Are you able to keep your jobs?? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

julie10 · 06-02-2007, 03:14 PM

As I read through the posts and the various symptoms, attacks, etc that folks deal with, it makes me wonder about jobs.

I was off work this winter after my ACDF surgery - I couldn't sit at the computer all day.

Now I am finding it hard to concentrate - I forget things that I'm supposed to do. Some of the simplest tasks feel like I'm doing them for the first time.
I really can't afford to be making mistakes with other people's business.

My boss has been great, but I'm sure that too, has it's limits.

So...I'm just curious about the rest of you and what you are doing about a job...

beagleboy · 06-02-2007, 04:46 PM

I'm wondering about this, too. I am not able to function at work very well any more due to my fatigue and confusion and my review reflected that this year. I have a new supervisor who expects all managerial people to multitask. I can't even single task. I can't work less hours because I would lose my benefits incuding heath insurance and sick leave and, in case I need it, disability. Everythings gone of I get fired, too, although I don't think it will come to that because I've been there 10 years. Has anyone been able to get a note to take disabilty that doesn't have a DX? I couldn't bring myself to ask for one last time. Sometimes I feel like if I could just get out from under the stress of going to work everyday I would feel better.

MSNik · 06-02-2007, 04:57 PM

Hi. I had to reduce my hours in order to continue working, but only for the first 6 months. Now, Im trying to find another job which is 40 hours a week. I guess Im lucky, because my husband has a Union job and his benefits are wonderful, including my Rebif and my doctors...
As far as disability goes- youll NEVER get it without a dx, and even then, you will need an attorney to even try. No one ever gets dissability the first time around and only about 30% of cases EVER get approved, all of them taking attorney representation. The reason is quite simply that as long as you CAN WORK at all...and I mean selling tickets in a movie theatre or working in an office answering phones, disability will conisder you EMPLOYABLE. It doesnt matter if its not enough money to support your family on, or if its a 75% pay CUT...if you CAN work, they WANT you to. Theyll fight you to the end! Keep in mind, most people who go on disability only make about 50% of what they used to,while working...so this isnt necessarily the way you want to go. Youre better off trying to cut your hours, or find a job with flex time, or working from home....

I found that once I got on MS meds I started getting less fatigued and had more energy....I also found that once my MS started to stabilize, i was good to go. Im hoping that if I find the RIGHT job with my 40 hours a week, when I do need the time off for relapse, etc, Ill be able to take it. Being that I am in outside territory sales, even now, with only working 30 hours a week- its good for me. On days when I feel really crappy, I end early. On days when I feel good, I work later. As long as I see my clients within the week, no one really cares if Im home at 3:30 vs. 5 pm.
Good luck
Nikki

peace40 · 06-02-2007, 04:59 PM

I have just been dx, however have most likely had ms for 10+ years. I was working 4 days per week and I am now thinking of going to 3 days. My main reason for wanting to redue hours is the fatigue, I just find it so difficult and yet terrified of not having the money. I have also just started avonex and think this is adding to my fatigue. I will be very interested in how other go and I guess for us down here in Australia we do not get out disability payments via our employers so its not a problem as its through the govenment. Having said that because I am married I wouldnt get any pension. Anyway the job thing really does cause me to worry, even given that my workplace are understadning and have tried to assist with reducing work load (am a social worker working as a family counsellor). For me this is the most difficult aspect of ms as I love my job and career. Guess we just have to do the best we can.

MSNik · 06-02-2007, 05:03 PM

Peace, see my post which came in seconds before yours did. I am on Rebif. Its the same interferon as Avonex. Hang in there.....I found within 3 months, my fatigue had lessened and I started to feel better. Cognitive issues, memory issues, everthing started to improve! Hope you find the same thing...
Nikki