Tension rising, Things getting worse

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For any of you following my situation, I have a boss who is seemingly trying to get me "fired" because I am a new employee who, as a TERRIBLE coincidence, nothing more, became ill. Well, don't know if "ill" describes it. Burning, red, swelling, major stiffness in both ankles...not responding to treatment. Sed rate is 54 and my C reactive protein is elevated too. Have an appt with a rheumatologist Monday, thank God. They had a cx and were able to get me in. My mom has systemic lupus, and my son as alopecia areata (auto-immune, too).

I'm scared. In fact, scared doesn't even describe it. I've called my employer, she doesn't call back. I did receive a cryptic email from her that said, "right now I'm just sitting tight." You need to continue to send your "time off from work slips" to me. I can't put you back on the schedule until you are released from your doc. (In my prior thread I explained that she also went so far as to call my former boss to ask "how I was for her", after already working for my current boss for 2 mos....it wasn't a reference check....it feels more like a witch hunt).

Anyway, I'm not getting better. It's burning and SOOOOO STIFF. If I had to explain the stiffness, I could in one word: tetany. Just plain locked up with NO range of motion.

I feel so hopeless right now. When I saw my primary doc Wed, he said, "I don't know what to tell you. You've stumped 4 docs now. Your labs are grossly abnormal. It's not a clear cut thing here. I can't create paid time off from work for you!" (This after breaking down crying and asking him what it is...that I can't be out of work much longer because at this point I could lose everything).

I can't really find words to describe how miserably depressed I am now, and afraid.

Thanks for listening.

Hugs,

Emma

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Oh, honey. Do you have any disability insurance to fall back on?

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Specializes in Home Health, Geriatrics.
For any of you following my situation, I have a boss who is seemingly trying to get me "fired" because I am a new employee who, as a TERRIBLE coincidence, nothing more, became ill. Well, don't know if "ill" describes it. Burning, red, swelling, major stiffness in both ankles...not responding to treatment. Sed rate is 54 and my C reactive protein is elevated too. Have an appt with a rheumatologist Monday, thank God. They had a cx and were able to get me in. My mom has systemic lupus, and my son as alopecia areata (auto-immune, too).

I'm scared. In fact, scared doesn't even describe it. I've called my employer, she doesn't call back. I did receive a cryptic email from her that said, "right now I'm just sitting tight." You need to continue to send your "time off from work slips" to me. I can't put you back on the schedule until you are released from your doc. (In my prior thread I explained that she also went so far as to call my former boss to ask "how I was for her", after already working for my current boss for 2 mos....it wasn't a reference check....it feels more like a witch hunt).

Anyway, I'm not getting better. It's burning and SOOOOO STIFF. If I had to explain the stiffness, I could in one word: tetany. Just plain locked up with NO range of motion.

I feel so hopeless right now. When I saw my primary doc Wed, he said, "I don't know what to tell you. You've stumped 4 docs now. Your labs are grossly abnormal. It's not a clear cut thing here. I can't create paid time off from work for you!" (This after breaking down crying and asking him what it is...that I can't be out of work much longer because at this point I could lose everything).

I can't really find words to describe how miserably depressed I am now, and afraid.

Thanks for listening.

Hugs,

Emma

Emma, we should be hugging you. Facing something unknown is terrifying and with a family history of autoimmune problems, you have a right to be scared. I wish there were some comforting things I could say or do for you. Just know there are a LOT of people out here who are praying for you and your family. Please don't let the cold attitude of your supervisor keep you from concentrating on what you need to do to get back into the work force. Please know I will be praying for your recovery and do let us know what's happening. Wishing you all the very best.:icon_hug:

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Specializes in Med-Surg/Peds/O.R./Legal/cardiology.

Emma,

I am so glad you got that appt. with the rheumatologist!! I would think that doc, while seeing your condition, would write whatever is necessary for your work situation! You are on the correct path now. Keep your chin up! I'm sure help is on the way.

ebear

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Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.
Emma,

I am so glad you got that appt. with the rheumatologist!! I would think that doc, while seeing your condition, would write whatever is necessary for your work situation! You are on the correct path now. Keep your chin up! I'm sure help is on the way.

ebear

I agree with all, but why didn't that doc write you a disability statement, it seems it would be obvious in your profession you are not able to walk due to the "unknown dx process and the pain. I am so sorry, is there another doc who could write you something to help with FMLA or short term disability at this time? Why can't they think out of the box?

You are in my prayers, Emma.

Sharona:madface:

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my hunches are telling me that it's your workplace that is creating such havoc on your system.

get a note from the rheumatologist.

even in the absence of a dx, the abn labs do not lie.

for crying out loud, let him/her write "idiopathic" preceding the dx.

at least it's something.

i'm glad you're pursuing med'l treatment.

but i really maintain, you need to find another job.

keep us updated.

and only the very best to you.

leslie

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Im sorry to read of your illness and hope you get a diagnosis and treatment plan soon.

I think some people may not realize that new employees do not qualify for

FMLA or any sort of "job protection." Those legal rights come only after you have worked for an employeer for a set period of time. By "just sitting tight," your boss is probably doing all she can legally do -- holding off on taking any action to terminate your employment as long a possible -- hoping that more information will be available soon.

I recommend finding out what your employer's policy is regarding extended absences for new employees. Find out what your rights are and the procedures. That information may be in your employee handbook or whatever other resources there are that state their Human Resources policies. Don't be shocked if they technically terminate your employment at some point. That doesn't necessarily mean they won't hire you back once you can assure them that you are ready and able to work. That's all normal and routine -- and doesn't say anything bad about you. While you might not like the fact that you have little job protection as a new employee, at least you will know exactly what your status is and can plan accordingly (e.g. health insurance, disability insurance, etc.)

Good luck to you. I hope you are feeling better soon.

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Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.

It is illegal in my state to medically discharge one from their job. Because of this I did receive unemployment, this was after short-term disability. I was a new employee, and I was paying for the disability.

I don't know if this is a federally mandated set of rules, but one worth checking out, esp. since the supervisors actions have already created questioning. IMO.

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Specializes in Jack of all trades, and still learning.

Like someone else said, if the doctor has noticed your labs are abnormal, then that should be an indication that something is wrong. It then follows that your symptoms are real and that you need time off. I don't understand why he won't give this to you.

I know words don't cut, but I am really sorry this is happening to you. (((hugs)))

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I'm so sorry hun :(

Why don't you call your hospital's Employee Assistance Program? Most I've had experience with do more than just psychological counseling; they also have access to financial counselors. Perhaps their counselors and social workers can point you in the right direction for temporary assistance, or help holding off your creditors until this is resolved. They should have access to resources that can help you out.

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, Emergency, SAFE.

I have nothing substancial to add, except Im sorry. Stay strong, hopefully it works out!!

:icon_hug:

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Specializes in Travel Nursing, ICU, tele, etc.

Know that you are unquestionably legally protected with FEMLA. Your employer is being a jerk treating you like that. Get those forms in ASAP and know your job will be protected and you have the right to be free form harassment for being ill. Your HR department will have the form.

I am so sorry this is happening. You will get through this. Just get through one day at a time.

;););)

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