[Auroraheart]

I just got word from my work that my leave of abscence has been rejected...when the letter is couriered to me tomorrow I will know why. I have been off work since June trying all sorts of things to get better, including GETTING diagnosed. In the middle of all of it I had a kidney stone attack, almost died when I had a reaction to the IVP dye, my grandpa died while I was in the hospital (I gave the eulogy) and then I had lithotropsy to get the remaining kidney stone out of me. (After all that it was a major setback to getting better) I had only applied for an extra 2 weeks on my leave, to Sept 1. I also just found out one of my good friends has betrayed me with severe consequences to me. (and I don't even know what friend it was to know WHO to trust right now!) I'm trying so hard to deal with all the emotional stuff...my yoga, peppermint tea, reading etc; all I normally do to relax isn't working. (I was told not to take Immodium b/c I am hypersensitive to it) To top it off I was told if I don't go back to work tomorrow then I am on more of an unauthorized leave and will have to pay back the past 2 weeks of leave to the company. I love my job..and I don't want to lose it. The last leave request was done by a IBS specialist here.After all that sob story (sorry!) I need to find a really quick way to get rid of my D so I can try to work tomorrow. I am going to try & have a quiet dinner 2 friends to try and relax...but any tips would be great, if there are any. (I'll get your responses when I come back from my psychologist, who may have some extra tips on how to deal with the stress)Thanks so much, and again sorry for this posting being so down.

 

[Guest]

Aurora,That is so unfair! I would write a letter to your human resources department stating everything you just did in your message (including that you love your job). Maybe send a copy to the president of the company as well. Can you get another letter from the specialist? Something from the doctor who treated you for the kidney stone too?Perhaps they are just not fully aware of everything you have been going through?Have a nice dinner with your friends. Try and relax. Here is a nice relaxation audio that I tried for the first time this afternoon. It did relax me! It's not very long.Click on "getting rid of stress". www.cyberdiet.com/modules/gi/lifestyle/meditation/room.html Hope it helps some.And tomorrow if you go to work and have to spend all day in the can, do it. Maybe then they'll understand.Fiona

 

[linr]

Fisrt of all I would like to say how sorry I am about all your troubles.That is one of the good things about this board,we know we are not alone when it comes to lifes' problems.As far as going to work, I would get up early,maybe have a cup of tea and a few crackers or something, if D starts try Immodium and take some with you.If you do get sick at work I don't think they can fire you can they ? Well, good luck,let us know how you make out. Lin

 

[Guest]

Hi Auroraheart, did you try the starch? if you did not this can very well work for you, believe me I reduced the amount because I was going to get constipated which never happen to me I am strictly D.I hope you solve your problem with your work It is very unfair may be your doctors can help you, when you go to bed tonight may be you can have the lights off may be just candle lights and soft music I find this very relaxing. Don't worry about being down in your message this is what we are here for, to support each other in trouble times.Good luck

 

[Auroraheart]

You aren't going to believe this one...I got the letter from my work explaining why the leave extension was rejected. Inadequate medical documentation...they need to know why my medical condition SPECIFICALLY inhibits me working. I think I need to spell it out to them...provide me a porta pottie at my desk, and I will be more than happy to answer calls for your customers. If they ask what the funny background noises are, I will come up with something, I've got a good imagination. (yup..I'm bitter) And of course, any cost that the doctor charges is "patients responsibility", and if the appeal is denied I have to pay back from yesterday to when I go back to work. (including while THEY make their decision) And all this has to be done within a week....My personal view is that if I am sick enough to be home, then how the heck can I be running around to doctors to get their darn info?!?!?!?! (they want EVERY doctor I went to, the dates of the visits and much, much more!!)Grrr....I understand why (in a way), but you know, it really ticks me off that other co-workers call in sick to go shopping, with hangovers, to go on an earlier vacation and nothing happens. Those who are legite get penalized. One more minute to whine....*IT ISN'T FAIR!!!!*....thank you.

(and thanks for all your kind responses too, I was VERY down yesterday...the music helped...and the laughter when my cat "investigated" the candle flame before I could stop her was remedial too....I have to go to the store to get the starch to try that, I found out the hard way when I went to make it last night that I was all out)

 

[Guest]

Dear friend:You have my sympathy for the situation you are going through.I just want you to know that you are not the only one out there. Seems most employers today do not understand IBS. I say this, because I too have asked for a 2 week leave. Not only was I turned down flat, I was put on probation and repremanded for my behavior (not attending work regularly in the midst of appointments and my colonoscopy) I had to sign a letter and was treated like a child. I sat there and sobbed. I had the weekend to think things over, and with my husband and family's concern, I resigned, finally realizing that my health and recovery are my first priority! I wrote a 3 page resignation explaning how I felt about my poor treatment. I sent one to my boss, her boss, human resources, and the president! I was shocked when they apologized. They even put the apology in writing and recinded the letter they made me sign.With that in consideration, I am not returning to work, as I am awaiting further diagnosis and am anxioulsy awaiting treatment. I hope this gives you some ideas on how to salvage your job if you love it that much. If you would like to discuss this further, please feel free to email me.

 

[Guest]

Hi Auroraheart, I just got back from my Gi visit I did some tests ct scan and blood test I will know the result early next week,I am glad to see you in good spirit making fun of your work, I like that. So did you decide to stay home and fight it because it is unfair for someone to be sick and be forced to go to work.BYW I told my GI about the starch recipe I thought she was going to laugh but instead she asked me for the recipe, the mother of all irony if it turned out to be that she is suffering from IBS too ! I wonder she was interested in the recipe? Tell me what are you up to.

 

[Guest]

Hi Auroraheart, today at my Gi visit I did some tests ct scan and blood test I will know the result early next week,I am glad to see you in good spirit making fun of your work, I like that. So did you decide to stay home and fight it because it is unfair for someone to be sick and be forced to go to work.BYW I told my GI about the starch recipe I thought she was going to laugh but instead she asked me for the recipe, the mother of all irony if it turned out to be that she is suffering from IBS too ! I wonder she was interested in the recipe? Tell me what are you up to.

 

[Auroraheart]

Yeah; I've decided to fight it. I was told that some campanies purposely do this to see who "really" is sick. (how perverse!) I know I am not ready yet, and my doctor agrees. I go (again) to the specialist on Monday, and my regular doc on Tuesday. I'll give the company some "what for"!! (and maybe help someone in the future)I'm glad your company saw their error CherryB. Way to be strong!AJ55, what happened with all the responses there?

Let me know if everything is okay w/your tests; I'll be thinking about you. I asked my GI about your recipe and he said to try arrow root starch. (I like the cookies!)

[This message has been edited by Auroraheart (edited 08-26-2000).]

 

[Guest]

Hi Auroraheart, I am glad that you are going to fight it, way to go.I am not familiar with arrow root starch?does it come in the form of powder like the corn starch? All these messages because the web site had some technical problems and I kept resending the message! they all appear at once.