Re: MESSED UP ON FILLING OUT A FORM - Need help

[Guest guest]

Jan and Gerald,

1st thing, best wishes Gerald on getting this mess cleaned up.

Please keep us informed on your outcome and experience.

Sounds like you have some experience in these things. I read

Gerald's post with interest because:

Through some retirements, bad luck, and managers trying to " help " I

think, I was sent a form by my " case manager " " regarding my medical

situation. " I've never had a case manager - in fact, I've tried hard

not to be a case. I fear having my medical situation known to anyone

in a dept called Global Well Being Services - can you say oxymoron.

I have been looking for other jobs that I can handle (reduced memory

load and interpersonal presentation skills and increased work at home

situations). Since I'm with a fantastic company, these are not out

of the question. I've dreaded this notice because my age and

seniority make me a great person to downsize. The pain makes doing

my job hard enough without trying to keep up on the politics. I know

I am vulnerable. I have no interest in getting the " opportunity " to

go on disability or quit.

The form - a medical treatment report - is to be filled out by my

treating physician. It is to determine my eligibility for benefits

and work limitations. Two sections are Functional Capacity and

Return to Work. Basically, it looks like they want the doctor to say

what needs to be modified so that I can work and for how long.

All this sounds a lot like what Gerald faced. I see that having my

primary care physician (who actually has the widest knowledge of my

history) is not the doc to ask. I have pain management docs for back

and other problems.

Hence, my questions:

Questions

- Which doc to see? A? Should I make copies of the form and talk

with each doc to help him/her complete it?

- Anyone still working who has come to agreement with their company?

What did you do?

- You both talked about your lawyers as a matter of fact. Do I need

one now? What kind - Disability(?), social security, personal injury

( might be available in a few months ;-) )?

- Is there someone to talk to about my " medical situation " who knows

about this point: changes in work life and painful disability?

Any help would be appreciated.

3 Cheers,

Alan

Raleigh, NC

> Gerald,

>

> So sorry for your ordeal!

>

[Guest guest]

Alan,

I am still working full-time (so to speak) but am out the sporadic days that I

need to be. This is completely covered by the partial disability insurance

provided by the company. I don't loose a dime of my salary and I still get to

keep my job as such. I can't say I know what will happen down the road, but

this seems to be working right now.

I called it to the attention of Human Resources. By law they are obligated to

work something out with you in regard to accommodating you. So that is your

first step if you already haven't done so.

We are all vulnerable in this economy right now, so try not think about the vast

future but accommodating yourself in the immediate future. For all I know I

could get laid off tomorrow, but at least I have taken measures to ensure my

health doesn't deteriorate beyond what it is now. I need those sporadic days

off!

Good luck and I think at your juncture - you want a disability or employment

lawyer. Both are adept in aiding cases such as these.

Jan :-) or Janis

Alan wrote:

- Anyone still working who has come to agreement with their company?

What did you do?

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the info.

I never heard of partial disability insurance, but will check it out

here.

You're right about the accommodation. Thanks again.

Alan

Raleigh, NC

j l <ruffinochianti@y...> wrote:

> Alan,

> I called it to the attention of Human Resources. By law they are

obligated to work something out with you in regard to accommodating

you. So that is your first step if you already haven't done so.

[Guest guest]

Alan,

I just read your post and from my experience I would find myself a personal

injury lawyer. They know all the in's and out's of your problem. Don't do

anything by yourself cause it might be the wrong thing to do. Cover your butt.

I happen to have a bad back and couldn't work anymore. Plus, arthritis in my

hands and hips. Went to 16 doctors for help figuring I could get some help

returning to a normal me.

No such luck. I know you don't want SSD, but maybe a lawyer that is experienced

in matters of this kind could be your best ally. At least you would get the

advise you probably can't get from just your " Run of the mill Joe " Sometimes

people talk and don't know what's coming out of their mouths. So a word to the

wise, be careful.

I had a lawyer for SSD and got it in 5 months. Other people have tried and not

gotten anywhere. Of course I am in CT. which might make a difference.

Good luck friend, let me know how you make out. Keep the pain at bay!

donna