Re: sick of fighting

August 19, 2009

It's hard to fight over stupid things...How about keeping one of the empty

water bottles at your desk, locker, whatever and fill it from the larger

bottle. Or keep a cup available. Do what you need to do to keep yourself

comfortably hydrated. Sometimes stupid rules are simply stupid, but one

must work through the system in order to change it.

Keep smiling. The folks here are pulling for you.

Jane in Michigan

August 19, 2009

Is there someone higher up you can consult, maybe a higher manager or someone in

Human Resources? I don't know much about the prison system, etc., but it

doesn't seem like bringing sealed bottles of water in should be any big deal.

Perhaps you could pitch an alternative plan to them, such as purchasing a locked

box to keep your water in, and having someone above you let you into it with a

sign out log? Or perhaps the office staff could pitch a nominal amount of money

in to get a water tank for everyone's use?

Sometimes I think places just pick at random the things to be bullies about -

hang in there, and be creative about pitching alternate solutions. You'll find

one, and they'll be impressed with your persistence!

Kate P-B in STL

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

August 19, 2009

Hi Bonnie,

I am so very sorry for all that you are going thru! But let me state one thing

that will and always will be by your side - ADA. The Americans w/ Disabilities

Act. That law is on your side. Discuss w/ your doc what should be stated in his

note, but keep in mind - that law is for everyone of us - we all may not be

totally disabled but that does NOT allow for discrimination upon ANY individual

that has even the slightest - and I mean SLIGHTEST disability. So you take that

- and let me tell y ou - look it up on the Internet - but you take that as far

as you have to. I guarantee once you mention the " ADA " law - those jerks that

you are unfortunately have to work with and/or for, will shut up. I've been on

the other end - as a landlord (rep for many) that has had to abide by the law.

You go girl - you get what is rightfully yours! Good luck - I'll be thinking

good things for you! Keep us all posted!

in SC

ltdavis_jrdavis@...

From: Bonnie <tiredtaz@...>

Subject: [ ] sick of fighting

Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2009, 5:28 PM

I work at a state prison and up until this past monday, I've never had any

problems. Now the institution is " cracking down " on what is allowed to be

brought in. I mistakenly thought that I would have no problem with this--- get a

doctors note for my four waters I drink at work everyday, and everything will be

fine... WRONG! They are refusing to except the doctors note... The administrator

says that I can only bring in one sealed water at a time and keep the other 3 in

my car and walk out to the car when I need them... What? So I attempted to

explain that my illness causes to much pain to be walking in and out of the

institution. Her next answer is that I can bring in a large bottle of water and

use it through out the day... Again... NOT! MY wrists, fingers, ankles and toes

are my most irritated parts.. I can't be lifting a large bottle of water every

time I need water. Did I mention I need the water because are crappy medicines

cause me to have constant

cotton mouth... Administration is refusing to budge and I just don't know what

to do...:-( I have a follow up doctor visit tomorrow morning, I'm hoping that my

doctor will write a more specific request stating why I need those specifics...

If he won't, or if that doesn't even help, I just don't know what I'm gonna

do...

Why does everything have to be a freakin fight?????? Because of all this added

stress, I've been hurting immensely more then I have been (which wasn't good to

begin with). I don't feel I can handle this... Any suggestions?

Bonnie

August 19, 2009

Sorry, Bonnie. What a pain.

How about getting a small Brita (or similar brand) pitcher. I have a

travel-sized one.

Not an MD

On Wed, Aug 19, 2009 at 4:28 PM, Bonnie<tiredtaz@...> wrote:

> I work at a state prison and up until this past monday, I've never had any

problems. Now the institution is " cracking down " on what is allowed to be

brought in. I mistakenly thought that I would have no problem with this--- get

a doctors note for my four waters I drink at work everyday, and everything will

be fine... WRONG! They are refusing to except the doctors note... The

administrator says that I can only bring in one sealed water at a time and keep

the other 3 in my car and walk out to the car when I need them... What? So I

attempted to explain that my illness causes to much pain to be walking in and

out of the institution. Her next answer is that I can bring in a large bottle

of water and use it through out the day... Again... NOT! MY wrists, fingers,

ankles and toes are my most irritated parts.. I can't be lifting a large bottle

of water every time I need water. Did I mention I need the water because are

crappy medicines cause me to have constant cotton mouth... Administration is

refusing to budge and I just don't know what to do...:-( I have a follow up

doctor visit tomorrow morning, I'm hoping that my doctor will write a more

specific request stating why I need those specifics... If he won't, or if that

doesn't even help, I just don't know what I'm gonna do...

> Why does everything have to be a freakin fight?????? Because of all this

added stress, I've been hurting immensely more then I have been (which wasn't

good to begin with). I don't feel I can handle this... Any suggestions?

> Bonnie

August 19, 2009

Bonnie,

I use to work at a prison, so I know how they can be. I hope your

doctor comes through for you. I would write a letter to the warden,

along with your new doctor's note. Maybe, that will get a response.

You are working, and dealing with a horrible disease. I know what you

mean about, " cotton mouth, " this always seems to happens when I go

shopping.

I hope they can help you out with this problem. I'm sorry the added

stress is causing pain. I would sure let them know.

Good luck,

Tawny

>

> I work at a state prison and up until this past monday, I've never had

any problems. Now the institution is " cracking down " on what is allowed

to be brought in. I mistakenly thought that I would have no problem with

this--- get a doctors note for my four waters I drink at work everyday,

and everything will be fine... WRONG! They are refusing to except the

doctors note... The administrator says that I can only bring in one

sealed water at a time and keep the other 3 in my car and walk out to

the car when I need them... What? So I attempted to explain that my

illness causes to much pain to be walking in and out of the institution.

Her next answer is that I can bring in a large bottle of water and use

it through out the day... Again... NOT! MY wrists, fingers, ankles and

toes are my most irritated parts.. I can't be lifting a large bottle of

water every time I need water. Did I mention I need the water because

are crappy medicines cause me to have constant cotton mouth...

Administration is refusing to budge and I just don't know what to

do...:-( I have a follow up doctor visit tomorrow morning, I'm hoping

that my doctor will write a more specific request stating why I need

those specifics... If he won't, or if that doesn't even help, I just

don't know what I'm gonna do...

> Why does everything have to be a freakin fight?????? Because of all

this added stress, I've been hurting immensely more then I have been

(which wasn't good to begin with). I don't feel I can handle this... Any

suggestions?

> Bonnie

>

August 19, 2009

Thank you everyone for your support and ideas!!! In my last letter to

Administration I did mention that reasonable accommodations were expected

through Department of Corrections view on ADA. They didn't bite in the

slightest.

They dug their heals in and don't appear to be budging... Ugh! As far as using

a Brita, that would have worked, if I could get it into the prison. They will

not let me in with sealed bottles of water, not to mention a water filtering

system... But I really appreciate the suggestion! What chafes my rear end, is

that they are letting people in with Coffee cups (which can hide numerous

things)and cigarette boxes but wont let me have clear sealed water... I'm not

sure what they are trying to prove, but I am trying to get the courage to fight.

Before leaving work today, I called our employee relations office and they told

me the first step is to get the detailed doctors note, if administration still

denies it, then I can appeal their decision. If I still do not get accommodated

in a reasonable way, then I can appeal to the employee relations office for them

to say what is just.

I just don't know why it has to come to this? For God's sake, we're talking

about sealed water, not vodka (although its starting to sound tempting). I wish

I was as strong as I used to be, I'd eat them all alive. I'm attempting to

channel her in, but I think the irritation and pain are keeping my old self at

bay.

Thanks again everyone.... I'll keep you posted.

Bonnie

> >

> > I work at a state prison and up until this past monday, I've never had

> any problems. Now the institution is " cracking down " on what is allowed

> to be brought in. I mistakenly thought that I would have no problem with

> this--- get a doctors note for my four waters I drink at work everyday,

> and everything will be fine... WRONG! They are refusing to except the

> doctors note... The administrator says that I can only bring in one

> sealed water at a time and keep the other 3 in my car and walk out to

> the car when I need them... What? So I attempted to explain that my

> illness causes to much pain to be walking in and out of the institution.

> Her next answer is that I can bring in a large bottle of water and use

> it through out the day... Again... NOT! MY wrists, fingers, ankles and

> toes are my most irritated parts.. I can't be lifting a large bottle of

> water every time I need water. Did I mention I need the water because

> are crappy medicines cause me to have constant cotton mouth...

> Administration is refusing to budge and I just don't know what to

> do...:-( I have a follow up doctor visit tomorrow morning, I'm hoping

> that my doctor will write a more specific request stating why I need

> those specifics... If he won't, or if that doesn't even help, I just

> don't know what I'm gonna do...

> > Why does everything have to be a freakin fight?????? Because of all

> this added stress, I've been hurting immensely more then I have been

> (which wasn't good to begin with). I don't feel I can handle this... Any

> suggestions?

> > Bonnie

> >

>

August 19, 2009

Thanks Jane... I'm sure I'll find a way, its just a matter of how long it takes

and how many new gray hairs I get.... For a social worker, I'm really starting

to hate people in general...

Bonnie

>

> It's hard to fight over stupid things...How about keeping one of the empty

> water bottles at your desk, locker, whatever and fill it from the larger

> bottle. Or keep a cup available. Do what you need to do to keep yourself

> comfortably hydrated. Sometimes stupid rules are simply stupid, but one

> must work through the system in order to change it.

>

> Keep smiling. The folks here are pulling for you.

>

> Jane in Michigan

>

August 19, 2009

It is so hard to believe how hard we must fight just to get the things most

people take for granted......please keep us posted and hang in there. We are

all pulling for you. Maybe they need to be reported to the correct agency for

ADA violations..........I can get the proper information for you if you need

it. I work at a Center for Independent Living here in Oregon and we have an ADA

consultant on staff who can tell me who you need to report it to.....Just drop

me a line and let me know if you need the info.

Keep on keeping on!

Pat in Southern Oregon

Bureau Alvarez

From: tiredtaz <tiredtaz@...>

Subject: [ ] Re: sick of fighting

Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2009, 5:46 PM

Thanks Jane... I'm sure I'll find a way, its just a matter of

how long it takes and how many new gray hairs I get.... For a social worker,

I'm really starting to hate people in general...

Bonnie

>

> It's hard to fight over stupid things...How about keeping one of the empty

> water bottles at your desk, locker, whatever and fill it from the larger

> bottle. Or keep a cup available. Do what you need to do to keep yourself

> comfortably hydrated. Sometimes stupid rules are simply stupid, but one

> must work through the system in order to change it.

>

> Keep smiling. The folks here are pulling for you.

>

> Jane in Michigan

>

August 19, 2009

Oh, Bonnie,

You're emails have brought back nightmares I had working for a Social Services

Dept for a County in California. I when through years of BS, until I just went

out on a disability retirement. I feel much better now, BTW.

Some suggestions.

In your doctors letters, and this is just advice for " i " dotting, and " t "

crossing.

- Your doctor will need to state you diagnosis, and maybe the short-term and

long-term prognosis.

- State the medical need for water being available at your desk. To backup that

need, the reasons (side effects of Rx's, dryness due to Sjorgren's, etc.

- State your limited mobility. State that you would need someone available to

you at short notice to go to your car for you and retrive water bottles up to 6

times per day. And you inability to do this as the cummulative effect of

walking has a negative adversely effect on your body. Include long term

effects, including if you have bone erosions on the bones in your feet and toes.

While you are at it...

Have your Doctor request a ergonomic evaluation of your work space. Is your

computer at the correct height for you? Would a curved keyboard help with pain

in your wrists and fingers from typing. Do you type for lengthy periods of

time? Would breaks help? Do you need extra padding on your pens and pencils?

Is your chair giving you the proper support? Are the armrests helping or

harming you? Would having a spoken word recognion program help you with writing

lengthy reports? Do you need a foot rest to help you from keeping your feet in

one position all day?

Sound like I have done this before? ....well yeah, I have. Go to the the ADA

website and see what the suggested accomidation are for RA.

The reason for doing this. Well, it gives you both some wiggle room, and it

makes bringing a clear water bottle in to a secured facility seem like a small

concession compared to the costs of revamping your workspace. (Revamping your

workspace is a valid thing for someone with RA to request.) Also letting you

have a couple of bottles bought in by you in the morning is going to be more

cost effective than having a worker go out to your car several times a day. I

thinking 30 minutes to get out to your car, get a bottle of water, and then go

back through security. 30 minutes times 3 times a day times 5 days a week times

50 weeks a year. Thats 375 hours a year or 47 days. If you explain it, do not

do it to your immediate supervisor, go for their manager, or the director. They

are the ones how deal with the money issues.

I have more tricks up my sleeve, and would be happy to help you out.

August 20, 2009

You should contact the Union over this. They, at at the very least, could fire

this off

to their attorneys and see if something can be done. It's not right to ignore a

doctors

script.

If your not a member of a union you can contact the Dept. of Justice who should

be able to tell you if they can do anything about. Be prepared to wait a while

as

no-one is fast about it.

You also need to be prepared to take any additional harassment that will come

with it.

Sorry for your trouble but nothing is easy or fast when it comes to the ADA.

Good Luck+ACEAIQ-

Tom G

August 20, 2009

Thanks again to those who have replied... I feel a lot less alone.

... I took your advise and asked my doctor to write an indepth letter to

my employer.. Hopefully this is all it will take, but if not I'll have to take

it further like you suggested.

Quick update on my health... My doc thinks I am getting worse and stated that

he is going to move up my Rituxin infusion a couple of months. If this doesn't

work, then I'll be trying Remicade. This confuses me, as if the Rituxin I just

got (its an infusion) isn't working, what makes him think getting it done again

will?

I have to go back in two weeks, he's ordering an MRI and a bone density scan in

the mean time... so I guess time will tell...

Bonnie

>

> Oh, Bonnie,

>

> You're emails have brought back nightmares I had working for a Social Services

Dept for a County in California. I when through years of BS, until I just went

out on a disability retirement. I feel much better now, BTW.

>

> Some suggestions.

>

> In your doctors letters, and this is just advice for " i " dotting, and " t "

crossing.

> - Your doctor will need to state you diagnosis, and maybe the short-term and

long-term prognosis.

> - State the medical need for water being available at your desk. To backup

that need, the reasons (side effects of Rx's, dryness due to Sjorgren's, etc.

> - State your limited mobility. State that you would need someone available to

you at short notice to go to your car for you and retrive water bottles up to 6

times per day. And you inability to do this as the cummulative effect of

walking has a negative adversely effect on your body. Include long term

effects, including if you have bone erosions on the bones in your feet and toes.

>

> While you are at it...

>

> Have your Doctor request a ergonomic evaluation of your work space. Is your

computer at the correct height for you? Would a curved keyboard help with pain

in your wrists and fingers from typing. Do you type for lengthy periods of

time? Would breaks help? Do you need extra padding on your pens and pencils?

Is your chair giving you the proper support? Are the armrests helping or

harming you? Would having a spoken word recognion program help you with writing

lengthy reports? Do you need a foot rest to help you from keeping your feet in

one position all day?

>

> Sound like I have done this before? ....well yeah, I have. Go to the the ADA

website and see what the suggested accomidation are for RA.

>

> The reason for doing this. Well, it gives you both some wiggle room, and it