[RSDLynnie]

1. The pain was extraordinary the past two days as that tornado producing storm came through. I've never gone to the ER for the RSD pain but thought I might have to today. Anyone gone to the ER for RSD pain and what was your experience. I don't want to have to wait for six hours to be told to call my doctor.

2. I have a meeting on Monday with my manager and directory to discuss reasonable accommodations under the American's with Disability Act. I'm missing so much work, getting to be one day a week because of pain and incredible fatigue. I'm hoping they'll let me flex my hours and work from home where I can keep my leg up. I'm scared they'll try to force me to go out on disability which won't pay enough to keep up with the bills. Anyone have success in getting protection and accommodations under the ADA?

[dreambeliever128]

As far as the ER. When I first got RSD, I went several times and they didn't do anything for me. They chalked mine up to my depression. I went 3 or 4 times and then my PCP finally said not to go just to call him and he'd get me in.

The ER treated me like crap. I don't know how your ER is in your area but we have one of the worst in Co. Not just me talking either.

IF though you feel you need to go then do it. This was about 8 years ago that I went. It could be that the Drs. at your Hospital might be more understanding to pain nowadays.

Feel better soon and I hope you do get to enjoy Easter today.

Ada

[daylilyfan]

I have a handicapped parking plaque or whatever they call them. My company has two handicapped spots. They are both being used by people that work during the day. I work 2nd shift. When I get to work, all the day time workers have all the close parking taken, so I have to park way out in the far part of the parking lot, and I have to walk a long way in to the building. I tried to talk to my employer about getting a place closer to park during the winter when the parking lot is slippery. It is very tricky for me to get back to my car at night, as there is NO lighting and it can be very hard to see what is ice.

I was told that they have all the handicapped spots they are required to have. End of discussion. Basically, to bad for me.

When I read about the number of handicapped spots a parking lot is supposed to have, it seems to me that the parking spots per number of total spaces means for public parking. But, when I look on the ADA site, that if you have employees that need spots, you need to provide for them, if their request is reasonable.

It really irritates me. I don't ask for any thing special. I don't miss work. I sometimes have tears running down my face because of pain, but I am sitting, doing my job, getting my work done. I am good at what I do, and am not a problem worker. Yet, they can't assign me a spot to park in the winter that is reasonably close to a door.

Their answer was -- park far away, then after everyone leaves that works dayshift, go out and move your car to a handicapped spot. I tried to tell them this doubles my risk, as I am out in the snow and ice two times... but they just don't see it that way.

grrrrrrr

[SandyRI]

Dear Daylilly

WOW THAT SUCKS BIG TIME!!!!

It's hard to believe how incredibly ignorant and down right MEAN people can be. And it must be really hard not to take it personally.

Is there a way that you can FIX IT without risking losing your job or looking like a trouble maker?

Problems need to be fixed. I know - I'm making it sound easy. But maybe there is a way that you could make a list of the people that are in a position to create more handicapped spots in the lot (or ask around to get a few names). And then work on getting the word out somehow. It could take a while. It might involve a trip to human resources or your supervisor's office. Or even an anonymous letter (nicely worded). But if I were you I'd be hell bent on getting my way because it just isn't FAIR that you come in to work and try so hard, but don't have a safe place to park. You have to stick up for yourself (nicely).

I haven't always been treated fairly at work, either, because of my illness. My employer was mad as spit when I needed surgery for my shoulder because I was injured at a previous job (and didn't really know how bad I was hurt when I accepted his job offer). But some people are just jerks and there isn't much you or I or anyone else can do about it, except try to take care of ourselves the best we can.

If you don't stick up for yourself you could fall and injure another part of your body. Who needs a problem like that on top of all we have to deal with?

You are in my thoughts and prayers...Sandy

[dennyfan]

It makes me so sad to hear about people being treated so badly by their employers. Its so unfair. We are all so afraid of making waves. I have worked for employers like that. I was lucky that when I got RSD that was not the type of employer I worked for. I ended up totally disabled & unable to return to any type of work but my employer has treated me fabulous since the first day I went out. I didnt use WC because a previous injury caused my problems & my employers appriciated my honesty. My honesty payed off for me in the end & I didnt know it would work out that way. By the way I worked for one of the large shipping companies and it was not the brown one. I wish everyone was treated like i was. I will sing my companies praises until the day I take my last breath. Stand up for yourself. If you have to annonmously or not. But you should not be put in a position to injure yourself. Its wrong. People with RSD have a hard enough time functioning everyday without the added stress this is putting on you. If you have to contact ADA. I hope something will be done for you.
Hugs, Denny