i had been working in a local hospital for 18 yrs. i showed sx's and people knew i had been dx'd with MS. it became more difficult for me to work and i had to resign my position.

BUT, i know in hindsight that i was targeted and documentation was being written up about my work. they were trying to get me out.

i wouldn't recommend disclosing. especially when you're trying to get hired.
and especially if you're not showing overt sx's. IF you have problems after you're hired you have time to evaluate IF you should tell. and, it's against the law to discriminate. but, that won't stop and employer. they know how to get around it.

my feeling is that once you tell anything you can't take it back. so think carefully.

What a tough call.

But first congratulations on your studies!

I know here in NC an employer can't legally ask you about your health issues and ailments. (It may be in every state?) And as far as being 'labeled'... HA!

Sure I know what you mean but if it helps you get a job, career, support yourself and family, pay bills and make it so you don't have to eat out of a dumpster, I say use it to your advantage.

Employers only need to know so much. I'm not saying be devious or a liar, but once you're in the door your work ethic and job performance will speak for you.

But that's just me.

I am the MonSter that MS fears.

They don't even ask about it for your employee physical exam? Here in MD they absolutely do and even have a list of ailments like HTN, diabetes etc. MS wasn't on that list but it clearly said to add any other chronic health condition or disease and that failing to disclose is grounds for termination.

Again I wouldn't even take a health exam until I had the offer in writing and surely wouldn't advise disclosing to a supervisor if MS isn't apparent. No matter what they say I don't believe any company is actively seeking out disabled employees unless maybe its someone with a disibility like hearing or vision where it isn't going to necessarily cost them money or be likely to get worse. Just my two cents though and everyone needs to do whatever is best for their situation.

WOW. That's in MD? I do live in MD, and I'm seeking employment anywhere in the DC Metro area...I shouldn't submit to a physical exam until I have the job offer in writing?!

Thank you. This is very good information!

Its a small world! I think it might depend on your place of employment as to whether or not they make you have a physical. I'm a nurse so they do make us get physical exams. This last place tried to schedule me for my physical the day after they made me the verbal job offer, before they would have had time to get me the paper work with my written offer...I made up an excuse and put if off until after they had the time to get me my written offer. I don't really feel they had any alter motives but I didn't want to take any chances.

My written offer was contingent on my ability to do the job which is cool. I try to be thankful that I can work and have such a great job but it was humilating for me to have to get my doctor to write a note saying that I was fit to do the same job I've been doing at another facility without problems.

Anyway I got the note and it wasn't ever mentioned again. Good luck!

I've never told. I've changed jobs 6 times since dx in 1988. Once you tell, you can't take it back.

My issues with MS are not blatantly obvious, so it's not that hard to not disclose.

The Federal government is fast on its way to becoming a mega-employer so if it helps getting in while printing money still works, it may be an option. I'm a civil servant (for the last 2-1/2 years) - I didn't tell them. Come to think of it, I didn't even get points for being a veteran (lower pay scales get 5 points).

My first 2 jobs were at nuclear power plants. Physicals, mental tests, the whole nine yards. No problem. I even get annuals now at NASA with only non-MS problems (the oxygen sensor thingy...).

Tom

Ah yes, the law and how to avoid it.

OK. Management/classroom training for Krispy Kreme taught me that in the interview we couldn't ask any health related questions.

A few years later and I'm a salesman for Pepsi. Although the question wasn't asked verbally, it did show up in the paperwork for application. At first I was hired to get my CDLs and drive the big rigs. I had to get a physical for that and disclosed everything to the doc including my MS. It turns out the doc took issue with the MS and me driving an 18 wheeler AND MS is on the list. Some of you know my complaints with doctors and I firmly told this cat, "I really need this job."

*As it turns out the plant where I worked needed more salesman than truck drivers so the biggest thing I drove was a pick up truck to service grocery stores.

The clinic and doc I went to were used by the company but not owned by it and as far as I know Pepsi didn't get to see the doc's report.

But that's just me.