ok.. totally stressed out now...

My first day back to work was on Friday.. I have been on a leave for my MS because I was not able to complete my job duties being a customer service rep in a call center.

Im having serious problems with my speech being slurred and my word formation.

I took a week and a half off... was feeling better.. went back friday.. did ok.. speech was still horrible.. went home at 2 instead of 4 because we were slow and my numbers were the lowest for the call center.

Woke up Saturday with half a sore throat and my stomach was kinda queasy.. called off work. Went in yesterday (Sunday) and was sent home at 10am because I was not giving my all. I tried to explain that I couldn't.. I was so exhausted and my speech was so bad that I had no energy to sound upbeat at all. She told me that I had to go home and then they would call me today with my fate... I haven't heard from them yet...

Here is my issue.... I HAVE BILLS DUE!! I don't know what Im going to do! I'm starting to stress out about this more and more and it is making me feel worse.. I have really bad spasticity in my lower legs today and I know it is because of the extra stress.

Does any one know of any assistance programs that could help me? If I end up getting fired could I get on unemployment?

Supposedly they are going to try to put me in overnights in Quality Assurance where I wouldn't have to talk at all. Just listen.. But I don't think I can do over night shift again... I did it before and it kicked my butt... But if I decline the position then I would be quitting and would not qualify for unemployment..

Ugh.. I could just cry I am so frustrated and worried.... I guess this turned more into a vent then a question... but I know you guys hopefully won't mind... any suggestions would be greatly appreciated....

Oh.. and I think this situation is putting a strain in my relationship with my fiance.. I know he is very frustrated with me about the whole thing. He doesn't understand why I can't just go and do my job...

I wish there was some magic switch to make money come flying at me and I could stay at home and feed my recent addiction for sleep...

Thanks for listening guys....

Hey Chaz! Sorry to hear you are having problems w/work due to your health issues. I'm also sorry that I can't help w/your questions, but someone should come along to help soon. I will keep you in my prayers that you can work something out w/your employer and feel better soon.

I had to leave a job that I loved b/c I just couldn't do the physical aspects of it anymore. However, I don't know anything about financial help, as my DH works fulltime.

Hope things turn around for you. Take care of yourself.

Called into work... I got fired...
Applied for unemployment but now I am afraid of the claim being denied. Anyone know anything about unemployment?

I'm sorry your got fired and that you were having so much difficulty doing your job. Just wanted to give you hugs.

So sorry about you losing your job Chaz..
I don't know anything about unemployment Comp, but hope it works outt well for you.'

Prayers and Hugs..

chaz, i'm so sorry about your job.
i'm sure there must be an unemployment phone # in your area. i would try that. i hope that works out for you.

have you spoken to your dr about your inability to work?
maybe it's time to document this in your chart and start the ball rolling towards disability?

I have been thinking seriously about disability... I don't know if I would qualify though... I guess because I am not paralized or something like that I feel that I could not be considered disabled....
I suppose tomorrow I will be applying for medicaid... have to have insurance to get back to the neuro I just started seeing.... Then I can proceed in that direction I guess

Chazen, I think you've gotten some good suggestions here and definitely, unemployment will be able to answer questions for you -- actually, they're probably also on the unemployment website for your state. I'm sorry about your job and hope that something better comes your way soon.

I'm sorry you lost your job. Unfortunately, you probably won't get unemployment since you were fired. Also in many states, you don't qualify for it if it's because of a medical reason. However, since the unemployment system has changed a lot recently and the laws vary from state to state, definitely make that call to them or visit their website. There is a chance you will get it, and unemployment benefits have been extended by the current government.

I used to be in HR, and the reasons why you got fired disturb me. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you can get fired if your disability causes an undue hardship; your slurring on the telephone would most likely qualify as an undue hardship to the company. BUT, in a case like yours, the employer should have, and probably could have, found a different job for you within the company that would work for you and them. You may want to check out the ADA online for more info.

But since your slurring did cause you to lose your job, you may qualify for disability. That's not the end of things either. You could still work once you get qualified, as long as you don't make over a certain amount of money, and you could volunteer your services as much as you want.

In any case, please get documentation, something in writing, from your employer stating the reasons why you were let go. This sort of documentation will help you if you plan to challenge the firing under the ADA, or if you want to file for disability.

I sincerely hope that you get some empathy from your fiance, and I am so sorry you lost your job. You can certainly apply for Medicaid to help out with medical issues; you will probably qualify since you're still single and without a job. COBRA is an option but it's expensive. You could also apply for food stamps, which isn't a happy option, but it would save you some money. This situation sucks and keep venting! You will be in my thoughts and prayers, and hopefully you'll get the help you need very soon.

april said things very well.
you don't have to be paralyzed to get disability.
the combination of all your MS sx's may be enuf.
but, your dr must examine you and document all this stuff.
seeing your pcp would also be a good idea.

i hope things begin to work out as you formulate a plan.