My week

September 8, 2000

i have had some bad weeks but i have to say you have had one of the worst

ones on

record.

i sure hope it gets better for you. we will be thinking of you. good luck.

shelly and jesse

September 8, 2000

Well, I started my new job. It was supposed to be office work,

secretarial type of stuff. Why do I always believe the ads? *sigh*

Nothing is as it is ever advertised. For instance, they never told me I

would have to stack chairs in the lunchroom. They never told me I would

have to clean out a cupboard and put stuff in boxes and carry those

around. They never told me I would be doing repetitive work hunched over

a laminator or a copier. All of these things have taken their toll on my

body this week. I am hurting. Lifting the chairs is probably the worst.

I can make the boxes lighter, but I can't do much about the position on

the laminator.

And disability keeps telling me I CAN work. Well, yes, but what job

allows for it? I had a receptionist position but that involves filing

charts and moving charts. Doesn't sound hard? Try having to move every

single chart in the entire clinic because they are running of shelf

space. Hands were killing me. Try perching a phone on your shoulder

while you type. Neck and shoulders hurt.

I did back office work. Try catching 5 foot 10 kids when they faint.

Try being on your feet all day, running back and forth. And restocking

cabinets.

It seems there is always something that you hadn't planned on doing. When

I worked in the preschool, there was lifting kids to be diapered, sitting

on the floor with them, restraining them when they had a seizure or a

temper tantrum.

I can't think of any job that I have ever had that didn't end up being

more than what they discussed in the ad and job interview. And this

despite the fact that they were told up front that I had RA and couldn't

perform specific tasks.

The problem with me is that I look healthy. I am not in a wheelchair, I

don't have deformities, I don't use a cane (though it sounds good

sometimes), I am not old. The two ladies that I work with now are close

to retirement age, and I am sure they see me as being the young,

healthy, strong woman of the office. How wrong they are. They probably

have more strength and stamina that I do. I am already exhausted and

near tears just thinking about it. I need this job. I need the money.

But how can I keep doing this for a whole year without repercussions to

my health?

Jenna

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September 8, 2000

That is a very tough situation, Jenna. I'm not sure what to advise. Can you

tell your boss that you just can't do the lifting and awkward tasks (and

tell her or him specifically what you can and cannot do)? Trade some duties

with another person? Find a different job (easier said than done, I'm sure)?

I'm sorry that you are upset and hurting. I'm hoping that other on the list

will respond with some good advice.

----- Original Message -----

From: " JennaKay Francis " <triskelion@...>

< egroups>

Sent: Friday, September 08, 2000 11:05 AM

Subject: Re: [ ] My week

> Well, I started my new job. It was supposed to be office work,

> secretarial type of stuff. Why do I always believe the ads? *sigh*

> Nothing is as it is ever advertised. For instance, they never told me I

> would have to stack chairs in the lunchroom. They never told me I would

> have to clean out a cupboard and put stuff in boxes and carry those

> around. They never told me I would be doing repetitive work hunched over

> a laminator or a copier. All of these things have taken their toll on my

> body this week. I am hurting. Lifting the chairs is probably the worst.

> I can make the boxes lighter, but I can't do much about the position on

> the laminator.

>

> And disability keeps telling me I CAN work. Well, yes, but what job

> allows for it? I had a receptionist position but that involves filing

> charts and moving charts. Doesn't sound hard? Try having to move every

> single chart in the entire clinic because they are running of shelf

> space. Hands were killing me. Try perching a phone on your shoulder

> while you type. Neck and shoulders hurt.

>

> I did back office work. Try catching 5 foot 10 kids when they faint.

> Try being on your feet all day, running back and forth. And restocking

> cabinets.

>

> It seems there is always something that you hadn't planned on doing. When

> I worked in the preschool, there was lifting kids to be diapered, sitting

> on the floor with them, restraining them when they had a seizure or a

> temper tantrum.

>

> I can't think of any job that I have ever had that didn't end up being

> more than what they discussed in the ad and job interview. And this

> despite the fact that they were told up front that I had RA and couldn't

> perform specific tasks.

>

> The problem with me is that I look healthy. I am not in a wheelchair, I

> don't have deformities, I don't use a cane (though it sounds good

> sometimes), I am not old. The two ladies that I work with now are close

> to retirement age, and I am sure they see me as being the young,

> healthy, strong woman of the office. How wrong they are. They probably

> have more strength and stamina that I do. I am already exhausted and

> near tears just thinking about it. I need this job. I need the money.

> But how can I keep doing this for a whole year without repercussions to

> my health?

>

> Jenna

September 8, 2000

Did you think about quitting and going to unemployment and stating that these

task were not in the job description and you are unable to do them because

you are disabled with RA? Did you tell them in the interview about your lack

of physical abilitties? If you did, then you have a strong case for

unemployment until you can find something suitable and that meets your

financial and physical needs.

Jeannette

September 8, 2000

persons with disablities act is a federal law and every employer and school

has to follow that law. Thats not saying that they do. To some people acting

iggnorant to such laws saves them money and work. I have to deal with our

school counties iggnorance on a daily basis. Still working on that lawsuit

and getting no where at this moment. but no news is good news as my mom

always says.

September 8, 2000

Jenna, SEE MY COMMENTS POINT BY POINT BELOW IN CAPS.

--- In egroups, JennaKay Francis <triskelion@j...>

wrote:

> Well, I started my new job. It was supposed to be office work,

> secretarial type of stuff. Why do I always believe the ads?

*sigh*

> Nothing is as it is ever advertised.

HOW DID THE JOB DESCRIPTION READ - EXACTLY?

For instance, they never told me I

> would have to stack chairs in the lunchroom. They never told me I

would

> have to clean out a cupboard and put stuff in boxes and carry those

> around.

WHEN GIVEN THESE TASKS, WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL THEM THAT YOUR DISABILITY

PREVENTS YOU FROM DOING THESE THINGS? YOU HAVE TO SPEAK UP. IN MY

EXPERIENCE, MAINTENANCE WORKERS USUALLY TAKE CARE OF STACKING CHAIRS,

MOVING/CARRYING BOXES

They never told me I would be doing repetitive work hunched over

> a laminator or a copier. All of these things have taken their toll

on my

> body this week. I am hurting. Lifting the chairs is probably the

worst.

> I can make the boxes lighter, but I can't do much about the

position on

> the laminator.

>

CAN YOU MOVE THE LAMINATOR TO A MORE ERGONOMICALLY CORRECT POSITION?

> And disability keeps telling me I CAN work. Well, yes, but what job

> allows for it?

HAVE YOU CHECKED WITH YOUR LOCAL OR STATE EMPLOYMENT OFFICE? THEY

USUALLY HAVE POSITIONS POSTED AND COUNSELORS TO HELP YOU FIND THE

TYPE OF WORK SUITED FOR SOMEONE WITH DISABILITIES OR HELP YOU TO

CHANGE CAREERS.

I had a receptionist position but that involves filing

> charts and moving charts. Doesn't sound hard? Try having to move

every

> single chart in the entire clinic because they are running of shelf

> space. Hands were killing me. Try perching a phone on your

shoulder

> while you type. Neck and shoulders hurt.

INSTEAD OF PERCHING THE PHONE ON YOUR SHOULDER WHY DIDN'T YOU ASK FOR

A PHONE HEADSET?

MOST COMPANIES WOULD RATHER PURCHASE A PHONE HEADSET INSTEAD OF

PAYING DISABILITY CLAIMS/COSTS. THINK ABOUT THAT.

>

> I did back office work. Try catching 5 foot 10 kids when they

faint.

> Try being on your feet all day, running back and forth. And

restocking

> cabinets.

>

THIS ONE I WOULD HAVE NOT TAKEN IN THE FIRST PLACE.

> It seems there is always something that you hadn't planned on

doing. When

> I worked in the preschool, there was lifting kids to be diapered,

sitting

> on the floor with them, restraining them when they had a seizure or

a

> temper tantrum.

>

> I can't think of any job that I have ever had that didn't end up

being

> more than what they discussed in the ad and job interview. And this

> despite the fact that they were told up front that I had RA and

couldn't

> perform specific tasks.

BEING THAT THIS WAS DISCUSSED UP FRONT, WHY DIDN'T YOU REMIND THEM OF

YOUR LIMITATIONS OVER AND OVER AGAIN?

>

> The problem with me is that I look healthy. I am not in a

wheelchair, I

> don't have deformities, I don't use a cane (though it sounds good

> sometimes), I am not old.

YOU ARE DESCRIBING NOT ONLY YOURSELF BUT MANY OF US AS WELL. WE

DON'T HAVE TO LOOK CRIPPLED TO FEEL THE PAIN.

The two ladies that I work with now are close

> to retirement age, and I am sure they see me as being the young,

> healthy, strong woman of the office. How wrong they are. They

probably

> have more strength and stamina that I do. I am already exhausted

and

> near tears just thinking about it.

MY MOTHER IS NEAR 87 YRS OLD AND IS MORE HEALTHY THAN HER 3 DAUGHTERS.

I need this job. I need the money.

UNFORTUNATELY THESE ARE ISSUES YOU CAN'T FORGET ABOUT. BUT, I WOULD

SUGGEST THAT YOU HANG IN THERE WHILE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING ELSE MUCH

MORE SUITED TO YOUR CAPABILITIES (ASAP).

> But how can I keep doing this for a whole year without

repercussions to

> my health?

YOU CAN'T, IT WILL TAKE ITS TOLL ON YOU THAT MUCH SOONER, THEN WHERE

WILL YOU BE???

I'VE LEARNED THAT YOU NEED TO STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS AND BE TOUGH

ABOUT IT. I'M SO TOUGH AT TIMES THAT GROWN MEN CRY AT THE SIGHT OF

ME.

I WILL SIGN THIS AS THE 5FT. TALL SYLVIA

>

> Jenna

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September 8, 2000

OK, 5-foot, tough, Sylvia! You sound a little like June here, LOL!

----- Original Message -----

From: <booper51@...>

< egroups>

Sent: Friday, September 08, 2000 4:00 PM

Subject: [ ] Re: My week

> I'VE LEARNED THAT YOU NEED TO STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS AND BE TOUGH

> ABOUT IT. I'M SO TOUGH AT TIMES THAT GROWN MEN CRY AT THE SIGHT OF

> ME.

> I WILL SIGN THIS AS THE 5FT. TALL SYLVIA

September 8, 2000

Sylvia,

Good points - all of them. I guess I am afraid of being blackballed with

the school district. It's really the only place I can work so that I can

have the same holidays and the summer with the kids. If I had to provide

after school care or summer care, there would be no point in working. It

would eat up all of the money. I am hoping that my writing will

eventually bring me some money but so far the royalty checks have been

very small.

Jenna

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September 9, 2000

me again jenna. you know i have this number for a local news station here.

its called 10 on your side. it deals with the publics little problems. for

example last night it showed a sink hole and when the neighborhood people

called the city to fix the sink hole there was no response from the city and

the people who lived near it called the news station they did a report on it

and then low and behold the city was there the next day.

i was tempted to call this station and raise hell with the county school

board about harrassment of families with chonicly ill children the fact that

they can discrimminate against children with disabilites buy saying that THEY

don't identify that child as being disabled.

now iam getting to the point. is there a news station in your area that does

something like that or a newspaper or have you thought about writing to the

editor of your paper about RA and maybe pass the word out. then you can cut

out the article and hand it up in the office. lol

sorry iam getting tired and getting silly again but they aren't bad ideas.

September 9, 2000

Jenna,

I don't know where you live, but somehow you need to be heard from

either your school board district or any other agency that will

listen. There is a Persons with Disabilities Act somewhere, I just

can't think what it does at this very moment. My brain modem is

running a little slow tonight. Does your school have disabled

children? Special education, or special elevators for these

handicapped children? Why shouldn't they accomodate the work force

as well? Tell those old biddies (ready to retire) to take their own

crap and shove it!!!! And smile when you say it. Sorry, I hate it

when some people think they are better than others (because of

seniority) and expect them to do these so called lowly tasks. They

are probably more healthier than you or I.

Another thing, did these 2 (so-called) ladies hire you? Who do you

answer to?

Sorry again, you got me all riled up.

Sylvia

--- In egroups, JennaKay Francis <triskelion@j...>

wrote:

> Sylvia,

>

> Good points - all of them. I guess I am afraid of being

blackballed with

> the school district. It's really the only place I can work so that

I can

> have the same holidays and the summer with the kids. If I had to

provide

> after school care or summer care, there would be no point in

working. It

> would eat up all of the money. I am hoping that my writing will

> eventually bring me some money but so far the royalty checks have

been

> very small.

>

> Jenna

>

> FREE SPIRIT - Starlight Writers Publications

> THE GUARDIANS OF GLEDE - SWP Editors Choice Award; SWP Stellar

Award;

> WordWeaving Award of Excellance

> THE GREEN PUMPKIN - CrossroadsPub.com; furt Award Nominee

> Homepage: www.geocities.com/jennakayfrancis

>

> ________________________________________________________________

> YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET!

> Juno now offers FREE Internet Access!

> Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit:

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September 9, 2000

Sylvia,

The whole thing is really strange actually. Several years ago I

interviewed with the school district and they knew everything about my

limitations. I can clearly remember the person that interviewed me

saying: I guess we would hypocritical not to hire a disabled person,

when that's our goal - getting disabled children ready to face the world

and be self supporting.

Ok, that said, she hired me to work in the Special Needs classrooms as an

assistant. But, lo and behold, when that years assignment was up, I tried

to get the same job the following September and was told that I had too

many absences the year before. Know what happened? I was doing crossing

guard duty and spun back around because I caught a movement out of the

corner of my eye as I was heading back to the school. I thought one of

the little girls I had just crossed had stepped back into the street.

Well, in spinning I stepped off the curb and fell. I broke my ankel,

sprained my thumb and wrist. I had to just sit on the curb, waiting for

the pain to pass, before I hobbled back to the school. I took off 2 days

then went back with a cast. But I was gone too much.

I have only just started on this job - been there just one week. I

really dont' want to get into the saying I can't do things. I mean, it's

bad enough that I have to take Monday off for a pre-arranged eye surgery.

I can't change the surgery date. And it's just for one eye. The other

eye will have to wait until they can either do surgery after work, or

before work or during a school break.

If I start bitching about things already, I will never ever get another

job with the district, despite the discrimination act. I already know

that. I'll be fine. I'll just try to rest as much as I can on the

weekends and at night. It would be easier if I had a little support at

home, but I don't. That's just the way things are for now.

But someday, when I am a famous novelist, and my books are being made

into movies (in which Tom Cruise will play one of the lead characters

*G*), I will have a huge house, a staff to wait on me, a limo, and all of

the accoutrements of a fine life. And no one will be getting my money.

*evil laugh*

Jenna

FREE SPIRIT - Starlight Writers Publications

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WordWeaving Award of Excellance

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Homepage: www.geocities.com/jennakayfrancis

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September 9, 2000

June, I think it is a great idea to have the Dr. write a note for

Jenna. But do you really think they will pay much attention? I hope

this idea works out for her.

Jenna, why don't you wear an arm sling, or splints, or an ace bandage

or anything that is visual for them? I bet if they saw you with

either of these, they would ask, oh my god, what happened to you? I

get that every time I have to wear my neck brace. Think about how

many times I've had to explain the cane when I stupidly went to work

after my fall this past april. Anyway, keep looking for something

better and keep your chin up. Even if you have to put it in a chin

sling.

Regards,

Sylvia

> Hi Jenna,I am sorry you have had such a rough week.Could you at

least

> tell them you can't stack chairs?This is the worst part of this

disease

> because we all look so good and it is almost impossible to explain

to

> annyone,even family members,how much pain we are in. I know you

need the

> job but I think you will have to tell them there are certain things

you

> cannot physically do and get your dr. to put it in writing.

>

> Hugs

> June

September 9, 2000

Jenna, I believe I said this in a previous posting, the glass is

either half full or half empty. I always choose half full. What I

mean to say is to stay positive. Even in your choice of words. You

say, " I really dont' want to get into the saying I can't do things " .

But why couldn't you say, " my doctor won't allow me to do these

things " instead.

Are we all invited to the premier of Tom Cruis' new movie from your

upcoming published book? I can't wait.

Keep the faith,

Sylvia

--- In egroups, JennaKay Francis <triskelion@j...>

wrote:

> Sylvia,

>

> The whole thing is really strange actually. Several years ago I

> interviewed with the school district and they knew everything about

my

> limitations. I can clearly remember the person that interviewed me

> saying: I guess we would hypocritical not to hire a disabled

person,

> when that's our goal - getting disabled children ready to face the

world

> and be self supporting.

>

> Ok, that said, she hired me to work in the Special Needs classrooms

as an

> assistant. But, lo and behold, when that years assignment was up, I

tried

> to get the same job the following September and was told that I had

too

> many absences the year before. Know what happened? I was doing

crossing

> guard duty and spun back around because I caught a movement out of

the

> corner of my eye as I was heading back to the school. I thought

one of

> the little girls I had just crossed had stepped back into the

street.

> Well, in spinning I stepped off the curb and fell. I broke my

ankel,

> sprained my thumb and wrist. I had to just sit on the curb,

waiting for

> the pain to pass, before I hobbled back to the school. I took off

2 days

> then went back with a cast. But I was gone too much.

>

> I have only just started on this job - been there just one week. I

> really dont' want to get into the saying I can't do things. I

mean, it's

> bad enough that I have to take Monday off for a pre-arranged eye

surgery.

> I can't change the surgery date. And it's just for one eye. The

other

> eye will have to wait until they can either do surgery after work,

or

> before work or during a school break.

>

> If I start bitching about things already, I will never ever get

another

> job with the district, despite the discrimination act. I already

know

> that. I'll be fine. I'll just try to rest as much as I can on the

> weekends and at night. It would be easier if I had a little support

at

> home, but I don't. That's just the way things are for now.

>

> But someday, when I am a famous novelist, and my books are being

made

> into movies (in which Tom Cruise will play one of the lead

characters

> *G*), I will have a huge house, a staff to wait on me, a limo, and

all of

> the accoutrements of a fine life. And no one will be getting my

money.

> *evil laugh*

>

> Jenna

>

> FREE SPIRIT - Starlight Writers Publications

> THE GUARDIANS OF GLEDE - SWP Editors Choice Award; SWP Stellar

Award;

> WordWeaving Award of Excellance

> THE GREEN PUMPKIN - CrossroadsPub.com; furt Award Nominee

> Homepage: www.geocities.com/jennakayfrancis

>

> ________________________________________________________________

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September 9, 2000

Sylvia,

Of course, you're all invited! I'll have limos pick you all up. LOL

And everyone get's Tom's autograph.

Jenna

FREE SPIRIT - Starlight Writers Publications

THE GUARDIANS OF GLEDE - SWP Editors Choice Award; SWP Stellar Award;

WordWeaving Award of Excellance

THE GREEN PUMPKIN - CrossroadsPub.com; furt Award Nominee

Homepage: www.geocities.com/jennakayfrancis

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September 10, 2000

I don't want Tom's autograph, I want yours.

Syl

--- In egroups, JennaKay Francis <triskelion@j...>

wrote:

> Sylvia,

> Of course, you're all invited! I'll have limos pick you all up.

LOL

> And everyone get's Tom's autograph.

>

> Jenna

>

> FREE SPIRIT - Starlight Writers Publications

> THE GUARDIANS OF GLEDE - SWP Editors Choice Award; SWP Stellar

Award;

> WordWeaving Award of Excellance

> THE GREEN PUMPKIN - CrossroadsPub.com; furt Award Nominee

> Homepage: www.geocities.com/jennakayfrancis

>

> ________________________________________________________________

> YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET!

> Juno now offers FREE Internet Access!

> Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit:

> http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.

September 10, 2000

Sylvia,

Ah you're so sweet. *G*

Jenna

FREE SPIRIT - Starlight Writers Publications

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WordWeaving Award of Excellance

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September 11, 2000

jenna, i too know how you feel, only if you look close can you see my

deformities. my hands and arms a little, and everyone tells me i am always

looking down, well thatts the way i am!?!? i am only 40, and pretty much look

as healthy as an ox, i am not sure how much longer i can continue my

repetitive work either. thank got for fmla or i am sure i would have lost

another job due to illness. i am also a widow trying to raise a 17 yr old

son. i have had carpal tunnel surgeries on both hands and suffer from dizzy

spells and slight fever almost every day for about 3 yrs. next year i'll lose

my son's social security benefits and i live from check to check now. and

another year i have to get a second job??? i can hardly do the one i have.

September 12, 2000

Jenna,

I hope when I catch up on mail I read that you have informed your employer

that you

can't do physical work. Office work doesn't include lifting chairs, and I

hope you can

somehow get this across without loosing your job. I know how hard it is to

find a job

within our limitations. I've been looking for the last 6 months for just a

part time job

to TRY to work. I guess I'll have to resort to lying to get anyone to hire

me

Whatever you do, I hope you can put your health first and protect your

joints.

a

----- Original Message -----

From: JennaKay Francis <triskelion@...>

< egroups>

Sent: Friday, September 08, 2000 12:05 PM