nancyjo
05-07-2009, 10:08 PM
Hi everyone--
My primary care doctor put me on Lexapro yesterday after I called her office totally falling apart. There are a number of intense stressors in my life right now (things that I have very little control over) and even though I try/pretend to be very upbeat, everything in combination has just worn me down and I'm exhausted. I was so depressed yesterday I could barely function; I kept my office door closed and cried all day, which is NOT like me.
My doctor feels that in light of the stress/anxiety and the chronic pain, taking time off work via short or long-term disability is advisable. However, it's guaranteed that I would lose my job if I did that (though it's one of the things I stress over b/c of the commute and the pay), and I have to have an income.
Are any of you on state disability? If so, how does one get that? My pharmacist told me that my doctors would have to confirm to the state that it is medically necessary, I'd have to get a lawyer, etc. My thought is that IF I were to be on disability, at least I could take online courses or go back to school so I can earn more and do something less physically demanding.
I appreciate any input and advice!
Cheers,
nancyjo
My primary care doctor put me on Lexapro yesterday after I called her office totally falling apart. There are a number of intense stressors in my life right now (things that I have very little control over) and even though I try/pretend to be very upbeat, everything in combination has just worn me down and I'm exhausted. I was so depressed yesterday I could barely function; I kept my office door closed and cried all day, which is NOT like me.
My doctor feels that in light of the stress/anxiety and the chronic pain, taking time off work via short or long-term disability is advisable. However, it's guaranteed that I would lose my job if I did that (though it's one of the things I stress over b/c of the commute and the pay), and I have to have an income.
Are any of you on state disability? If so, how does one get that? My pharmacist told me that my doctors would have to confirm to the state that it is medically necessary, I'd have to get a lawyer, etc. My thought is that IF I were to be on disability, at least I could take online courses or go back to school so I can earn more and do something less physically demanding.
I appreciate any input and advice!
Cheers,
nancyjo
Sponsor
Executor
05-07-2009, 11:52 PM
I was so depressed yesterday I could barely function; I kept my office door closed and cried all day, which is NOT like me.
Are you still on pain meds? There is a very high linkage between pain meds and depression. The narcotics often suppress the endorphins responsible for well being. Most PM Doc offices / waiting rooms are full of depression brochures, displays, and etc.
My doctor feels that in light of the stress/anxiety and the chronic pain, taking time off work via short or long-term disability is advisable. However, it's guaranteed that I would lose my job if I did that (though it's one of the things I stress over b/c of the commute and the pay), and I have to have an income.
If your Doc has recommended this, I would think very seriously about it. Why do you think you'd lose your job? You work for the state? You should be protected.
Are any of you on state disability? If so, how does one get that? My pharmacist told me that my doctors would have to confirm to the state that it is medically necessary, I'd have to get a lawyer, etc.
Disability can be a complex process and I'd be glad to answer any questions you may have and help you where applicable. There are two different types of disability...Through your employer, and Social Security. Some employers don't offer disability, but all gov't / states / localities do.
For your employer's policy, you should look through your employee handbook....I would not ask HR anything because it will tip them off. I hate to say this, but when on disability, one becomes a liability to the company / employer.
In order to start the disability process, all that's usually needed is a Dr.'s note taking you out of work. When my Doc took me out of work, he started with a note that said one month, and then extended it from there.
Most employer plans are in the neighborhood of something like after 7, 10, or 14 consecutive days out of work, then short term disability (STD) kicks in. STD usually lasts for 6 months, and then it turns into LTD. LTD lasts for another 6 months, and then if still on disability, it turns into permanent disability. Each policy has their own definition of STD and LTD, but as a general rule, STD is when you can't do your job. LTD is when you can't any job for which your adequately educated (or trained) for.
Each employer is different in terms of how much they pay you and etc. Normally, STD is full pay or almost full pay. LTD is typically a %, and can either be tax free or taxable...Again, depending on your policy and how it's paid. You need to discretely get information on how your plan works. I would guess that given you're a state worker, it's probably a very good plan and probably not very rigorous (to be approved).
Disability through Social Security is an application process (backed by a Doc), and once approved, it's almost always permanent (unless you go back to work voluntarily). SSD can be a long process as almost all are denied initially and also denied in appeals, and somewhere through the process are approved. They make you wait on purpose to see who is serious.
You don't need a lawyer for your employer's plan...You just need a Doc's support and meet the criteria. Most of these cases are fairly simple and move along quickly. It's not unusual for HR to keep you in the dark, however.
For SSD, a lawyer definitely helps, but isn't mandatory. Sometimes your employer will fund this cost because any money you receive from SSD, is subtracted from their payments to you, so it's in their best interests for you to win. This is what happened to me.
Hope this information helps you with the basics. I would encourage you to go to the disability board and read posts there....Lots of very good information.
I also highly recommend that if you pursue this, that you sit down with your Doc and talk about things. Because he suggested disability, it sounds as if he'd be very supportive....Which is great, because good Doc support helps one navigate through everything. However, I would stress to the Doc that if you do this and if your medical condition is warranted, he might need to support you all the way through (to permanent possibly) because it could be tough to go back to work and be treated fairly. This was my main concern when I went through the process....Once the horse is out of the barn, it's tough to put him back in. I would just tell the Doc that you'd like to purse this but if needed, would he support you through all the way to the end...He'll more than like give you a resounding "yes", but it's important to get this out in the open up front.
Let me know if I can help further.
Regards,
Ex
Are you still on pain meds? There is a very high linkage between pain meds and depression. The narcotics often suppress the endorphins responsible for well being. Most PM Doc offices / waiting rooms are full of depression brochures, displays, and etc.
My doctor feels that in light of the stress/anxiety and the chronic pain, taking time off work via short or long-term disability is advisable. However, it's guaranteed that I would lose my job if I did that (though it's one of the things I stress over b/c of the commute and the pay), and I have to have an income.
If your Doc has recommended this, I would think very seriously about it. Why do you think you'd lose your job? You work for the state? You should be protected.
Are any of you on state disability? If so, how does one get that? My pharmacist told me that my doctors would have to confirm to the state that it is medically necessary, I'd have to get a lawyer, etc.
Disability can be a complex process and I'd be glad to answer any questions you may have and help you where applicable. There are two different types of disability...Through your employer, and Social Security. Some employers don't offer disability, but all gov't / states / localities do.
For your employer's policy, you should look through your employee handbook....I would not ask HR anything because it will tip them off. I hate to say this, but when on disability, one becomes a liability to the company / employer.
In order to start the disability process, all that's usually needed is a Dr.'s note taking you out of work. When my Doc took me out of work, he started with a note that said one month, and then extended it from there.
Most employer plans are in the neighborhood of something like after 7, 10, or 14 consecutive days out of work, then short term disability (STD) kicks in. STD usually lasts for 6 months, and then it turns into LTD. LTD lasts for another 6 months, and then if still on disability, it turns into permanent disability. Each policy has their own definition of STD and LTD, but as a general rule, STD is when you can't do your job. LTD is when you can't any job for which your adequately educated (or trained) for.
Each employer is different in terms of how much they pay you and etc. Normally, STD is full pay or almost full pay. LTD is typically a %, and can either be tax free or taxable...Again, depending on your policy and how it's paid. You need to discretely get information on how your plan works. I would guess that given you're a state worker, it's probably a very good plan and probably not very rigorous (to be approved).
Disability through Social Security is an application process (backed by a Doc), and once approved, it's almost always permanent (unless you go back to work voluntarily). SSD can be a long process as almost all are denied initially and also denied in appeals, and somewhere through the process are approved. They make you wait on purpose to see who is serious.
You don't need a lawyer for your employer's plan...You just need a Doc's support and meet the criteria. Most of these cases are fairly simple and move along quickly. It's not unusual for HR to keep you in the dark, however.
For SSD, a lawyer definitely helps, but isn't mandatory. Sometimes your employer will fund this cost because any money you receive from SSD, is subtracted from their payments to you, so it's in their best interests for you to win. This is what happened to me.
Hope this information helps you with the basics. I would encourage you to go to the disability board and read posts there....Lots of very good information.
I also highly recommend that if you pursue this, that you sit down with your Doc and talk about things. Because he suggested disability, it sounds as if he'd be very supportive....Which is great, because good Doc support helps one navigate through everything. However, I would stress to the Doc that if you do this and if your medical condition is warranted, he might need to support you all the way through (to permanent possibly) because it could be tough to go back to work and be treated fairly. This was my main concern when I went through the process....Once the horse is out of the barn, it's tough to put him back in. I would just tell the Doc that you'd like to purse this but if needed, would he support you through all the way to the end...He'll more than like give you a resounding "yes", but it's important to get this out in the open up front.
Let me know if I can help further.
Regards,
Ex
SpineAZ
05-08-2009, 01:43 AM
Do you work for a company with over 50 employees and have you been there for over a year? If so, in addition to STD, you may be eligible for 12 weeks of FMLA. Thus your job is safe while you are on STD as long as they run FMLA concurrently (I just got approved for STD for back/neck stuff and this runs concurrently with FMLA).
In order to approve STD the insurance company will require medical proof of the need to be out - and they usually do an initial estimate of the duration. So they may approve 20 days and let you knwo at that time they'll need further documentation from yoru doctors.
In order to approve STD the insurance company will require medical proof of the need to be out - and they usually do an initial estimate of the duration. So they may approve 20 days and let you knwo at that time they'll need further documentation from yoru doctors.
Jema X
05-08-2009, 06:34 AM
I'm of the same opinon already expressed, if your dr has suggested it, it's most likely for good reason. It sounds like you are under a lot of pressure and I have a friend who went through a similar process. She just could not cope with additional stress but the thought of losing her job was an additional stressor. If you sit down and have a chat with your dr it will likely reassure you that you will be protected through this process. It is difficult taking SSD (we call it workers comp in Aus or if it's from outside stressors it's covered by your insurance - if you have it) because of the fear about what will happen when you go back (if you can). My friend really struggled with this as her issues were mostly psychological from extreme harrassment from her boss - once her dr explained his commitment, she felt so much better. That said, she did have to take what you would call LTD for a couple of years but has recently gone back to work in a job that she loves. I'm not meaning to suggest that your situation is in any way related but I learnt a lot through her experiences.
I too would avoid HR until you have everything sorted out and your drs letter. My own experiences have taught me that the so called 'human resources' people can really make things difficult if they want to - and it sounds like you need to avoid anything that puts additional stress on you. Guilt is also something that comes with this sort of situation and I struggled so much with this even though I just could not work after my operation.
At the end of the day Kate (my friend) realised that enough was enough. She was no good to anyone or herself while going to work everyday. No job is worth it if you have no quality of life.
I hope you find some clarity soon, please let us know.
PS: Thanks for the description of SSD and LTD, Ex, really helped me put it in perspective with our system.
I too would avoid HR until you have everything sorted out and your drs letter. My own experiences have taught me that the so called 'human resources' people can really make things difficult if they want to - and it sounds like you need to avoid anything that puts additional stress on you. Guilt is also something that comes with this sort of situation and I struggled so much with this even though I just could not work after my operation.
At the end of the day Kate (my friend) realised that enough was enough. She was no good to anyone or herself while going to work everyday. No job is worth it if you have no quality of life.
I hope you find some clarity soon, please let us know.
PS: Thanks for the description of SSD and LTD, Ex, really helped me put it in perspective with our system.
Executor
05-08-2009, 12:39 PM
I too would avoid HR until you have everything sorted out and your drs letter. My own experiences have taught me that the so called 'human resources' people can really make things difficult if they want to - and it sounds like you need to avoid anything that puts additional stress on you.
Juliet is 100% right in that HR can make things difficult. In fact, one of the biggest misconceptions of business is that HR is there for the employee. This couldn't be further from the truth. Yes, they will assist the employee where necessary, but the fact is that HR exists to protect mgt and the company's rights. At the end of the day, HR is going to back mgt and they are the puppet master for whatever mgt wants to do.
Take care,
Ex
Juliet is 100% right in that HR can make things difficult. In fact, one of the biggest misconceptions of business is that HR is there for the employee. This couldn't be further from the truth. Yes, they will assist the employee where necessary, but the fact is that HR exists to protect mgt and the company's rights. At the end of the day, HR is going to back mgt and they are the puppet master for whatever mgt wants to do.
Take care,
Ex
SpineAZ
05-08-2009, 03:22 PM
I have to agree with Executor and Juliet on HR. I recently went out on Short Term Disability. I was trying to stay at work and get some modifications to do so and HR was useless. I work for large corporation and they have a whole HR department that seems to be "employer" biased - not really there for the employee.
brianpain33
05-08-2009, 05:53 PM
I went out on STD last year and it also ran concurrently with FMLA(family medical leave act). You can not be fired if you are on FMLA leave. THis is a federal law and it was designed to protect the employee from being fired. If you were fired then you would have recourse against the company and could sue them and they would end up paying much more than if they just allowed you to stay.
You only need to get your doctor's permission, have him/her fill out the appropriate STD(short term disability) forms that you can get from your company's HR deparment and then that is it. I know where I work, that STD did not kick in until the 8th business day absent but I was paid retroactive back to the first day. I was also paid 80% of my regular pay and at many companiess they will pay you a percentage of your regular pay while out on STD. I think it would be good for you and probably your work to take time off and get well.
brian
You only need to get your doctor's permission, have him/her fill out the appropriate STD(short term disability) forms that you can get from your company's HR deparment and then that is it. I know where I work, that STD did not kick in until the 8th business day absent but I was paid retroactive back to the first day. I was also paid 80% of my regular pay and at many companiess they will pay you a percentage of your regular pay while out on STD. I think it would be good for you and probably your work to take time off and get well.
brian
nancyjo
05-10-2009, 09:46 PM
Thanks everyone for the input; I appreciate it!
I am already starting to feel a bit better now that I'm on the Lexapro, but of course it will be another week or so before it reaches therapeutic level. BTW, do I need to email my PM about the Lexapro and Ambien my PCP prescribed when I fell apart last week? I'm sure she needs to know about the Ambien, so I might as well email about both.
No, I don't work for the state; I'm sure the benefits there are exceptional! I actually work for a medium-sized law firm, and we have a very nice benefits package. Still, I would like to continue working if possible because I'm the only person at my office who does what I do and everything would be in a mess when I returned, causing even more stress. So for now, I will press on!
Thanks again,
nancyjo
I am already starting to feel a bit better now that I'm on the Lexapro, but of course it will be another week or so before it reaches therapeutic level. BTW, do I need to email my PM about the Lexapro and Ambien my PCP prescribed when I fell apart last week? I'm sure she needs to know about the Ambien, so I might as well email about both.
No, I don't work for the state; I'm sure the benefits there are exceptional! I actually work for a medium-sized law firm, and we have a very nice benefits package. Still, I would like to continue working if possible because I'm the only person at my office who does what I do and everything would be in a mess when I returned, causing even more stress. So for now, I will press on!
Thanks again,
nancyjo
Executor
05-10-2009, 11:44 PM
BTW, do I need to email my PM about the Lexapro and Ambien my PCP prescribed when I fell apart last week? I'm sure she needs to know about the Ambien, so I might as well email about both.
It couldn't hurt.....Did he ever ask or suggest you do this? Certainly at your next appointment, you should tell them. At my PM, after the nurses weigh you, take BP, & etc, the first thing they do is go over all your meds you're taking and ask if anything else has been added & etc.
No, I don't work for the state; I'm sure the benefits there are exceptional!
I'm sorry if I misunderstood. In your first post (in this thread), you asked if anyone was on state disability, so I assumed you worked for the state. As long as you are in good standing with your employer, then that's what matters.
The biggest problem many encounter with CP & their employer, is that many have problems at work....Late to work, take time off, less productive & etc....And some eventually lose their job, get laid off or whatever. Then, trying to find a new job as a CPer, while on meds, and having to pass a drug screen and / or physical, can be very problematic....And, the next job may not have the benefits (especially disability) of this job. This is why I initially suggested to you to explore STD if your Doc recommended it. Disability benefits are huge, and are incredibly important to those who need them. Quite frankly, I couldn't survive without mine.
However, if you're in good standing with your employer, then you may want to stick it out for a while and see how you do. Only you can judge all of this and where you stand. We can discuss in more detail if you'd like...PM me if so.
Best of luck to you, and I hope you start to feel better!:)
Regards,
Ex
It couldn't hurt.....Did he ever ask or suggest you do this? Certainly at your next appointment, you should tell them. At my PM, after the nurses weigh you, take BP, & etc, the first thing they do is go over all your meds you're taking and ask if anything else has been added & etc.
No, I don't work for the state; I'm sure the benefits there are exceptional!
I'm sorry if I misunderstood. In your first post (in this thread), you asked if anyone was on state disability, so I assumed you worked for the state. As long as you are in good standing with your employer, then that's what matters.
The biggest problem many encounter with CP & their employer, is that many have problems at work....Late to work, take time off, less productive & etc....And some eventually lose their job, get laid off or whatever. Then, trying to find a new job as a CPer, while on meds, and having to pass a drug screen and / or physical, can be very problematic....And, the next job may not have the benefits (especially disability) of this job. This is why I initially suggested to you to explore STD if your Doc recommended it. Disability benefits are huge, and are incredibly important to those who need them. Quite frankly, I couldn't survive without mine.
However, if you're in good standing with your employer, then you may want to stick it out for a while and see how you do. Only you can judge all of this and where you stand. We can discuss in more detail if you'd like...PM me if so.
Best of luck to you, and I hope you start to feel better!:)
Regards,
Ex
SpineAZ
05-11-2009, 01:30 AM
The only states that offer STD to employees (not employees of the state, but employees who work in that state) are California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and Rhode Island.
If you don't work in one of those states you can apply for your employer's STD/LTD if they offer it.
If you remain out of work due to disability for 5 consecutive calendar months or more you then become eligible for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). Should it ever get to that point just check out www.ssa.gov - the program is federal and not state based.
If you don't work in one of those states you can apply for your employer's STD/LTD if they offer it.
If you remain out of work due to disability for 5 consecutive calendar months or more you then become eligible for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). Should it ever get to that point just check out www.ssa.gov - the program is federal and not state based.