implants and finances

[Guest guest]

Corrine, I just finished writing a long email to you, and then my computer erased it all! Anyway, to sum it what I had written, basically, I was in the same position you are in. I am a RN and was working in the CICU and PACU when my health was at its worst. I was calling in sick to work daily, and thank God I had an understanding manager, otherwise I'm sure I would have been fired. But I dropped from 12 hr days to 8's, and then my rheumy told me about special provisions for FMLA. In short, it basically states that if you have a chronic illness or an illness that causes you to be incapacitated, you are legally allowed to continue your job with accomodations made for you. If your doc fills this form out (Form B of FMLA), then it states that you cannot work your regular work schedule, and need some accomodations. The form asks whether you are on any meds and/or receiving treatment for the condition, how long you're expected to be incapacitated, and the nature of the illness. It is good for 12 wks, so you cannot lose your job for 12 wks. I was in the same situation you're in 2 yrs ago. Because I was calling in sick almost daily, I obviously couldn't pay rent, pay for groceries or my rx's. I broke down and asked friends I worked with if I could borrow money to pay rent. I also had a best friend at the time who paid for my groceries and rx's. In addition, I ended up going to the county for rent assistance, and sought help from the lupus foundation. The lupus foundation was wonderful and provided me with quite a bit of money for rent and groceries, and they also donated food for me. In return, all I had to do was become a member of the lupus foundation (complimentary membership) and write a letter to the foundation thanking them for what they had done. I made it through, but just barely. From July 2000 to Novemeber 2000, I worked maybe a total of 4-5 days. And I had no savings. My parents and sister wouldn't help me. It was just awful. It was horrible and demeaning. And to this day, I cringe in embarrassment at "stooping so low." But you have to do what you have to do. My suggestions to you are: 1. Ask your doc to fill out a FMLA form (Form . This will protect your job for 12 wks, and enable you to work what you can tolerate. 2. If you're working 12 or 10 hr shifts, talk to your supervisor and see if you can drop to 8's (if the FMLA form is filled out, then legally they have to allow you to do this). 3. Seek out county/state assistance. As embarrassing as it may be, (and is), it is necessary. There are many organizations out there that can provide funds to people in need, but I found that you do have to do some research. Especially look at your churches. 4. Many employers have an "emergency fund" for employees. It is usually funded by the foundation of the hospital or wherever you work. I also was able to get some money from my employer via the foundation. I had to apply for it, but I got it. Check into this. 5. Most employers allow "compassionate PTO" for employees who have run out and can't work. Employees donate their PTO and EIB and this will give you some money. 6. Look to friends and family for loans. While this is demeaning, if you need money to pay your bills and eat, you will do what you have to do. 7. Look at changing jobs if yours is demanding and physical. If you're an RN and working in a hospital, consider going to a non-clinical job where the hrs are better and it's not so physical. 8. Consider applying for disability or Medicaid. However, with disability, you need to prove that you can't work at all, and I've from what I've heard, it's very difficult to get. Medicaid involves a ton of paperwork, and you have to be able to prove to them that you are not working and can't work. And remember, being on Medicaid doesn't mean that you're on it forever. When you get better and can work FT again, you can get off Medicaid. While these are not solutions, they are some suggestions. Call a social worker and see if someone can help you find organizations or charities that provide financial help. It has taken me 2 yrs to finally start feeling better and be able to go back to work FT and not feel like I want to die when I get home. But for 2 yrs, I struggled, and it will take me another 2 yrs to fully recover, if not longer. So, be proactive now and seek out the help you need. Enlist the support and help of your docs. Let me know if I can be of any more help. Believe me, I've been there. I am single, and didn't have another income coming in either. It was truly a horrible period in my life. But I got through it, and so will you. But you need to have the determination to do so. e