? on jury duty

[littleflower]

:help:I didn't know which section to ask this question on so I hope this is OK. I was wondering how anyone who has been called for jury duty handled it. Any good tips & suggestions how to deal with jury service. I guess I am thinking in particular of frequent bathroom trips & if they will let me bring my own bottled water. I would appreciate any help. Jeanne

[kadi]

I took the summons to my doctor & he filled out the medical excuse section so I won't have to serve this year. I get called every single year!!!

[ICNDonna]

A medical excuse from your doctor is all that is usually needed. He can even just write a note on a prescription pad.

Donna

[littleflower]

Dear Kadi & Donna, Thank you for your prompt reply. Since this is a questionnaire to find out if I qualify for jury duty & not the actual summons I decided to take your advice & get a doctors note. I am going to call over there & see if I need to send it with the questionnaire or wait till I get an actual summons (as I recall I believe that the medical section is on the summons). There is no medical section on the questionnaire, they only ask about legalities for serving like citizenship, county residency, age, understanding & communicating English & if I am a felon. I have a friend who also suggested that I get a doctors note since you can't leave the courtroom to go to the bathroom & they won't let you drink water in the courtroom. I was really trying to figure out a way to serve because it feels good whenever I do something "normal" from my life before IC but I think you advice is wise. Thank you both again for it, I really appreciate it & I find it very reassuring. Jeanne

[justice4j]

Many others might as well. Worked X3 for me.

[littleflower]

I really appreciate your responding & helping but I don't quite understand. Please who is Dr. Parsons & what is Justice in Healthcare? Thank you, Jeanne

[purpletomorrow]

I got a medical excuse from my Dr and got excused. I knew it would be absolute torture for me.

[CherylSLP]

Yeah, so glad someone finally posted about this. Never been called but have perpetual anxiety about it everytime someone I know does. I would like to be able to serve in this way, but it just would not work.

[Julie B]

Ten years ago, I also got a note from my doctor. I got called three different times in a matter of months. The last time, a gentleman called to tell me that I couldn't avoid jury duty forever. I was shocked to say the least. I reminded him of the doctor's note, and he asked, "So how long will it be until you get better?"

I said, "Never."

The good news is that I AM much better than I was way back when. But even though my pain and frequency are much better, when I have to go, I have to go. I also can't guarantee my sleep schedule to be completely alert.

It is sad, actually. I did do jury duty once before my diagnosis, and it was very cool. I wouldn't mind doing it now and then.

Jury duty and giving blood.........both things ICers rarely can do.............sighs............well I guess I "give back" in other ways.

[123456]

Yeah, it does stink. I have done jury duty before and found it fascinating! It was just like watching it on TV but you are in the actual jury! I'm hoping someday that the meds work so well I never even notice my IC :)

[Stella1609]

Jury duty and giving blood.........both things ICers rarely can do.............sighs............well I guess I "give back" in other ways.

Sorry for the small hijack, but no giving blood? Why? I hadn't heard this before. I don't generally give anyways because I have very small veins and am AB+, but didn't know about any other reason not to. Thanks!

[maryla]

Yes, I just took the letter to my uro and he read it and said "you can't do this" and wrote on a prescription pad the nature of my disease.

Stella,

Just curious. I am AB+ too, why does that stop you from giving blood? I know it's pretty rare b-type. But I've never actually heard anything about not giving blood because of the type?


Hugs and blessings

[SharonA]

I think it is because we take a lot of different medications for IC that could possibly transfer to the blood.

[ICNDonna]

I used to give blood routinely --- the blood bank would call me when enough time had passed that it would be safe for me. However, as soon as I had an interstitial cystitis diagnosis, I was told they could not use my blood, with the only exception being if I was anticipating surgery and wanted to use my own blood if I needed it.

Donna

[Stella1609]

Maryla, honestly I think it's just a cop out on my part so I don't feel so guilty about not giving blood--AB+ is the universal recipient, so they can receive blood of any type (although I know when they have a choice they will give the same type). I have had such horrible experiences with having blood taken that it has turned into a genuine phobia for me--I cry every single time, even when I have a skilled phlebotomist and it's very quick and easy. I know it's irrational, but I panic.

[Glenda2]

I have been called up Twice in the last 6 years to go for Jury Duty.

All I do is take the summons letter (What ever it's called) to my doctor and she fills out a Letter and states I am not able to sit on Jury Duty due to My Tumor disease and being in Sheer pain from it and needing medication for it.
Altho I gave up the Hard Narcotics in September 2008.

I still cannot sit in a chair for god knows how long a day.
Plus with a confirmed case of IBS Diarrhea , I'd Mess myself.
And now with IC , I'd "P" my pants if I could not go to the bathroom when needed.

Way too much pain to be sitting in a court room.

Just because you were excused One year , you'll still be called up over and over because THEY Claim your condition might improve from Year to year.

Not with my Tumor disease , it's highly progressive. I will never Improve , Only worsen till it kills me .