Reply to Kat

[Guest guest]

Kat,

I read both your posts, especially the one that you are about ready to

lose your job because of missed days. If you work for a company that

has over 50 employees, or has more than 50 within a 75 mile radious,

and you have worked for at least 1250 hours in one year, I urge you to

apply for FMLA right away. This is a Federally mandated law, and it

will protect your rights as an employee, as well as your job. If you

have a union, I would also recommend going to them for help as well.

Now, as for your doctor, you need a new one, period! Fibro does affect

the serotonin levels in your brain, but it does SO much more than

that. Your doctor clearly either isn't educated very well in the area

of Fibromyalgia, or he doesn't want to prescribe pain meds, or both.

No matter what the reason, you need to run the other way, fast.

I just can't fathom that your doctor told you that the pain you are

feeling is not real. That's a new one for me. I've heard people say

that their doctors tell them " It's all in their head " or other such

things, but I think your doctor's statement really takes the cake.

What state do you live in, if you don't mind my asking? I'm a member

and volunteer for the American Pain Society, and I " may " be able to

help you search for a better doctor. Also, if someone in the group

lives near you, they might be able to make suggestions too (although

they would have to suggest off group).

You definitely need to check into FMLA as soon as possible, if your

doctor will at least do that for you! Be prepared for your company to

ask for a 2nd, and even 3rd opinion though, which is their right. The

second opinion doctor is their choice, but the 3rd opinion has to be

decided by both parties. Just make sure you make copies of EVERYTHING

for your own records, and if possible, take someone with you to the

appointments!

All my best to you,

Jen Z.