Short term disability

[IC SARAH-CPP]

Well I finally came to a decision. I am going to apply for short term disability. I just can't do this anymore. I am so wiped out, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

My boss was very kind but I work in a small company in a very important position and I can't just not be there. We are dealing with big time political figures and they aren't pleased when they hear no one can help them that very second.

I am terrified about losing my job in this economy. I am not too worried about being approved for the disability. I have read every single page of the laws in CA and I seem to qualify in every way. I have the support of my doctor so I am hoping I will be approved quickly.

The pay is about 2/3 what i get now and I have to pay for my own health insurance. I have a small savings but i know from experience how quickly that can get wiped out with no income coming in.

I guess I just wanted some support and any advice for those who have walked this road. My mom, who is my best friend and the closest person in the world to me, said something that hurt me so badly. She said I think people go on disability and just give up and stay on it forever. I was so shocked and hurt! I know she knows how much I struggle on a daily basis. I mean I probably work 10X harder than anyone else I know just to make it through the day! I am barely sleeping, my pain is through the roof and I am constantly sick to my stomach. Try working in that condition. That would wipe anyone out.

Sarah

[mlzippy7]

I just wanted to wish you the best with this decision! It is so very hard to decide BUT you know when your body can no longer handle it and need to rest! I hope everything works out for you!

[Kara Isabel]

Are the stars aligned in some overworked-exhausting-burned out sort of way? I just had a crying jag about being overwhelmed (and exhausted) from working too much. I wouldn't let what your mom said bother you, or take it personally, I'm sure she was just speaking more of a generality and not so much you and your situation, I can relate though...*sniff*

Hugs,
Kara

[SandyRN]

Sarah, I've gone on STD when I was working as a RN. It was a very difficult choice, and the cut in pay really was a major factor for me as well, but I had to do it. I was too sick and too tired to work anymore. I was shocked to learn that you have to pay for your own prescriptions though!! I still had my regular insurance as I was still an employee!! I think that is just plain wrong to make you pay for your own meds. I also wonder if it is really allowed?? It just seems like a very hateful thing to do to someone who is already not doing well, then they take your RX coverage away on top of that? I'd check into that if I were you, just to be sure they really can legally do that.

I know it's a big decision, but after reading how hard you work at your job and how much pain you have been in, etc, I really think you are doing the right thing.

As for your mom's statement, I would let it slide. From the way you talk about her, she's a great support for you and I'm sure she just made a slip of the tongue with that statement. Hopefully she wasn't talking about you, but in general terms...

Take care, Sandy

[IC SARAH-CPP]

Sandy,

What do you mean about paying for your own scripts? Is that something you have to do if you get STD? That would not be okay for me, I couldn't do it!

I will have to pay for my own Cobra insurance but it is pretty reasonable for me. It will be a huge cut in pay but it is better than nothing and I just struggle so much every day. I find it hard to work 8 hours a day right now, much less the 10-12 hours that is required as soon as the candidates start gearing up for 2010, which will cycle in June.

I just have not felt well lately. I try everything I possibly can to feel better and it isn't working. My doctors are worried about certain issues with me, mainly with my kidneys and blood clots I have been peeing out. I try not to let it get to me but it is hard sometimes, you know?

Thank you for the support and feedback. It means a lot to me. It really does

Sarah

[SandyRN]

Sarah,

I read that wrong. I thought I read you would have to pay for your own prescriptions, when in reality you said you had to pay for your own health insurance. So sorry! I didn't mean to scare you. Just overworked eyes playing tricks on me!

Hugs, Sandy