i was on them . It was a new med i might have been under the influnce SP? because it was a new drug but i had been on it for a couple of weeks it was only when they over heard that i was taking meds that they thought i was high, no one had work had ever said anything to me about it . i lower my dose til i got more use to the drug . I never thought my mgmt even knew about it but they did,because a comment was made about a week ago that they were glad that i lower my dose so i didn't get into trouble with the cops ,but i was never in trouble at work no one there thought i was high on my meds. As long as your job isn't effected my your meds it sould be none of there buisness. Did you explain to your work what happen with the new med and that was a one time thing? I am sorry if you already said so i didn't remember. I would get a lawyer for sure ,if you had to take insulin at work and you nodded off would you have gotten into trouble? no? it isn't like you put yourself or anyone else in danger you work at a desk. I wonder what nurses and dr and cops and judges do if they have chronic pain ? could they take their meds? i was just wondering ? keep us posted good luck,kelsey
morgyporgy
03-07-2007, 02:28 PM
you were given some excellent advice about getting a lawyer. this all semms completely unfair not to mention the fact that it makes it you feel humiliated and embaressed. i will not even pretend to know what your rights are concerning this situation which is exactly why you should speak to an attorney.
i would also like to say something and i hope you take this the way it is sincerely meant. should this not go your way and you end up losing your job as another poster suggested, just know that everything happens for a reason and may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. there may be something better around this corner of your life but you don't it yet. i know right now it may not seem that way but sometimes it really does turn out that way. try not to let the stress get to you too bad and bring those pain levels up.
i sincerely wish you luck and guidance thru this and please keep us updated on any new developments. god bless and take care, katy
i would also like to say something and i hope you take this the way it is sincerely meant. should this not go your way and you end up losing your job as another poster suggested, just know that everything happens for a reason and may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. there may be something better around this corner of your life but you don't it yet. i know right now it may not seem that way but sometimes it really does turn out that way. try not to let the stress get to you too bad and bring those pain levels up.
i sincerely wish you luck and guidance thru this and please keep us updated on any new developments. god bless and take care, katy
mzpain
03-07-2007, 03:39 PM
Oh yes Katy is very correct, when God works his wonders in our lives, sometimes we dont even notice because we only seem to look at things from our human perspective. Regardless of what comes of all this try and make sure you at the very least LEARN some things. People think I am crazy but I always try and find "something" positive from EVERY situation even the obviously bad ones, it makes me feel better, like I put up with all the negative, discrimination, etc... but if I find at least one positive I feel like I win, or at least I dont lose all of the situation. Have a painless day!
rayefaye
03-07-2007, 07:23 PM
You could probably contact the labor board in your state and find out what your rights are.
npainnTN
03-07-2007, 11:34 PM
Hey Shak,
I am so sorry your work is treating you like this. My dad has 2 of his best friends who just recently got fired for taking oxycontin. They had a prescription and HR knew about it and everything. Then one day one of the "BIG" bosses from out of state came for a meeting and somehow found out about it and they both got fired on the spot. I think they were only taking like 80mg every 12 hours. It just goes to show you that people don't know what they are talking about. My mother in law tried to tell me one time that the reason I was so sleepy all the time was that my oxycontin was made from marijuana. :jester: I was like what, no Its not and I am sleepy because I had just started with the pain control meds.
Anyway to get back to you Shak, I agree with the other post and contact and attorney. If you were like a nurse and taking a lot of pain meds I could understand this being a liability, but doing paper work all day, what liability. I mean I don't know what type of work it is, as all work is important to be alert, but it doesn't sound like to me that you have a problem being alert. Keep us posted on what happens and if you do contact a lawyer.
another thing i would do is not talk to ANYONE at work about what is going on. even ones who are your friends. this way no more gossip gets started than already has.
good luck
jenn:)
I am so sorry your work is treating you like this. My dad has 2 of his best friends who just recently got fired for taking oxycontin. They had a prescription and HR knew about it and everything. Then one day one of the "BIG" bosses from out of state came for a meeting and somehow found out about it and they both got fired on the spot. I think they were only taking like 80mg every 12 hours. It just goes to show you that people don't know what they are talking about. My mother in law tried to tell me one time that the reason I was so sleepy all the time was that my oxycontin was made from marijuana. :jester: I was like what, no Its not and I am sleepy because I had just started with the pain control meds.
Anyway to get back to you Shak, I agree with the other post and contact and attorney. If you were like a nurse and taking a lot of pain meds I could understand this being a liability, but doing paper work all day, what liability. I mean I don't know what type of work it is, as all work is important to be alert, but it doesn't sound like to me that you have a problem being alert. Keep us posted on what happens and if you do contact a lawyer.
another thing i would do is not talk to ANYONE at work about what is going on. even ones who are your friends. this way no more gossip gets started than already has.
good luck
jenn:)
shakorox
03-11-2007, 07:01 PM
Thak you all for posting. Well it turns out that the alegations against me are sleeping while at work and leaving my work station for extended periods of time. Unfortunately I was not given the details until after I was interogated at occupational health. My boss left a message for me on my cell telling me I need to attend a physical at occupational health to ensure I am sutable to return to work.
I arrived at my apointment and no one in the office knew why I was there. They tried to contact my boss, but couldn't. They were able to contact the HR person and she faxed them an "employee illness and injury form" that stated the reason for my assessment. During the proccess I was questioned about every aspect of my pain care since I was 14 years old. They totaly invaded my privacy, took my blood and urine and requested ALL of my medical records from my PM&R doctor.
It wasn't until I left the visit that I was given any copies of paper work. On the paper work there were two dates. Next to the dates is says Date(s) of incident(s)
I am sooo upset that no one told me the accusations were for two specific dates. This whole time I was given the impression that the accusations were against my entire career working there!
It turns out my boss wasn't even at work on the two dates in question. So obviously someone told her that I was away for "extended periods of time" and was "sleeping" when I was at my desk. Apparently she didn't ask the two nurses that share the same room with me. Because if she did she would have been informed of the following:
1. On the first date in question I was in an unusually high amount of pain in an uncommon place in my neck. I then told my coworkers that I was going to employee health to get it checked out. I was then told that employee health was no longer on campus and to go to the ER instead. So I did. Thus, on the first date I was accused of being away for a long amount of time "without explination" I was at the ER.
2. On the second date in question I went to lunch and was in a fender-bender on my way back to work. The reason I was longer than usual is because I waited to file a police report.
3.The only reason anyone could have suspected me of sleeping was the day I returned from the ER. This is because it turned out I was having an intense muscle spasm and was instructed to do certain stretches at least 5 min each hour. From a passer-by I can see how it would have apeared I was sleeping.
Some time ago I stupidly disclosed to my boss what type of medication I take. I now see that was a mistake, a big mistake. All it took was a few observations from a biased outsider and all of a sudden I'm a drug addict. I can't believe they withheld the specifics about the allegations until after they requested ALL of my medical records, took my urine and blood, interrogaded me at my 3.5 hour "physical", and accused me of "having a problem and needing to get help"! I've already missed a whole week of work withOUT pay! I already had to cancel my wedding anniversery reservations because I can't afford our trip now.
If I knew at the begining what I know now, there is NO WAY I would have consented to any of the things they have put me through.
It realy made a red flag shoot up for me when my boss said to me "I think you have a problem and need to get help" and the only thing the I was questioned about during my 3.5 hour "physical" was my drug use and belive me they were anything but polite.
My boss has her PhD in Nursing and has told me in the past I'm a "lesser" person because I am not a nurse therfor am not entitled to the same privleges. Privleges such as being able to go to the bathrom without leaving a sticky note to say "Went to restroom at__:__"! After I stupidly mentioned the the type of therapy I recieve my boss on several occasions voiced her belief in non-traditional therapies such as herbal remedies and ancient chineese medicine. A good example of her line of thinking is the new clinical trial she is the principle investigator on. The study is reflexology (foot massage at certian trigger points on the foot) vs. a placebo foot rub during chemotherpy treatment to see if reflexology improves survival for near-terminal breast cancer patients.
I gotta go before I get off the topic, however I really apreciate any input. All I do is sit here, alone, thinking about my situation and get upset. All this added stress doesn't help my pain any!
Thanks,
-shak-:wave:
I arrived at my apointment and no one in the office knew why I was there. They tried to contact my boss, but couldn't. They were able to contact the HR person and she faxed them an "employee illness and injury form" that stated the reason for my assessment. During the proccess I was questioned about every aspect of my pain care since I was 14 years old. They totaly invaded my privacy, took my blood and urine and requested ALL of my medical records from my PM&R doctor.
It wasn't until I left the visit that I was given any copies of paper work. On the paper work there were two dates. Next to the dates is says Date(s) of incident(s)
I am sooo upset that no one told me the accusations were for two specific dates. This whole time I was given the impression that the accusations were against my entire career working there!
It turns out my boss wasn't even at work on the two dates in question. So obviously someone told her that I was away for "extended periods of time" and was "sleeping" when I was at my desk. Apparently she didn't ask the two nurses that share the same room with me. Because if she did she would have been informed of the following:
1. On the first date in question I was in an unusually high amount of pain in an uncommon place in my neck. I then told my coworkers that I was going to employee health to get it checked out. I was then told that employee health was no longer on campus and to go to the ER instead. So I did. Thus, on the first date I was accused of being away for a long amount of time "without explination" I was at the ER.
2. On the second date in question I went to lunch and was in a fender-bender on my way back to work. The reason I was longer than usual is because I waited to file a police report.
3.The only reason anyone could have suspected me of sleeping was the day I returned from the ER. This is because it turned out I was having an intense muscle spasm and was instructed to do certain stretches at least 5 min each hour. From a passer-by I can see how it would have apeared I was sleeping.
Some time ago I stupidly disclosed to my boss what type of medication I take. I now see that was a mistake, a big mistake. All it took was a few observations from a biased outsider and all of a sudden I'm a drug addict. I can't believe they withheld the specifics about the allegations until after they requested ALL of my medical records, took my urine and blood, interrogaded me at my 3.5 hour "physical", and accused me of "having a problem and needing to get help"! I've already missed a whole week of work withOUT pay! I already had to cancel my wedding anniversery reservations because I can't afford our trip now.
If I knew at the begining what I know now, there is NO WAY I would have consented to any of the things they have put me through.
It realy made a red flag shoot up for me when my boss said to me "I think you have a problem and need to get help" and the only thing the I was questioned about during my 3.5 hour "physical" was my drug use and belive me they were anything but polite.
My boss has her PhD in Nursing and has told me in the past I'm a "lesser" person because I am not a nurse therfor am not entitled to the same privleges. Privleges such as being able to go to the bathrom without leaving a sticky note to say "Went to restroom at__:__"! After I stupidly mentioned the the type of therapy I recieve my boss on several occasions voiced her belief in non-traditional therapies such as herbal remedies and ancient chineese medicine. A good example of her line of thinking is the new clinical trial she is the principle investigator on. The study is reflexology (foot massage at certian trigger points on the foot) vs. a placebo foot rub during chemotherpy treatment to see if reflexology improves survival for near-terminal breast cancer patients.
I gotta go before I get off the topic, however I really apreciate any input. All I do is sit here, alone, thinking about my situation and get upset. All this added stress doesn't help my pain any!
Thanks,
-shak-:wave:
rayefaye
03-11-2007, 08:07 PM
What kind of company do you work for? This is absolutely horrible the way they have treated you, I think you need some legal advice. How do they get by with treating their employees in such a manner?:confused:
shakorox
03-11-2007, 08:44 PM
I actually work for a very large hospital. But I don't have patient contact, I'm a paper pusher. However, one of my responsibilities is gathering data from different offices which involves a fair amount of foot work. The campus is probably 1/2 mile from end to end.
shakorox
03-12-2007, 02:37 PM
Today I went to the "Employee Assistance Services" apointment. I was told that I am on the same plane as heroine and cocaine users. She said she can not believe the "incredibly high dose of drugs" I take (40mg Kadian q12).
I tried to explain the scenerio but was told that reguardless of circumstances the fact that I take Kadian is a whole other issue and I can not return to work on it. She told me I might as well be given a script for heroine.
So she is going to recomend therapy for me because my "addiction" is obviously "out of control".
The strange thing is that I had to spell Kadian for her because she never heard of it. Also, she thought Lyrica is a narcotic and I couldn't convince her otherwise.
I couldn't handle my fustration and I broke down. She said "See, these drugs are ruining your life." She said that if I continue to fight I will end up getting fired! She told me that I need to admit I have an addiction and get treatment.
I feel like I am screaming at the top of my lungs and no one is listening.
I tried to explain the scenerio but was told that reguardless of circumstances the fact that I take Kadian is a whole other issue and I can not return to work on it. She told me I might as well be given a script for heroine.
So she is going to recomend therapy for me because my "addiction" is obviously "out of control".
The strange thing is that I had to spell Kadian for her because she never heard of it. Also, she thought Lyrica is a narcotic and I couldn't convince her otherwise.
I couldn't handle my fustration and I broke down. She said "See, these drugs are ruining your life." She said that if I continue to fight I will end up getting fired! She told me that I need to admit I have an addiction and get treatment.
I feel like I am screaming at the top of my lungs and no one is listening.
cpapp31
03-12-2007, 03:26 PM
Hi Shak!
OMG, I can not believe how they are treating you. This is shocking to me. If they are telling you pain meds are like taking heroine, I am soooo glad I am NOT a patient at that hospital. With their attitude about pain management, I have a feeling patients at that hospital are getting treated fairly for their pain needs. What state are you in?
You may want to look into getting legal representation. I am so sorry that you are being unfairly treated. I really hope things work out for you.
Please keep us updated on this situation.
Hugs,
Cpapp31
OMG, I can not believe how they are treating you. This is shocking to me. If they are telling you pain meds are like taking heroine, I am soooo glad I am NOT a patient at that hospital. With their attitude about pain management, I have a feeling patients at that hospital are getting treated fairly for their pain needs. What state are you in?
You may want to look into getting legal representation. I am so sorry that you are being unfairly treated. I really hope things work out for you.
Please keep us updated on this situation.
Hugs,
Cpapp31
rayefaye
03-12-2007, 03:32 PM
This is just terrible treatment, I think not only is it time to find legal counseling but time to find a new job. Thank God it wasn't me because I'm red-headed with a bad temper when it comes to things like this. I would be so angry:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: that I know I would told them what I thought. I wouldn't care if they fired me or not this is just truly harrasement of some kind. I truly feel for you and I know I couldn't work for no one who treated me in such a manner.
ozzybug
03-12-2007, 03:32 PM
I am in utter shock here! I am so, SO sorry these people are doing this to you. I mean, for goodness sake, this is a HOSPITAL, they are medical professionals. You would think they know the difference between treatment of chronic pain and a drug addict. What a crock they are serving you!
My only advice is in agreement with the people who have already recommended getting an attorney. You need legal advice and hopefully, an attorney will be able to set these people straight. I am just seething as I type this. It sounds like discrimination to me, and I think they are wrong.
I have to say that defamation of character comes to mind, so does slander. They are making false assumptions and are defaming your character here. Who are they to call you an addict? You take these medications under the advice and guidance of a doctor!!
This just goes to further prove the stigma that society places on chronic pain patients who just happen to need medications in order to function "normally" on a daily basis. If some of these ignorant people had to spend just 24 hours in our bodies, they would be climbing the wall, BEGGING for some kind of relief.
I am so, so sorry. I just don't know what else to say......:blob_fire
My only advice is in agreement with the people who have already recommended getting an attorney. You need legal advice and hopefully, an attorney will be able to set these people straight. I am just seething as I type this. It sounds like discrimination to me, and I think they are wrong.
I have to say that defamation of character comes to mind, so does slander. They are making false assumptions and are defaming your character here. Who are they to call you an addict? You take these medications under the advice and guidance of a doctor!!
This just goes to further prove the stigma that society places on chronic pain patients who just happen to need medications in order to function "normally" on a daily basis. If some of these ignorant people had to spend just 24 hours in our bodies, they would be climbing the wall, BEGGING for some kind of relief.
I am so, so sorry. I just don't know what else to say......:blob_fire
rayefaye
03-12-2007, 03:40 PM
I totally agree with you Ozzybug about the discrimation and slander because such accusations against her could come back and hurt her in the future. This kind of treatment is totally out of line.
shakorox
03-12-2007, 05:36 PM
Thanks Ozzy and Raye:wave:
I feel stepped on. In more ways than one. I checked into the credentials of this "Employee Assistance Services" coordinator and she isn't a doctor or even a nurse. She just has a lot of certificates hanging on her wall. I don't see where she has the right to tell me that my PM&R is "over-perscribing":confused:
I only hope the inquries will not disuade my Doctor from continuing to care for me in the future. My PM&R Doctor even works at the same hospital.
So it apears that the only way I will be able to return to work is if I am NOT taking any narcotic pain relievers. Oh, that reminds me of somthing else she said while reviewing her notes and trying to prove an idiodic point - "You see that word . . . NARCOTIC :eek:? Don't you know what that means? It means synthetic herion:dizzy: ! Your taking the same thing Heroin is made out of!" I honestly did not know how to respond to this.
I am looking for employment elsewhere. But I don't feel right leaving without putting up a fight first, so I am going to lawyer up! I can't let them treat me this way. The scary thing is that the Employee Assistance -censored- told me I was not the first person she had "helped" in this situation, I'm "more like the 500th"!
Tommorrow I believe everone is going to meet and talk about me and decide a course of action. From there, the pain and suffering will begin!
Thanks again for you support.
-Shak-
I feel stepped on. In more ways than one. I checked into the credentials of this "Employee Assistance Services" coordinator and she isn't a doctor or even a nurse. She just has a lot of certificates hanging on her wall. I don't see where she has the right to tell me that my PM&R is "over-perscribing":confused:
I only hope the inquries will not disuade my Doctor from continuing to care for me in the future. My PM&R Doctor even works at the same hospital.
So it apears that the only way I will be able to return to work is if I am NOT taking any narcotic pain relievers. Oh, that reminds me of somthing else she said while reviewing her notes and trying to prove an idiodic point - "You see that word . . . NARCOTIC :eek:? Don't you know what that means? It means synthetic herion:dizzy: ! Your taking the same thing Heroin is made out of!" I honestly did not know how to respond to this.
I am looking for employment elsewhere. But I don't feel right leaving without putting up a fight first, so I am going to lawyer up! I can't let them treat me this way. The scary thing is that the Employee Assistance -censored- told me I was not the first person she had "helped" in this situation, I'm "more like the 500th"!
Tommorrow I believe everone is going to meet and talk about me and decide a course of action. From there, the pain and suffering will begin!
Thanks again for you support.
-Shak-
BrittleBones
03-12-2007, 05:45 PM
Shak - sorry this response is so late in the game but: I would RUN, not WALK, to the nearest labor lawyer you can find!! I would absolutely take that attorney with me to any meeting you plan on attending. You need to have someone with you who can advise you of your rights. Please, please, go lawyer hunting today!! Good luck - KathyMac
ozzybug
03-12-2007, 06:05 PM
Shak-
That woman actually said that narcotics are synthetic heroin??? Well, I think I would have asked her if she has ever had an injury, went to the ER, or had surgery, had a child, and left the hospital with a scrip for narcotic pain meds? If so, then how can she sit in judgement of you????
I am SO angry right now that I want to type in ALL CAPS!!! My keyboard is going to be hurting when I'm done typing this post, and a few of my nails will be broken beyond repair!!!
Again, I have to state that the people who don't live with DAILY, INTRACTABLE pain will NEVER understand, therefore they feel they have the right to tell us what we are doing is wrong, immoral, or whatever they want to call it. It just sickens me beyond belief. I am just ill for you right now Shak. If I were an attorney I'd be doing a "Pro-Bono" for you right now!
You are very smart to look for an attorney. And you know what, they deserve to be slapped with a lawsuit. Their assumptions can interfere with you getting other employment if they tell a possible future employer the things they are ASSUMING.
Oh, I wish you the best of luck with this and am sending positive thoughts your way.
That woman actually said that narcotics are synthetic heroin??? Well, I think I would have asked her if she has ever had an injury, went to the ER, or had surgery, had a child, and left the hospital with a scrip for narcotic pain meds? If so, then how can she sit in judgement of you????
I am SO angry right now that I want to type in ALL CAPS!!! My keyboard is going to be hurting when I'm done typing this post, and a few of my nails will be broken beyond repair!!!
Again, I have to state that the people who don't live with DAILY, INTRACTABLE pain will NEVER understand, therefore they feel they have the right to tell us what we are doing is wrong, immoral, or whatever they want to call it. It just sickens me beyond belief. I am just ill for you right now Shak. If I were an attorney I'd be doing a "Pro-Bono" for you right now!
You are very smart to look for an attorney. And you know what, they deserve to be slapped with a lawsuit. Their assumptions can interfere with you getting other employment if they tell a possible future employer the things they are ASSUMING.
Oh, I wish you the best of luck with this and am sending positive thoughts your way.
shakorox
03-12-2007, 11:53 PM
Thanks Ozz
I told my wife the same exact thing on my way home from that meeting! I said I wish some of these people had to experience our pain for only 12hr's. I'm sure that would be enough time to drive any non-hardened person coo-coo for coco puffs!
:blob_fire :mad: :blob_fire :mad: :blob_fire :mad: :blob_fire :mad: :blob_fire
I told my wife the same exact thing on my way home from that meeting! I said I wish some of these people had to experience our pain for only 12hr's. I'm sure that would be enough time to drive any non-hardened person coo-coo for coco puffs!
:blob_fire :mad: :blob_fire :mad: :blob_fire :mad: :blob_fire :mad: :blob_fire
IZZY'SMOM
03-13-2007, 02:22 AM
please delete...thank you!!!
IZZY'SMOM
03-13-2007, 02:39 AM
Hi Shak~
I posted eariler but must have gotten my post deleted, ans I was absolutely furious. I hope you saw it, as I had stated that you need to get an attorney.
You have gotten TONS of advice here, and you need to seek legal council ASAP. Again, I will state that if you even want endure employment there, that would be in your UTMOST best interest, to get legal council~ and you should ask for damages for hardship and having to find another place of employment, ect. You have a list a mile long, and if you dont act upon it soon, you wont have much else except to be a stastic. Get on it, I know you can do it.
Good luck!
XOXOXOXOX,
IZZY'SMOM:wave:
I posted eariler but must have gotten my post deleted, ans I was absolutely furious. I hope you saw it, as I had stated that you need to get an attorney.
You have gotten TONS of advice here, and you need to seek legal council ASAP. Again, I will state that if you even want endure employment there, that would be in your UTMOST best interest, to get legal council~ and you should ask for damages for hardship and having to find another place of employment, ect. You have a list a mile long, and if you dont act upon it soon, you wont have much else except to be a stastic. Get on it, I know you can do it.
Good luck!
XOXOXOXOX,
IZZY'SMOM:wave:
npainnTN
03-13-2007, 03:28 AM
Hey Shak,
I hope this post finds you having a "better" day. Knowing that it will not but at least its a prayer. I can't believe your EPA Counselor told you that narcotics were made from heroin. Thats like my mom told me that one of my meds was a marijuana derivitive. (its not) People like to jump to conclusions when they don't have a leg to stand on, and for them to tell you that you are an addict because of the small dose of med you take then does that make us all addicts, because I am sure we all take that amount if not more. I think all employers should have to have some training about this stuff, and how it does and does not affect our lives. I am so sorry that you are having to go through this. Definately get a lawyer as everyone else has said, and I would also, demand back pay for the week you were not allowed to work. Any lawyer will jump on this case. It's sad that we (chronic pain patients) have to go through this crap in our lives, not only from employers but from friends, family, doctors, pharmacists, and strangers. Like you said I would not wish my pain on ANYONE, not even for a minute, but I wish there was some way to make them understand what we go through just to get out of bed and do stuff. Then maybe people would have a different outlook on things.
Good luck, and keep us posted.
I will be praying for you.
jenn
I hope this post finds you having a "better" day. Knowing that it will not but at least its a prayer. I can't believe your EPA Counselor told you that narcotics were made from heroin. Thats like my mom told me that one of my meds was a marijuana derivitive. (its not) People like to jump to conclusions when they don't have a leg to stand on, and for them to tell you that you are an addict because of the small dose of med you take then does that make us all addicts, because I am sure we all take that amount if not more. I think all employers should have to have some training about this stuff, and how it does and does not affect our lives. I am so sorry that you are having to go through this. Definately get a lawyer as everyone else has said, and I would also, demand back pay for the week you were not allowed to work. Any lawyer will jump on this case. It's sad that we (chronic pain patients) have to go through this crap in our lives, not only from employers but from friends, family, doctors, pharmacists, and strangers. Like you said I would not wish my pain on ANYONE, not even for a minute, but I wish there was some way to make them understand what we go through just to get out of bed and do stuff. Then maybe people would have a different outlook on things.
Good luck, and keep us posted.
I will be praying for you.
jenn
zach016
03-22-2007, 01:35 AM
Hi again Shak,
Wow, I've heard of horror stories before with this sort of thing, but never anything worse that this!! The pompous HR person you are dealing with sounds like a real winner. No matter what you do or say to him/her they are going to say "see, that is the drugs causing you to say/do that" so I would refer her to your lawyer cause you ain't going to win with that narrow mind.
He/she sounds lke they have a little bit of knowledge and you know how bad that can be!! I think they were thinking about how heroin breaks down in the body and appears as morphine in urine?? I don't know if there is a threshold as far as the testing you had goes or if your company has one do you know?? Whatever the cases, 40mgs.of Kadian twice a day does NOT sound like even a moderate amount for a chronic pain patient.
It sounds like you have got yourself a lawyer and he/she has told you to start logging EVERYTHING they have told you when'/where/why/who/what. I hope that you sue the pants off of them.
I don't know if you read about teh paramedic in the U.S. that was fired for being accused of using heroin or unprescribed morphine because he had a positive drug test. He was adamant that he did not take ANYTHING. After talking to experts he says that the poppy seed bagel that he had for breakfast is what showed up as positive (they have a very low threshold). I didn't hear what ended up happening in that case but it sounds as ridiculous as what you are going thru.
Please keep us posted if you can and good luck...............Zach016
Wow, I've heard of horror stories before with this sort of thing, but never anything worse that this!! The pompous HR person you are dealing with sounds like a real winner. No matter what you do or say to him/her they are going to say "see, that is the drugs causing you to say/do that" so I would refer her to your lawyer cause you ain't going to win with that narrow mind.
He/she sounds lke they have a little bit of knowledge and you know how bad that can be!! I think they were thinking about how heroin breaks down in the body and appears as morphine in urine?? I don't know if there is a threshold as far as the testing you had goes or if your company has one do you know?? Whatever the cases, 40mgs.of Kadian twice a day does NOT sound like even a moderate amount for a chronic pain patient.
It sounds like you have got yourself a lawyer and he/she has told you to start logging EVERYTHING they have told you when'/where/why/who/what. I hope that you sue the pants off of them.
I don't know if you read about teh paramedic in the U.S. that was fired for being accused of using heroin or unprescribed morphine because he had a positive drug test. He was adamant that he did not take ANYTHING. After talking to experts he says that the poppy seed bagel that he had for breakfast is what showed up as positive (they have a very low threshold). I didn't hear what ended up happening in that case but it sounds as ridiculous as what you are going thru.
Please keep us posted if you can and good luck...............Zach016
dani808
03-22-2007, 02:38 PM
I work in law and have seen others go through similar situations. (of course every case is different) but I would stongly suggest getting an attorney. They cannot discriminate against you for the type of medical care you receive, and this women is not qualified to make judgments about you or even push her ideals on you. (Neither am I for that matter which is why you need an attorney) It is great that you are an honest person, but you should have never told her the meds you are on. That is no ones business anyway. What has happened, is you gave people a reason to watch you and gave them a reason for any mistake you make regardless of wether it is related to the meds or not. Some people don't understand and have very different opinions on pain management. I mean, if pharmacists and docs who know better are treating people like addicts, what do you think your employer is going to do? At any rate, if you have the proof top back up your case, you need to go to an attorney. But I only suggest doing this if you have kept really good records, because your opinions or feeling or interpratations of what happened will not matter to an attorney. All he will see is the potential of the case, so go in with all of your documentation. Be very clear about what you are looking for, and keep all of your feelings and poitics out of it. Meanwhile, if they call you in or what you to sign anything, just tell them you are not comfortable with this anymore and you would like to get the advice of an attorney first. At the very least, it will put them on alert and from then on out they will have be very careful about the way they handle things. Keep records of every little thing that happens. Also, it wouldn't hurt to document your problem with an employee relations person or someone higher up than your time keeper. Tell them you are in the process of getting an attorney and want them to get your boss to back off until you have had time to do so. Also, be clear that you are concerned about your privacy and ask that they make sure that non of this is repeated to employees. Get a copy of the ducumantation of your concerns. This will not only buy you time because it is unlikely they will fire you after you tell them you are getting an attorney because it looks like retaliation. This also documents your concerns so if she behaves innapropriately or tells others of your situation, you have proff of your efforts, and can add slander and defamation of character to your complaints. I agree with others in this post. They will always treat you bad and label you from here on out and try to find ways to get you out. If you want to keep your job, and get an attorney to help you do that and protect you, you will have to be able to deal with the recourse.
conductor
03-22-2007, 11:02 PM
Dear Shak,
AMEN & AMEN to the post that just appeared from dani808!!
I hope you are documenting and documenting. Document everything pertaining to your pain levels AND KEEP THIS ON A CALENDAR TO SEE HOW YOUR PAIN LEVELS CHANGE BASED ON THE STRESS YOU'RE UNDER.
Also, as someone else has already mentioned...Your Kadian dosage is barely a blip on the radar as far as "High Dosages" are concerned. Yes, we all react differently to these opiates--the term "narcotic" is a terribly dubious term--but Kadian 40 mg q. 12 hrs (correct?) is not excessive.
I'm so irritated that I am clearly taking it out on my keyboard. IRK!
Seriously...Keep records of everything: Pain records and diaries, Lost work accrual, Diaries of your feelings (like when the technically non-professional and non-qualified person tells you that you are an addict), etc. Make sure these are all documented on a CALENDAR so there is a time structure to all of it. This way it can be cross-referenced.
OF COURSE...Please keep us posted. We would rather you become professionally certified with a degree in Human Resources, take over that whole place, and develop it into the sterling example of how these types of large departments should be properly administrated!!! Maybe your attorney can work that out in the settlement. Can't we, at least, have some hopeful fantasies?
Best wishes to you.
Jon (Conductor)
AMEN & AMEN to the post that just appeared from dani808!!
I hope you are documenting and documenting. Document everything pertaining to your pain levels AND KEEP THIS ON A CALENDAR TO SEE HOW YOUR PAIN LEVELS CHANGE BASED ON THE STRESS YOU'RE UNDER.
Also, as someone else has already mentioned...Your Kadian dosage is barely a blip on the radar as far as "High Dosages" are concerned. Yes, we all react differently to these opiates--the term "narcotic" is a terribly dubious term--but Kadian 40 mg q. 12 hrs (correct?) is not excessive.
I'm so irritated that I am clearly taking it out on my keyboard. IRK!
Seriously...Keep records of everything: Pain records and diaries, Lost work accrual, Diaries of your feelings (like when the technically non-professional and non-qualified person tells you that you are an addict), etc. Make sure these are all documented on a CALENDAR so there is a time structure to all of it. This way it can be cross-referenced.
OF COURSE...Please keep us posted. We would rather you become professionally certified with a degree in Human Resources, take over that whole place, and develop it into the sterling example of how these types of large departments should be properly administrated!!! Maybe your attorney can work that out in the settlement. Can't we, at least, have some hopeful fantasies?
Best wishes to you.
Jon (Conductor)
tracer
03-27-2007, 09:33 PM
hi there,this is also really is upsetting to me.i have had 3 lower back sx and was not working for 2 yrs but i got started with a pm doc and got my pain under controal and now i am able to work again,i take 12mgh duregesic patch and lortab for bt pain,this has been a godsend for me i am now back at work and very happy with it as far a drug screen goses they ask if i took drugs and i told them only what the doctor rx and left it at that.as far as i am concerned its between me and my doctor wat meds are prescribed and wat activities i preform while takeing them.and me and my doc dicussed me going back to work and he felt it was a great idea because chronic pain often leads to depression in nonactive ppl.i am a desil mechanic and my work is very labor intensive and i have no trouble as far as impairment from pain meds sorta seems stupid ppl with chronic pain try to get thier normal lives back through treatments and meds and when you succed ur accussed of abbusseing drugs errr i wish you good luck.
shakorox
03-29-2007, 11:33 AM
Just to update the post.
I'm still not working. It started on 3.5.07. I get the run around everytime I try to get updated. Thus far my drug screen was fine and occupational health wants me to get a letter from my physician to give to the manager of the "Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
I spoke with the EAP manager and was told that she believes my doctor is WAY OVER PERSCRIBING and that occupational health is full of BS. Keep in mind the is in no way a clinical person, not a nurse, not a MD, nothing. Her biased opinion is that I stop taking everything, however it is up to my doctor.
The EAP manager still refers to me as "drug addict" and says that I will be monitored and have to go through adiciton counseling. She said I won't be able to see different doctors or even go to the emergency room:confused:
Needless to say she was irate when occupational health recognized that I have a legit disease and require meds. However, I am still surpassed agrevation and am still not getting paid. This whole situation is ubsurd!
I'm still not working. It started on 3.5.07. I get the run around everytime I try to get updated. Thus far my drug screen was fine and occupational health wants me to get a letter from my physician to give to the manager of the "Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
I spoke with the EAP manager and was told that she believes my doctor is WAY OVER PERSCRIBING and that occupational health is full of BS. Keep in mind the is in no way a clinical person, not a nurse, not a MD, nothing. Her biased opinion is that I stop taking everything, however it is up to my doctor.
The EAP manager still refers to me as "drug addict" and says that I will be monitored and have to go through adiciton counseling. She said I won't be able to see different doctors or even go to the emergency room:confused:
Needless to say she was irate when occupational health recognized that I have a legit disease and require meds. However, I am still surpassed agrevation and am still not getting paid. This whole situation is ubsurd!
ozzybug
03-29-2007, 06:43 PM
Hey Shak-
I am glad you stopped in to update us. Did you speak with an attorney yet? I really hope that if you haven't that you will soon. They are doing you wrong and they need to be put in their places. Please, if you haven't contacted an attorney, do so soon. I honestly feel you have a legitimate case here against these people.
Take care, and good luck!!
I am glad you stopped in to update us. Did you speak with an attorney yet? I really hope that if you haven't that you will soon. They are doing you wrong and they need to be put in their places. Please, if you haven't contacted an attorney, do so soon. I honestly feel you have a legitimate case here against these people.
Take care, and good luck!!
tracer
03-30-2007, 02:48 AM
hey i spoke to a friend who worked at ups and was in a simalar position.he told me that while he was off on suspenision and jumping through thier hoops that it caused him so much mental stress that he had a breakdown because of it.he located the name of thier workers comp insurance carrier and promply filed a claim and won,they paid for psycoligist visits and paid him for time off for quite some time and once he was terrminatted from work the workmans comp settled with him for a lump sum of money and lifetime medical benifets,although he had no recourse with his employer because we live in a rite to work state and here u can be fired for no reason at all either workers comp or unemployment insurence has to cover it if its a unjust termination.if i were you i would file a claim and go directly to a Psycoligist or Phycirist(sry spelling)to help with the stress this is putting on you.it really sounds like its starting to get to you and you need the support of someone who will listen and give you a honest opinion.
sapphire_sea
03-30-2007, 10:34 PM
I am fairly new here, and this is a fear of mine.
What a case of discrimination. Get an atty. Now if you haven't already.
Your civil liberties have been violated. If you have been doing your job, and with nary a complaint cept what you have mentioned this is ridiculous. They are on a 'witch hunt'.
Your ADA American Disabilties Act..has been violated. You have a right to work..and I am furious along with others.
I would love to work again. I hate taking money from the government, but I knew that a witch hunt similar to what you are going through would eventually land in my lap as well.
Please keep us posted on your progress. You have a lot of support here. I hope you get the same support from your homefront as well.
Take care
SS
What a case of discrimination. Get an atty. Now if you haven't already.
Your civil liberties have been violated. If you have been doing your job, and with nary a complaint cept what you have mentioned this is ridiculous. They are on a 'witch hunt'.
Your ADA American Disabilties Act..has been violated. You have a right to work..and I am furious along with others.
I would love to work again. I hate taking money from the government, but I knew that a witch hunt similar to what you are going through would eventually land in my lap as well.
Please keep us posted on your progress. You have a lot of support here. I hope you get the same support from your homefront as well.
Take care
SS
myhearthurts
03-30-2007, 11:22 PM
I have gone through similiar things at my job but before they could pull anymore crap on me I told them if they ever fired me for anything medical related or related to my health, I'd sue them. They stopped hassling me pretty much. They dont want a lawsuit like that against them cause when it gets out to the public it will look REAL bad and they're having a hard time hiring people now, as it is.
myhearthurts
03-30-2007, 11:23 PM
oh yea, they may make it harder for you to work there. so they cant be blamed for firing you if you quit...Whatever happens be strong and if it gets bad just never quit.
conductor
04-03-2007, 02:11 AM
In most jurisdictions, an employee is considered "at-will" (and able to be terminated for practically any reason)--unless the employee has a written contract.
Shak, I just don't understand how ANYONE can refer to you as an addict. How are they able to label--and I do mean "LABEL"--you as an addict when they are not qualified to make these kinds of determinations??
Your physician needs to step in and make it clear to everyone that you suffer from a legitimate condition--and that you are receiving appropriate treatment for that condition. I am reasonably sure that his/her M.D. or D.O. will OUTRIGHT TRUMP anyone else's so-called "qualifications".
BECAUSE THIS WHOLE SUBJECT MATTER AFFECTS CHRONIC PAIN PATIENTS IN GENERAL--We greatly appreciate your updates!!
Sincerely,
Jon (Conductor)
Shak, I just don't understand how ANYONE can refer to you as an addict. How are they able to label--and I do mean "LABEL"--you as an addict when they are not qualified to make these kinds of determinations??
Your physician needs to step in and make it clear to everyone that you suffer from a legitimate condition--and that you are receiving appropriate treatment for that condition. I am reasonably sure that his/her M.D. or D.O. will OUTRIGHT TRUMP anyone else's so-called "qualifications".
BECAUSE THIS WHOLE SUBJECT MATTER AFFECTS CHRONIC PAIN PATIENTS IN GENERAL--We greatly appreciate your updates!!
Sincerely,
Jon (Conductor)
ch28152
04-04-2007, 12:09 PM
I wanted to let you know the same things happened to me that is happening to you. I worked for a small engineering company as a mechanical designer. I worked as a AutoCad operator/SolidWorks operator and I was very well liked by everyone. I exceeded my job expectations until the day when my doctor wrote a letter explaining to them I should not be asked to work in the shop doing manual labor. My job was a Cadd Operator which I did very well but since it was a small company they had me going out to the shop doing assembly and crawling around on the floor. After one full day of working in the shop I was in more pain than usual and my doctor told me I physically could not do that type of work. After I presented the letter to HR, I was told everything would be fine. After a few months I was called into the HR department and the director told me my job performance was slipping. I was told other engineers have complained to her that my work had more errors than usual. I was never spoken to by the engineers so I don't know if they actually said something to HR or not. The HR lady told me she suspects the medication I was taking to control my pain was causing a problem with the quality of my drawings. I was told to go back to my position and try to make fewer errors. After a few more months I was called back in where my dept head was also in the HR department. I was told I would be moved to the electrical engineering dept instead of the Mechanical dept i was hired for. If I was truly making errors why would they have not terminated me instead of putting me in a dept I had no experience in? I toughed it out and didn't make a big deal out of it because i was still earning a nice salary. After a year in the electrical dept I was called to the HR dept again and told they were having a lay off and I was chosen. I had a perfect attendance as well as i was excelling in my new position. The day my HR dept found out I had spine surgery in the past and I now need around the clock pain meds it put a nail in my coffin so to speak. All my coworkers were in shock that I was let go while the company keep another coworker who was taking at least 3 days a week off for the prior six months because of an undiagnosed illness. She said she was having marriage problems but I am certain 100% that she is a Meth addict. I recently talked to a former co worker and she said the girl who was absent more than she worked was still out at least 3 days per week and she was found to be lying on her time card about working from home. After I was let go I finally gave up to the corporate workload and filed for disability. This was not the first time I had been let go from a company after they found out I had 3 prior spine fusions. I figured if I was doing the best I could but was continually denied employment then I would file for disability. Anyway I believe your days are numbered but I hope I am wrong. Brian
ch28152
04-04-2007, 01:04 PM
I just wanted to know if you got an attorney. If you live in a right to work state you may not win or it will cost you money to just go after the company. How do I know this because after I was let go in 2003 I talked to a lawyer about discrimination. Yes that is right I was let go two different times from different engineering companies. The first job I had been with the company 7 years and I was even promoted to work at the head quarters which meant I moved for one state to another just because of the promotion. Unfortanutly I had to have a major 360 spine fusion in 2000 while working for this company. I was back working three months after my surgery and everything was going ok. In Dec 2002 I started having major back spasm with my muscles and I asked for a new chair to sit in. I didn't think this was a big deal because the company got chairs and desk all the time for people who needed them. I was told to get a letter from my doctor telling why I needed this chair. After giving the letter from my doctor asking for an ergonomic chair my boss said he would put that in my file and he would get a chair soon. Almost exactly one month later I was laid off work because of a company downsize. I contacted an attorney the first thing and explained to him that I had been with this company for a little more than 7 years and I showed him all my evaluations which exceeded my duties. I told him I had back surgery in 2000 but I was fine and I didn't need any meds to control pain at the time. Anyway my lawyer filled for the Americans with disabilities act and after six months they came back and said my company did nothing wrong since I lived in SC which is a right to work state. I explained everything was going good at work until I asked for a new chair the month before i was let go. He said the right to work policy means a company can hire and fire at will. I just sucked it up and found another job that basically laid me off for what I suspect was the same thing except I was on pain meds with the second company. I didn't try to find a lawyer the second time because it would do no good, no matter how many notes and records I take. The lawyer did say I could pursue suing the company but it would be costly and with the right to work policy I didn't have much of a chance to win. Anyway I should have wrote about this job discrimination first but since you said meds were the reason you was let go I told you my second situation first. I am man enough to realize that we have been dealt some bad luck. I try not to worry anymore about the two times I was let go from work. Oh and by the way I did get the new chair one day before I was laid off. I guess the guy they replaced me with liked the high dollar chair he sat in. Be Good, Brian
tracer
04-04-2007, 08:30 PM
yes brian is correct most states are now rite to work state but.... as i posted before,you have no recourse with ur employer directly workers comp is ur way to go with this and dont go asking ur employer wat thier wc carriers name is,if ur state dont require them to post it and some do not. find out by some other means,then imform ur employer ur under such distress from this situation they have put you in that you need to file a workers comp claim for a work related stress disorder,once u have made this request by law they must comply although they will try and do anything to keep from fileing the claim just make sure you push the matter through even if it means makeing personal contact with the insurance carrier urself.after you have a claim filed and have been seen by a properly trained doctor,then contact a workmans comp lawyer and discuss ur options,its important not to contact a workmans comp lawyer til after you have ur workmans comp case filed.i know how low down and dirty this sounds but if your truly in complience with ur pm clinic contract and doing as you have been instructed by ur doctor you must be prepared to play hardball because i assure you your employer is, they will get just as dirty and underhanded as they need to.from your post i have read so far what they are doing now is setting you up where they are in position to be able to denie you your unemployment benifiets when they fire you and i promise they are going to fire you but at the moment you could get unemployment witch would cost them,it all boils down to saveing the almighty dollar at wat ever peions throat must be cut. at the moment ur that peion,u see it a unspoken rule that if they are aware of ur so called drug problem and dont adress it all corperate insurrence carriers will raise thier rates,if they have a unemployment claim paid because of a unjust termination thier unemployment rates go up,if they have a workers comp case filed against them thier workers comp insurance rates go up,so wat is the answer well its quite simple cut ur throat and save themselves some money.
ch28152
04-05-2007, 11:16 AM
Hi Tracer, I think you meant that reply to Shakorox. I no longer work as of last July and I am now on disability.If you have health problems that require pain meds and the company you work for finds out you better look for a new job if you are still able to work. Your company may tell you that they will work with you but instead they will work against you. I was let go two seperate jobs because of spine trouble and meds. If you are still able to work then start looking for another job if they know you use pain meds because most likely they will try to get rid of you. You can get a lawyer if you want but I dont see much happening with that. You will need to be found discriminated against by americans with disablility act before your case starts. If you can no longer work then you may want to file for disability but you need to do that ASAP because they could take years to win. Most cases usually win within 2 years if they are going to win. I was approved within four months because they could not deny I was disabled after they saw my medical records. SSD will try to deny you if you are not severely disabled. I am 35 and I was approved the first time. Dont let people tell you there is no way you can win if your young, especially the first time. Just make sure you are disabled and could no longer do any work if you decide to file for SSD. You may want to get a lawyer to listen to your case but most time they will just take your money. You dont need a lawyer if you are undenialable disabled. Be Good Brian
tracer
04-05-2007, 07:27 PM
yes brian, i was refering to where u said most states were rite to work.the rest was for the op.
shakorox
04-19-2007, 02:14 PM
Hello,
I'm still not at work yet. Thus far I droped my dose 40% and got a letter from my doctor stating that I have no cognitive issues, am fully functional on the med and can return to work.
That isn't good enough for my employer. They are making me check into an outpatient treatment faculity today! They made the apointment for me! I have to meet with an advisor for an initial assessment and then I will be refered to an addictionologist for a detox plan. I was then I have to recieve another clearence from my docor, one from the advisor/therapist, and one from the addicitonologist I have to have an other evaluation from occupational health and then I might be able to return to work.
I was told "you can not work while taking pain medication and if you can not function without it then you need to be on disability." I'm so stressed and freaked out I need my job for the medical benifits. Reguardless of the outcome, in order for me to return to work I have to sign a second chance contract agreeing to seek therapy for one year and let my employer have copies of everything. I have to submit to random drug tests to make sure I am not usin ANY medications. I can't remember the rest. I just have to get back to work. They are bleeding me dry. Thanks for listening, I have to go to the apointment!:mad:
I'm still not at work yet. Thus far I droped my dose 40% and got a letter from my doctor stating that I have no cognitive issues, am fully functional on the med and can return to work.
That isn't good enough for my employer. They are making me check into an outpatient treatment faculity today! They made the apointment for me! I have to meet with an advisor for an initial assessment and then I will be refered to an addictionologist for a detox plan. I was then I have to recieve another clearence from my docor, one from the advisor/therapist, and one from the addicitonologist I have to have an other evaluation from occupational health and then I might be able to return to work.
I was told "you can not work while taking pain medication and if you can not function without it then you need to be on disability." I'm so stressed and freaked out I need my job for the medical benifits. Reguardless of the outcome, in order for me to return to work I have to sign a second chance contract agreeing to seek therapy for one year and let my employer have copies of everything. I have to submit to random drug tests to make sure I am not usin ANY medications. I can't remember the rest. I just have to get back to work. They are bleeding me dry. Thanks for listening, I have to go to the apointment!:mad:
zach016
04-20-2007, 02:35 PM
Man, I'm sorry that you are one of the ones that are getting caught up in such an irrational situation, no doubt brought on by someone with little comprehension of chronic pain.
One of the major advantages of Rx'ing pain meds. is so we can continue to live as normal a life as possible. Of CONTRIBUTING to society and not having to go on disability.
So you are not allowed to have ANY medication in your system now? That makes no sense either. I hope this all somehow turns positive for you!
Zach016
One of the major advantages of Rx'ing pain meds. is so we can continue to live as normal a life as possible. Of CONTRIBUTING to society and not having to go on disability.
So you are not allowed to have ANY medication in your system now? That makes no sense either. I hope this all somehow turns positive for you!
Zach016
ch28152
04-20-2007, 03:22 PM
Shakorox, What type of work do you do and what kind of company do you work for. The reason for me asking is because most companies would just let you go, instead of giving you a choice to come off pain meds in order to keep your job. I know what they are asking is something you wont be able to do and maybe that is why they gave you a choice. Sounds to me your company doesn't want to be known as uncaring. If I was you I would be looking for another job. I would not tell the new employer about my health issues if my job didn't require me to do things I couldn't do. Be good, Brian
technomom
04-22-2007, 09:29 PM
The HR folks need to know that there is a BIG difference in being addicted & needing pain meds. I hope that your next employer is more caring.
shakorox
05-04-2007, 03:50 PM
Hey y'all,
Still not back to work yet. I saw the psych. and he is doesn't know why this is happening to me. "Clearly I am a chronic pain patient and not and addict" he said. I also saw the addictionologist who said that he can not go against my doctors advise and take me off my meds. But the non-qualified people at work want me off them. I still have to sign some form of contract reserved for admitted substance abusers.
I just found out today that I will have to attend out-patient addiction recovery programs mon, tue, and wed 6-9pm for three weeks before I can return to work. However, since my radio-frequencey-ablation I have been more active in theatre (my college major) and have been cast as the lead(minus dancing) in a huge production. We open next week and I can't drop out. However, work is expecting me to drop out so that I can attend the addiction recovery groups. The theatre has been keeping me going for the last two months I've been off of work and if I quit a 30,000 dollar production I'll be blacklisted from all the theatre's in the state indefinetly. It just sucks that I am being punished for doing nothing wrong.
By the way, for the poster that asked, I work at a hospital and I got in trouble for being too specific about my position on these boards before, but I mostly do paperwork. I am not responsible for any decision making, don't operate heavy machinery, and I hardly ever have patient contact.
Thanks again for listening,
shakorox
Still not back to work yet. I saw the psych. and he is doesn't know why this is happening to me. "Clearly I am a chronic pain patient and not and addict" he said. I also saw the addictionologist who said that he can not go against my doctors advise and take me off my meds. But the non-qualified people at work want me off them. I still have to sign some form of contract reserved for admitted substance abusers.
I just found out today that I will have to attend out-patient addiction recovery programs mon, tue, and wed 6-9pm for three weeks before I can return to work. However, since my radio-frequencey-ablation I have been more active in theatre (my college major) and have been cast as the lead(minus dancing) in a huge production. We open next week and I can't drop out. However, work is expecting me to drop out so that I can attend the addiction recovery groups. The theatre has been keeping me going for the last two months I've been off of work and if I quit a 30,000 dollar production I'll be blacklisted from all the theatre's in the state indefinetly. It just sucks that I am being punished for doing nothing wrong.
By the way, for the poster that asked, I work at a hospital and I got in trouble for being too specific about my position on these boards before, but I mostly do paperwork. I am not responsible for any decision making, don't operate heavy machinery, and I hardly ever have patient contact.
Thanks again for listening,
shakorox
curiousforever
05-04-2007, 04:27 PM
Wow. I cannot believe what they are putting you thru.
I had something similar happen - and the doc (a new one as the old one was moved) went to my hubby's boss and told him I'm an addict. Being that hubby is military - the doc felt it was adversely affecting hubby.
When they dropped my dose greatly hubby told them NOW it's adversely affecting him.
I was sent to a detox pscyh - who said I don't need to detox - I need to be in pain mgmt.
I ended up making a formal complaint thru the military system - and they found he violated hippa - and was reprimanded and a letter put in his file.
It was a huge ordeal - and very stressful. Humiliating. Being accused of being an addict when you need the meds to function due to the pain...
I also think you should at least consult with an attorney. Have you tried to find a different job?
I had something similar happen - and the doc (a new one as the old one was moved) went to my hubby's boss and told him I'm an addict. Being that hubby is military - the doc felt it was adversely affecting hubby.
When they dropped my dose greatly hubby told them NOW it's adversely affecting him.
I was sent to a detox pscyh - who said I don't need to detox - I need to be in pain mgmt.
I ended up making a formal complaint thru the military system - and they found he violated hippa - and was reprimanded and a letter put in his file.
It was a huge ordeal - and very stressful. Humiliating. Being accused of being an addict when you need the meds to function due to the pain...
I also think you should at least consult with an attorney. Have you tried to find a different job?
shakorox
05-11-2007, 01:15 AM
I have been looking for employment elsewhere. In the mean time my doctor is now not comfortable perscribing for me anymore because of all this! I'm gonna start a new thread so people don't' have to filter through 46 messages.
zach016
05-12-2007, 02:59 PM
Hi again Shak,
This just keeps getting better and better!!
I'd be very careful and cautious about signing anything that agrees with or admits that you are a drug addict and in need of rehab.. That is something that could come back to haunt you forever and ever. But I'm sure you spoke with your lawyer about it??
Hang in there!!
Zach016
This just keeps getting better and better!!
I'd be very careful and cautious about signing anything that agrees with or admits that you are a drug addict and in need of rehab.. That is something that could come back to haunt you forever and ever. But I'm sure you spoke with your lawyer about it??
Hang in there!!
Zach016
shakorox
05-12-2007, 07:11 PM
Yeah, I've been cautious about everything latley. But the suboxone doctor I'm seeing specializes in pain treatment and he is aslo a certified adictionologist. He's going to write a letter to file making the distinguishment between pain managment and addiction as it pertains to my case. Thanks for the concern!
whosit
05-12-2007, 10:49 PM
:mad: It's been a fustrating day for me. At the end of my work day my boss called me into her office. In there was the HR person assigned to my department. Apparently I am a work hazard:eek: news to me. I told my boss over a year ago that I need to see a pain specialist generally once a month for pain managment and she seemed understanding of my situation. I've always been honest about my condition and it has never been an issue before. Even as of recently I have met or exceeded on all of my expectation reports.
However, I was in a small fender-bender on a day where the freezing rain was an inch thick last week. Somehow my boss found out about this also today, she accused me of nodding off at my desk:confused:, on the contrary I was wide awake and worked thru lunch. According to her, I need to be evaluated and am considered a liability. She blamed my fender-bender on being medicated and told me that she thinks I have a problem:eek: I was then sent home and told not to return until I had clearence from employee assistance and my physician to work (I do paper-work all day).
First, I had my accident at lunch last week, OFF THE CLOCK. She only heard about it via office gossip. Secondly, I just met with my doctor yesterday about tapering my dose down because I have a great deal of relief from the nerve ablation I had about 9 weeks ago. I've been taking narcotic pain relievers of some sort for 13 years, for the last year I have been taking 50mg Kadian q12 give or take a few norco for BT. Since the nerve ablation started working I haven't used any BT meds and have been MUCH more active, so I spoke with my doc about lowering my base med to see if I could function just as good for less costly script bills. I've droped to 40mg q12 and still feel fine. I just don't understand why my boss is doing this to me. It just isn't warrented!
Has somthing of this nature ever happened to anyone else? Thanks a TON! Looks like I have a few days off, too bad I can't get paid for them.
Man that is just horrible! I dont think they have a legal right to do that. It would be different if you were just getting high, but you are in pain and need relief just as many of us do. What are we supposed to do if we are in pain? Not work? That is not an option as many of us have families and need to work just to eat everyday and pay the huge doctor bills that come along with pain. I am taking pain medication and our company has a policy about taking pain medication but I keep it to myself. I dont operate anything dangerous or anything either, I am a network administrator. We have drug tests and I take my bottles along with me and nothing ever gets said. I am like you I do my job to the best of my ability and then some. I am very good at what I do and went to school for a long time to do it. If anyone tried to take my job away because of a medical condition that causes pain but I was still doing my job at above average levels I would have them in court. it really makes me mad when I hear about someone who lost thier job like this, just down right angry! I hope you feel better and find you a new job where there is not idiots working.
However, I was in a small fender-bender on a day where the freezing rain was an inch thick last week. Somehow my boss found out about this also today, she accused me of nodding off at my desk:confused:, on the contrary I was wide awake and worked thru lunch. According to her, I need to be evaluated and am considered a liability. She blamed my fender-bender on being medicated and told me that she thinks I have a problem:eek: I was then sent home and told not to return until I had clearence from employee assistance and my physician to work (I do paper-work all day).
First, I had my accident at lunch last week, OFF THE CLOCK. She only heard about it via office gossip. Secondly, I just met with my doctor yesterday about tapering my dose down because I have a great deal of relief from the nerve ablation I had about 9 weeks ago. I've been taking narcotic pain relievers of some sort for 13 years, for the last year I have been taking 50mg Kadian q12 give or take a few norco for BT. Since the nerve ablation started working I haven't used any BT meds and have been MUCH more active, so I spoke with my doc about lowering my base med to see if I could function just as good for less costly script bills. I've droped to 40mg q12 and still feel fine. I just don't understand why my boss is doing this to me. It just isn't warrented!
Has somthing of this nature ever happened to anyone else? Thanks a TON! Looks like I have a few days off, too bad I can't get paid for them.
Man that is just horrible! I dont think they have a legal right to do that. It would be different if you were just getting high, but you are in pain and need relief just as many of us do. What are we supposed to do if we are in pain? Not work? That is not an option as many of us have families and need to work just to eat everyday and pay the huge doctor bills that come along with pain. I am taking pain medication and our company has a policy about taking pain medication but I keep it to myself. I dont operate anything dangerous or anything either, I am a network administrator. We have drug tests and I take my bottles along with me and nothing ever gets said. I am like you I do my job to the best of my ability and then some. I am very good at what I do and went to school for a long time to do it. If anyone tried to take my job away because of a medical condition that causes pain but I was still doing my job at above average levels I would have them in court. it really makes me mad when I hear about someone who lost thier job like this, just down right angry! I hope you feel better and find you a new job where there is not idiots working.
conductor
05-13-2007, 03:38 PM
Dear shakorox,
I hope your Suboxone doctor will make your letter clearly state that the usage of your medications are appropriate for your pain--and that the dosage amounts are not unusual in any way. As well, it wouldn't hurt for this letter to mention the statistics that millions of people use opiate pain medications to help them function AT WORK! Finally, do you have access to a copy machine? I would love for several of those people to get 2 copies--one for them to read while they are busy yanking the other one out of their...
I'm one of those people who tend to shy away from wanting to develop groups of people who all have the same "interest". Do we, as CP'ers, have a national organization? I'm ashamed that I don't even know.
Does anyone know of a legitimate national organization for people who use opiates for legitimate purposes?? Just thinking about it makes me realize that there would be all sorts of pitfalls involved, but this story makes me believe we need a specific organization that would make employers think twice before messing with us. Maybe I'm just dreaming.
This would probably be a great time for a new thread!
Sincerely,
Jon (Conductor)
I hope your Suboxone doctor will make your letter clearly state that the usage of your medications are appropriate for your pain--and that the dosage amounts are not unusual in any way. As well, it wouldn't hurt for this letter to mention the statistics that millions of people use opiate pain medications to help them function AT WORK! Finally, do you have access to a copy machine? I would love for several of those people to get 2 copies--one for them to read while they are busy yanking the other one out of their...
I'm one of those people who tend to shy away from wanting to develop groups of people who all have the same "interest". Do we, as CP'ers, have a national organization? I'm ashamed that I don't even know.
Does anyone know of a legitimate national organization for people who use opiates for legitimate purposes?? Just thinking about it makes me realize that there would be all sorts of pitfalls involved, but this story makes me believe we need a specific organization that would make employers think twice before messing with us. Maybe I'm just dreaming.
This would probably be a great time for a new thread!
Sincerely,
Jon (Conductor)
shawley
05-14-2007, 09:34 AM
I don't know what kind of danger you would be working at a desk job while taking your med's. My ex-employer wouldn't let anyone take perscribed narcotic's while working either , but this was a wharehouse . You may end up getting a paper cut or something .( j/k ) I do know if you get caught driving while taking your med's it's just like Driving under the influence here.
Here in PA. the employer can do pretty much anything they want unless it's union.
Good luck .
Shawley
Here in PA. the employer can do pretty much anything they want unless it's union.
Good luck .
Shawley