Good Morning all........
 

As some of you know I returned to work last Monday after being on FMLA for 6 mo. I told my husband Mike that I had a bad feeling about returning to work. You know when you have one of those gut feelings that you just can't shake?? Well that's what I had and couldn't shake it for anything.
So I returned to work on Monday and clocked in as I had for the past year on a program the district uses to keep track of our work hrs. I received an email from my Principal on Wed. saying I wasn't clocking in at the right time! I told him that I didn't realize the time had changed back to a prior time before a meeting last year telling us about the new clock in time.....yada yada yada.....Then I received a nasty letter from him telling me I was wrong and to clock in at the right time! That night while sitting here at home I decided to write him one last email explaining why I didn't realize I was clocking in at the wrong time. Thurs morning I was called to his office and he was not in a good mood. He said that he was getting me for insubordination!! for being arguementative!! I'm livid!! But I think the only reason he's doing this is because the district wants to get rid of me since I'm costing the insurance co. so much money because of my IVIG infusions!
I'm going to turn in a greivance and hope it'll turn around the insubordination. I'm worried they'll figure out a way to fire me in the mean time!
Oh another thing.......I'd asked to be off on Friday for my infusion. I told the Prin. secretary that I was trying to set up with my nurse to do the infusions in the afternoons so I wouldn't miss a full day, only half a day on Friday. I got a message from the Prin. on Wed. saying that I needed a letter from my dr. saying why I'm having the infusions and what my condition was! (they already had know what my condition is because my dr. has already given them a letter telling them I have Neuropathy!) SOO my dr. sent them a new letter on Friday saying that I receive treatment for Neuropathy that requires me to be off work Friday afternoons. I sure hope that's sufficent and not another reason for another strike against me!
I'm very stressed over all this cr*p! I've been with the district for 14 yrs now.....probably another reason they are ready to get rid of me and hire to people to take my place for the same cost!
Since Wed. I've been buzzing big time and in more pain than usual.

Roxie
 

I'm so sorry you are facing this - unforutnately this is how many employers respond to such situations.... I'm not sure of the legal rights where you are - but in Calforinia its a "at will" employment state - which means while employees often think they are entitled to warnings etc,unless there was a union involved, the truth was what I used to tell my managers (I was in HR) - is that "an employee can be terminated for any reason except an illegal one".... meanining if your boss doesnt like you - they can fire you - and just will say "its not working out" to avoid any future lawsuits. In cases where future litigation was anticipated - a employee was often pressured to sign a severace agreement in exchange for couple months pay they agree not to sue - or in case of employment agreement it is paid out (unless there is gross negligence)..

Unforutnately employers often dont want to accomodate the disabled - because we no longer belong in the general population... since you were proactive, which you had to be - they, in an ideal world - should be making the accomodations for you if they are seen as reasonable (again, this "reasonable" ends up in court often...) It sounds to me that they are "playing" at reasonable and trying to set up a case (employers, once an employee asks for special accomodations, are at a much higher liability for any termination of an employe who has requested such)... and if they want to "push" you out will try to work within the system to show that you are suddenly no longer a good employee (such as the clocking in time) - this is unethical - and yes, you need to respond immeditely... give them all they want regarding doctors notes, and at the same time be sure to respond, in writing, (with cc that states it is to go into you HR file) - you were not aware clock in time had changed or whatever..... talk to the legal sources to and your husband first spoke with...

What they are trying to do to you is in blatant defiance of ADA accodamation requirements and you need to keep every piece of paper - notice - record of conversation, etc.... you have the right to see your personnel file - although you can usually not make copies of it (they should set aside a time for you to review at your request - although I suspect there will be their own internal documents you dont know about "MISSING" - if they appear later after you have reviewed - you know there is a problem right there....

I hope this isnt upsetting you - but I've worked in several different companies in HR - and always fought for the employee... but bottom line is - the senior operatations management makes the rules - and those in HR get to do the dirty work.....

I hope that things improve - I applaud you for making it thru the week -and urge you to "CYA" as we say!

Take care,

HI Karen!
Thanks for the insite and suggestions. I'm keeping notes and copied all corespondance so far. I'm just so mad about the whole mess.....and I'm having a hard enough time working and having PN and scheduling dr. appts and all after work hrs.
We are calling the ADA atty tomorrow and my school union tomorrow and will have my rebuttal paper ready to turn in to Personel this week. I swear.....when it rains it pours!!

Keep your chin up and keep those records. It does sound like they are doing just what you think they are and that is so sad!

Oh My Goodness Roxie:

You poor thing. All this stress cannot be good for your PN. But I know I don't have to tell you this.

I hope you stand your ground and keep documenting everything.

Hey, you never know.

And how dare he be rude to you??

I hate people who think they have the right to disrespect ANYBODY!!!

A pox on him. that's all I have to say.

Melody

Hi Roxie:

Like you really need this, on top of PN...

I hope you can get this worked out peacefully. Meanwhile, know that we are MAD about this and may have to resort to transferring all of our little deliquent children right down to his school (only if you leave though)...

Cathie :)

Thanks all.......I really do need the cheering up now. I'm so stressed I can't think straight!
I agree with Mel, I hate people being hateful to others....and this Prin is the worst of the bunch in that respect!
I'll let you know how it works out for me......keep your fingers crossed!

Roxie, it's a hassle, but...
 

Follow up any meeting or telephone call that you have with this priincipal with a letter or memo of understanding about that meeting/conversation. That way, really the Principal will KNOW that you are keeping track of every single word said...and IF you have 'heard' anything wrongly or incorrectly that they should respond to you in writing..I carry on occasions a small hand-held dictating machine in my purse that I can click on easily [in some states such recordings aren't legal in court] BUT if you take notes off the tape afterwards...and form your notes from this...I believe it's not illegal. It gets muzzy in some states tho...but, you've got it on tape...

Web up 'tape recording conversations' Some states are one-party [you consenting to recording] others are two-party where both recorded folks have to consent. BUT, if you use it just to take notes from after and can't/don't use the tapes themselves...and no one knows....well?

I hate to almost wish that that principal breaks both feet and has to use a wheelchair to get around for a few months! Boy would perceptions change! I'm not that way, really, but at times it's fun to well 'imagine'?

Hang in there -keep thinking the most positive way you can during this all...and once in a while hum in your head the 'Mickey Mouse' theme song?

Hugs - j

HI J!
Thanks for the great advice. We have talked about getting a small recorder for such meetings and you can bet I'd use it to my advantage!
My husband has been composing a "response to a reprimand" letter and it's sounding pretty dang good! He's great at writing letters. Then I can file a greivance after that. We're calling tomorrow about a lawyer.
I too, hope that creep breaks both legs!! It would serve him right!
Thanks again J! M*I*C*K*E*Y>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Hi Roxie, as if you didn't have enough to contend with on your return to work, he sounds like a real p...k, anyway, you and hubby sound like your miles ahead of this guys tactic's, i just hope next week is hell of a lot better for you.
Brian :)

So much for appealing to his human side...what a jerk, also for an educator he needs to look up the meaning of insubordination in the dictionary.

Roxie, my heart just aches for you. I went througha very similiar situation some years ago, and it is very painful not to be valued for your work, and to be unfairly mistreated. I agree than insurance costs might be a motivation in his behavior, but in my experience this is an all too common way that many people resond to someone with disabilities. I have seen it over and over. Some healthy people just seem to get enraged when someone gets sick or diabled and needs reasonable accomodations. Maybe they feel threatened or something. I don't know why they react that way, but I do know that it happens. I had many patients experience this. We need to pray for them, for praying for our enemies heaps flaming coals upon their heads...lol. Keep you chin up, take a deep breath, and know that you are worthy of all you request. Keep in mind what a wonderful person you are, and what a sad, small, pathetic man he is.

It's the Mouse as in doing
 

stupid Mickey Mouse stuff...can you see my ears growing now? Kind of like Pinoccio's nose when he tells lies?
My docs know I mean business when I bring in my steno pad and pen at the ready..when they want to move on about some aspect of what they're focusing on...I interrupt and ASK can you spell that???

Radio Shack has a cheap recorder, fits in most but the teeniest purses and it's well, descreet? It has come in handy for the most peculiar reasons at times...but is very useful for JUST those times.

Here is hoping you can cut 'em off at the pass! Go and have one heck of a really good tho tiring week! Promise? - j

Good Evening All!
Well it was an uneventful day at work today......thank goodness! I was afraid the creep (I think it was Brian who had an even better name for him! LOL) that I would run into him...but I didn't.
We did talk to the ATPE atty and they recommended an atty outside their office (that they pay for!) who deals with Greivance issues. So we are looking forward to talking with him and seeing his take on the whole thing. Talking to the ATPE atty today she said that politics can play a big part to the board you are presenting your case to. :( It may not be objective......surprise surprise!

On another subject.....since yesterday I've been having cramps in the calves of my legs....like charlie horses and it's very painful! Is this a part of PN?? Is this the next step of PN?? I'm worried you guys are going to say Yes......cause I'm afraid this stress has brought this on. :(

Roxie. Whenever I get stressed, my toes start to spasm.

Does it off and on, until I get my mind off of whatever was giving me stress.

Then it stops.

It boggles the mind, what stress does to a person with PN.

Love ya,

Melody

HI Mel,
I'm really worried about this cramping. It about had me in tears last night before it finally stopped then today it's the other leg that hurts!
You are right...it's crazy what all PN does when you're stressed!
Hugs to you and Alan!

Cramps/Stress something missing?
 

Well, maybe a bit of overexertion, skipping a magnesium tablet or other supplement [Mrs D and Rose are THE BEST about this!]. If it were me? For now I'd try either warm or cool compresses to slow it down [which ever seems better-each of us are fussy that way] and then chill abit stress wise...and get back on what's probably your new meds/supplement schedule? I'm betting [I hope] that you forgot something in the last few days...
As for POLITICAL? Well, isn't it always? Dang it all! I Wish all that such things weren't! But, that's why all these complicated laws were created. They were supposed to be 'simple' it's just that the 'interpretation' of each case muzzies things up...

Keep faith and your strength as best you can...and remember, before you see the UKnow WHO, do not reply, whip out your steno pad and pen! And say [as you reach in yer purse to 'click something' on] Could you repeat that? I want to be sure that I get EVERY SINGLE WORD you say correctly. And then if any reply from you is sought...go Gee I've got to THINK this over before I reply to you...You will know. Never, ever let your emotions [running on HI rite now] get you!

Good for making it thru another day...sad that something you've loved doing is becoming a chore....Gifted teachers in your area are hard to find...My own mom was one of them. Hugs for tomorrow, Roxie! - j

Roxie:

I know there's stuff that we can take (like Quinine???), maybe for leg cramps. At least it used to be on the market. Don't think they sell it anymore at my supermarket. But it was always good for leg cramps.

I would just massage the area and hope the spasm works itself out.

Stress makes our bodies do crazy things. Our muscles tense up, and everything gets affected. Believe me, I learned this last week.

So what are we supposed to do when we are under stress?

Well, 10 years ago, I would have just vegetated in front of my tv with a bag of chips, a big glass of diet soda, two ding dongs and hostess cupcakes, ( I kid you not). Nothing is better (or worse) for your brain than putting all that crap in your body. I remember just feeling numb after I ate all that junk. And believe me, I ate all that junk. And I had diabetes at the time, so it's not like this happened before I became a diabetic.

It's just that I used food as a coping mechanism. Well, I can't use that anymore now can I??? So I just go out and buy myself some little things. Or I laugh at Alan when he tells me funny stories. And you know Alan and his funny stories!!!!!!

We have to make room for laughter in our lives, especially when things are not going well.

I know exactly what you are going through because I went through that many times when I was in the work force. Over twenty years ago, I was chosen out of all the employees to go to IBM computer school. No one in that workplace spoke to me for 2 whole years. Do you know what its like to go to work every day and be in the lunchroom cafeteria and people clear out when you sit down to eat??? They did that to me. All of the other secretaries ....UNTIL they all got computers. That's when they all called me and said "Melody, what does the F10 key do??, or Melody, how do I make the printer do this??" You'd be surprised how, when people need you, they change their attitude!!!

Oh, and I was fired 30 years ago (I had left a job of 10 years to switch to this one). I was very qualified but the boss had other things on his mind at the time. Didn't know that then, I was very, how shall I put this, un-sophisticated for a woman of 30 years old. I looked much younger.

The day he told me he was planning to go away on a 3 day business trip and would I accompany him, I just looked at him and said "I beg your pardon" and he said "no, seriously, you aren't in a relationship are you??" I said again "I beg your pardon". (That's how clueless I was). He then said "My wife and I have an open relationship".

Well, there went my cluelessness, (and my innocent thinking). I caught on immediately. I believe I looked him right in the face and said "I don't do those things".

Two days later, I was called in and I was told "you are not working out".

I sued for sexual harrassment and I got a settlement. Not a lot but HEY, I GOT SOMETHING, and the stupid boss GOT NOTHING!!!! Hah!!

Actually, soon after, I met and married Alan and the day I had my son, was the day the settlement arrived. Now that WAS good timing.

So you hang in there. It can only get better.

Tell your mind "Melody went through this and she survived", and so will you!!

Melody

"Tonic Mixer" has it still...
 

tho it may go off the market w/the quinine sometime soon...Just pretend youre having a G'nT but w/o the G? It's pretty salty stuff tho...but, the quinine just mite be worth it....

Dahlek is right about tonic water, my husband was drinking it for the charley horses he get with his rhuematoid. He hated it though so recently I ordered Country Life calcium/magnesium 1000mg-500mg and that is doing the trick for him. Also very helpful for me and the narcotic constipation with my norco. I got it from Iherb rather quickly with my B-12 restock.
By the way I would love to give your principal the "what for", Karma......I truly believe what goes around comes around.

Hi Mel! Thanks for the pep talk and I will think of you as I go thru all this!

I've been very stressed out but haven't had the leg pain today......just an achiness all over. We're waiting for the atty to contact us about the greivance we're going to file.

I believe in Karma too Jannaw! One day he'll get his!

They banned Quinine in Australia a while ago, i know it used to be great for cramps but can have some serious side affects, i did read that Qualaquin is the only brand of quinine that is approved by the FDA, so best to check up on that one.

here's some info - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/d...r/a682322.html
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/quinine_ad.htm

Roxie? Yes the stress can be worse than
 

just doing the work, which I know can be a whole stress-can-of-worms in it's own right....then the to-and-fro-ing doesn't make it any easier...
Just know I am on your side...Kmeb really knows what she talks about from both a personnel director side and also one who has had to deal with the diasability processes...and is still going thru it un-necessarily.

Simply hoping that all goes the best way that it should, and the RIGHT way! I have faith that you have what some would call: Functional and working Nuts and Bolts in yer head....You have shown that over and over. Right now I just wish I knew the right oil to get them all running smoothly? You are sharp, and you are gonna do right and get what you deserve. - j

Any Word????
 

I want news! I want good news if it's to be had, but plain old news is OK. - j