NeuroTalk Support Groups - What have you lost to MS?

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- - What have you lost to MS? (https://www.neurotalk.org/multiple-sclerosis/46604-lost-ms.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Av8rgirl (Post 290530)

Peaple keep saying the "p" word and I'm not going to need any meds, I'll just be collecting wine! Suits me just fine!!! :p

:Poke: Need someone to help you set up Wine-o-rama? :smileypray: :Blush2: :D

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riverwild (Post 290545)

:Poke: Need someone to help you set up Wine-o-rama? :smileypray: :Blush2: :D

I'll say it again, the woman is a genius!!!:Clever:

Cheryl --

Just found this thread. I know. MS is fraught with losses. So sorry about some of yours -- the flying solo, the job stuff.

My MS losses include:

1. I've just recently lost my 3rd job in the 6 years since MS hit.
[a.]Apr. 2002 -- Ran out of FMLA time
[b.]Dec. 2003 -- Decided to close a licensed day care home, after my parents needed to find other care for their children following an absence during an MS flare. Didn't want to start over, when I knew it would likely have to happen again.
[c.]Human Resources, instead of sending FMLA forms, sent a letter telling me that I would not be returning to para-educator position in school. This was the 3rd time in my 4 years of working there that I'd had a flare that required FMLA time.

2. When I'm in a flare, another loss for me that is I become manic. The way I describe it is that I become someone that I am not. It is difficult for me, when I recover to know that I can be so much out of control of my thoughts and behavior. Most flares, for me, require hospitalization at a mental health facility. They usually occur once approx. every 10-12 months.

3. Financial losses. Had to refinance our home in 2003, due to excessive medical expenses. Has affected what jobs I am able to take, what income I am able to earn, etc.

4. Employablitity. Wondering if it is time to apply for disability. In a new job, I expect to have a flare that requires more time off than I am eligible for, prior to qualifying for FMLA again. It looks like I would likely bounce from one job to the next for the next 20 years if I would look for a new job. Have an appt with a disibility attorney next week.

~ Faith

Quote:

Originally Posted by AfterMyNap (Post 290546)

I'll say it again, the woman is a genius!!!:Clever:

I learned from a PRO! :p

Quote:

Originally Posted by FaithS (Post 290548)

4. Employablitity. Wondering if it is time to apply for disability. In a new job, I expect to have a flare that requires more time off than I am eligible for, prior to qualifying for FMLA again. It looks like I would likely bounce from one job to the next for the next 20 years if I would look for a new job. Have an appt with a disibility attorney next week.

Faith,

I know how hard you have worked to stay employed! I was so disappointed to read that you'd recently had another flare with a long hospital stay. :hug: I wonder if you get disability and you're able to slow down if maybe those bad flares will ease up on you. I certainly hope so, and I'm so glad to hear that you're seeing an attorney for applying for SSDI. I hope you'll get approved quickly. :hug:

Thanks, Ewiz. Going on disability and slowing down is not what I wish for. But, I don't see, right now, that another job is a good, viable option. So, thank you, for your good wishes that I get approved quickly.

I do not hope to sit at home all day, though. That would spiral me quickly into boredom, and, perhaps, a depression. I hope that I can find some meaningful volunteer work to keep me busy.

~ Faith

I've been running like a nut here, but had to send you a hug sweetie! All I can say is that I have lost much as well, but unbeliveably, gained so much because of MS. The operative words for me have been LDN. If your looking for energy, that's what has helped me stave off the deadening fatigue of MS.

I so wish I could catch up here. Soon I promise. Hang in there and look for the positives. I'm sending you silver linings and hope you can see some!

Hugs,
Carolyn:hug::hug::hug::hug:

Quote:

Originally Posted by FaithS (Post 290572)

Thanks, Ewiz. Going on disability and slowing down is not what I wish for. But, I don't see, right now, that another job is a good, viable option. So, thank you, for your good wishes that I get approved quickly.

I do not hope to sit at home all day, though. That would spiral me quickly into boredom, and, perhaps, a depression. I hope that I can find some meaningful volunteer work to keep me busy.

~ Faith

Oh Faith!! I'm so sorry you lost that job. I know going on disability isn't what you want, but maybe that is what you really need. Maybe God is giving you a nudge!

One other thing is I know that the HR guy where you were working was doing some borderline things. Have you checked to make sure he terminated you legally?

I just love this thread!!! It's got everything in it... the good, the bad, the ugly, the pretties, and most of all HUMOR!!!

All "losses" I have I 'choose' to see as "the best possible thing that could happen" ya know... we do have choices! :D adopted that view 30 years ago, practice it, so no matter what happens I find the lesson, find the reason why it was for my best.

thanks to you all for such thoughtful responses! :grouphug:

Quote:

Originally Posted by hollym (Post 291322)

Holly --I haven't; I've thought about contacting an attorney.

But, I just want this to be over. I don't want the job back. I didn't ever want to work as a para forever; it was a job with convenient hours while my kids were still home, and one has graduated from HS, and the other will next year. I also don't want to continue to work for someone who doesn't want me there.

The only other reason to contact an attorney might be to sue, and I don't wish to go that route. Besides, I know that he works with his attorney closely on HR matters, and my job is renewable on an annual basis. My guess is that he can terminate paras, just like he can probably terminate untenured teachers, without having or giving a reason. He's probably made sure that he's on firm legal ground.

In related news, I went to see a disability attorney today. I found out that receiving disability takes much more time than I expected: 2 or 2-1/2 yrs instead of what I thought might take 6 months. So, I may need to look for a part time job after all. Just don't quite know what to do. I had hoped to get on disability and volunteer in something meaningful. I hope that there are meaningful part time jobs that I can get in my small city.

~ Faith