What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? MI
Just as I was getting my battle with lupus under control, I was recently diagnosed with a severe muscle disease, necrotizing myopathy and treatments we've tried have not worked. My Rheumatologist has teamed up with a group of specialist at the local University since they have better testing and equipment. To help preserve what muscle function I have left, I am on high doses of steroids and a low chemo which causes my immune system to be very weak and the steroids keep me up all night. So far I've been able to meet my work obligations without exceeding my paid time off or vacation days. But now my doctors suggest that I avoid public places as much as possible and asked if I could take a medical leave from work. They feel extra rest would be a big help and getting sick would mean stopping my current meds immediately. I am only 30 and I want to maintain some sense of normalcy in my life. I can agree to staying away from crowded busy places no problem, got my flu shot and taking precautions. But I would rather NOT sit at home all day every day and for the most part I like my job. Since the doctors are concerned with my immune system, I suggested working from home 2 days of the week just for 2 two months to give my doctors a chance with the "rest" theory and to throw as much into finding a cause and treatment for whatever is going on and the Dr.s agreed. Testing and appts would be scheduled on the days I am already out of the office, no extra days needed.
I don't need any special accommodations since I have a home office with all the needed equipment to basically print and enter customer orders. answer emails and speak with customers. But my employer is asking for some very invasive information and I question whether they are entitled to this information. They can see the visible physical changes, lots of weight gain from steroids and hair loss from chemo. I can't imagine they think I am faking an illness. I have given them almost everything they have asked for. Now they are asking for the recommendation from the team at the University as well even though my primary Rheumy is still in charge of all decisions.
My Rheumy has provided her recommendation but my employer is asking her and the University to confirm separately:
Condition - no problem
Professional Recommendation -No Problem
Prognosis - Not sure how this can be determined now since we don't know.
Current Treatments -Detailed
Possible Future Treatments - Detailed
Current Testing and Test Results -How does this information help them?
I can understand their need to validate but can anyone shed some light on why an employer would need so much detail? Maybe I just need to see this from a different perspective. 80 mgs of steroids each day can make some situations seem worse than they are and I need to get an outside perspective.
Just as I was getting my battle with lupus under control, I was recently diagnosed with a severe muscle disease, necrotizing myopathy and treatments we've tried have not worked. My Rheumatologist has teamed up with a group of specialist at the local University since they have better testing and equipment. To help preserve what muscle function I have left, I am on high doses of steroids and a low chemo which causes my immune system to be very weak and the steroids keep me up all night. So far I've been able to meet my work obligations without exceeding my paid time off or vacation days. But now my doctors suggest that I avoid public places as much as possible and asked if I could take a medical leave from work. They feel extra rest would be a big help and getting sick would mean stopping my current meds immediately. I am only 30 and I want to maintain some sense of normalcy in my life. I can agree to staying away from crowded busy places no problem, got my flu shot and taking precautions. But I would rather NOT sit at home all day every day and for the most part I like my job. Since the doctors are concerned with my immune system, I suggested working from home 2 days of the week just for 2 two months to give my doctors a chance with the "rest" theory and to throw as much into finding a cause and treatment for whatever is going on and the Dr.s agreed. Testing and appts would be scheduled on the days I am already out of the office, no extra days needed.
I don't need any special accommodations since I have a home office with all the needed equipment to basically print and enter customer orders. answer emails and speak with customers. But my employer is asking for some very invasive information and I question whether they are entitled to this information. They can see the visible physical changes, lots of weight gain from steroids and hair loss from chemo. I can't imagine they think I am faking an illness. I have given them almost everything they have asked for. Now they are asking for the recommendation from the team at the University as well even though my primary Rheumy is still in charge of all decisions.
My Rheumy has provided her recommendation but my employer is asking her and the University to confirm separately:
Condition - no problem
Professional Recommendation -No Problem
Prognosis - Not sure how this can be determined now since we don't know.
Current Treatments -Detailed
Possible Future Treatments - Detailed
Current Testing and Test Results -How does this information help them?
I can understand their need to validate but can anyone shed some light on why an employer would need so much detail? Maybe I just need to see this from a different perspective. 80 mgs of steroids each day can make some situations seem worse than they are and I need to get an outside perspective.