The Sick Note
Ok, here is where we are at. I work in an office of around 40 people. I would accept if they said that under their duty of care they would be concerned that even with no perfume or aftershave it would be difficult to guarantee my safety.
I would say - well here are the potential solutions
1. Use an air filter on the desk.
2. Put me into a smaller office and see if that environment can be controlled.
3. Let me work at home.
I do not accept whatsoever that you can't ask people not to spray themselves with perfume - it's not logical - you can ask them to not eat nuts if it's harm someone else. I do accept even with that I could be ill - it's a tricky one, because health matters over principle. Now, the other problem is in the background I am iller that I was 6 mnths ago, and am collapsing more regularly. So last night went to see GP, who said he was sorry I'd been told by another GP I'd be reinvestigated and then made no action. He told me I am most likely to lose my job. I am stuck as I know I may not be well enough to work, as I am collapsing more regularly - but believe that with some mobility aid help (walking seat with seat, etc kind of help), I can get to work. That if the environment did not make me ill - I would be ok on reduced hours.
Good things he said
1. We will test your cortisol levels.
2. We will do a tilt table test.
3. He did not flinch when I said my husband and I had to use wheelchairs in supermarket as I collapse regularly.
4. He accepted that I had had a relapse.
5. I can get an OT appointment.
V concerning things he said
1. He absolutely would not ask his staff not to wear perfume.
2. If he was anapyhlactically allergic to peanuts he would not ask his staff not to eat them (or vice versa for his staff).
3. You cannot be allergic to an airborne allergy.
4. Asking people to not wear perfume is NOT a reasonable adjustment and does not consider other people's rights.
I explained I knew of a child who attended a school where people did not bring in tuna sandwiches as it would give him anaphylaxis - he said, you don't want to know my opinion about that.
My speech was slurred and I was so tired - not v convincing that I am well enough to work, I asked him - am I fit enough, and he said I am giving you a sick note because you asked me to - I am signed off with 'falls, exhaustion, etc.' Seriously.
If I really am not able to work healthwise - ok, but not if it's a case of - well that sounds too tricky. I collapse about once a week, doing activities that I wouldn't do at work - like prolonged walking or standing.. I am fighting this as fast as I can. I believe instructions needed to be clarified in writing to remind people. Then action taken if they were ignored. My grievance hearing is 31st March.
Came out of room, went into corridor, and collapsed. Husband with me - dr not. Would have saved the whole trying to describe what they are like stuff. 'I'm asking you in case I spot a pattern.' V good Dr - the pattern is this - exhaustion, emotion and certain actions that affect my concentration. Dr told me I might need to accept the fact I am disabled. Um, yes I am - and much as you are a Dr you are not an expert on disability law. He did clarify it was just his opinion - an opinon he might have been better to keep in his head - that basically went - well I would not accommodate your disability, but you know, there there, this was a hard discussion wasn't it?
I do not know what to fight at the moment. Drs seem quite content on deciding what a disability adjustment is even before it is discussed - and I am now having to prove I am well enough to work at all. Please just stay at home - never mind the loss of income. Just don't try - there is no way round this.
My managers - 3 of them, plus a senior said - you are really really good at your job, we do not want to lose you - we believe we can accommodate you.
The flip side of this is - even with resting and accupuncture and graded activity - I am very exhausted. I'd like to have a family - I wouldn't want to do anything that puts that in jeapordy.
I spend a lot of time sharing intimate details with adults who are paid to be Helpers - so they haven't a clue what to do with someone who wants to fight and get better and do things - and they have no idea the effect they have with their -Oh it's just my opinion.
I would say - well here are the potential solutions
1. Use an air filter on the desk.
2. Put me into a smaller office and see if that environment can be controlled.
3. Let me work at home.
I do not accept whatsoever that you can't ask people not to spray themselves with perfume - it's not logical - you can ask them to not eat nuts if it's harm someone else. I do accept even with that I could be ill - it's a tricky one, because health matters over principle. Now, the other problem is in the background I am iller that I was 6 mnths ago, and am collapsing more regularly. So last night went to see GP, who said he was sorry I'd been told by another GP I'd be reinvestigated and then made no action. He told me I am most likely to lose my job. I am stuck as I know I may not be well enough to work, as I am collapsing more regularly - but believe that with some mobility aid help (walking seat with seat, etc kind of help), I can get to work. That if the environment did not make me ill - I would be ok on reduced hours.
Good things he said
1. We will test your cortisol levels.
2. We will do a tilt table test.
3. He did not flinch when I said my husband and I had to use wheelchairs in supermarket as I collapse regularly.
4. He accepted that I had had a relapse.
5. I can get an OT appointment.
V concerning things he said
1. He absolutely would not ask his staff not to wear perfume.
2. If he was anapyhlactically allergic to peanuts he would not ask his staff not to eat them (or vice versa for his staff).
3. You cannot be allergic to an airborne allergy.
4. Asking people to not wear perfume is NOT a reasonable adjustment and does not consider other people's rights.
I explained I knew of a child who attended a school where people did not bring in tuna sandwiches as it would give him anaphylaxis - he said, you don't want to know my opinion about that.
My speech was slurred and I was so tired - not v convincing that I am well enough to work, I asked him - am I fit enough, and he said I am giving you a sick note because you asked me to - I am signed off with 'falls, exhaustion, etc.' Seriously.
If I really am not able to work healthwise - ok, but not if it's a case of - well that sounds too tricky. I collapse about once a week, doing activities that I wouldn't do at work - like prolonged walking or standing.. I am fighting this as fast as I can. I believe instructions needed to be clarified in writing to remind people. Then action taken if they were ignored. My grievance hearing is 31st March.
Came out of room, went into corridor, and collapsed. Husband with me - dr not. Would have saved the whole trying to describe what they are like stuff. 'I'm asking you in case I spot a pattern.' V good Dr - the pattern is this - exhaustion, emotion and certain actions that affect my concentration. Dr told me I might need to accept the fact I am disabled. Um, yes I am - and much as you are a Dr you are not an expert on disability law. He did clarify it was just his opinion - an opinon he might have been better to keep in his head - that basically went - well I would not accommodate your disability, but you know, there there, this was a hard discussion wasn't it?
I do not know what to fight at the moment. Drs seem quite content on deciding what a disability adjustment is even before it is discussed - and I am now having to prove I am well enough to work at all. Please just stay at home - never mind the loss of income. Just don't try - there is no way round this.
My managers - 3 of them, plus a senior said - you are really really good at your job, we do not want to lose you - we believe we can accommodate you.
The flip side of this is - even with resting and accupuncture and graded activity - I am very exhausted. I'd like to have a family - I wouldn't want to do anything that puts that in jeapordy.
I spend a lot of time sharing intimate details with adults who are paid to be Helpers - so they haven't a clue what to do with someone who wants to fight and get better and do things - and they have no idea the effect they have with their -Oh it's just my opinion.
posted by Miss Fairy Sparkle at
2:23 AM
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