It's a flare day today...

[ibtracy]

:( I just had to brag yesterday that I had minimal pain for over 3 days and then today woke up with major pain. My husband gave me my scheduled heparin instillment last night so I don't know if that's what's set this latest flare off or what.

I called in sick to work which is NOT a good thing. I've been put on another strict 30-day probation for missing so much work - they're trying their damndest to get rid of me but I'm trying so hard to beat them at their game. I have been given a 10% time I can miss this month so I'm taking advantage of that today as my pain level is pretty high and I know if I enter the building with all the stress that's going on there it will just make things worse. I seem to be experiencing alot of frequency to - it doesn't feel like a UTI but is definately not comfortable.

I'm off to the couch to rest a while. I appreciate anyone's encouragement to keep fighting at work. Sometimes I wonder why I'm trying to keep a job where they seem so anxious to get rid of me but I'm stuck because I have to have the income and if I quit then I'll loose any chance of getting unemployment at all. I have to just stick it out I guess and hopefully the union rep will have some strong suggestions or options for me when I meet with her tomorrow.

I don't know what else I can do anymore. I'm off to rest...

[dyno]

Hang in there, hopefully things will get better soon. It could be the install, but also make sure you don't have an infection. Hope you are doing better soon.:kiss:

[Annie2]

Is your union rep an attorney? Usually they are appointed representatives but not themselves lawyers. If your rep is not a lawyer, how about requesting a meeting with a union attorney who would be fully knowledgeable of the law? You can bet your employer is now consulting with lawyers before every move they make and you need legal representation, too. It sounds as though it would benefit you to have an attorney with you at every review or meeting with your supervisors.

Hope you feel better soon!

[IBNPAIN]

Have you ever tried applying for an FMLA? The Family Medical Leave Act? It's the law made into effect by Clinton stating that if you or someone in your family is ill you can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave from work as long as you have a note from your doctor stating that you need to take it off for medical reasons. That is how I am able to take time off from work when I am in a flare. Right now I am having instillations and take two days a week off for the pain. I work for Philip Morris and they are really hard core about not coming to work. But since I applied for the FMLA I just take whatever day off I need and they can't say squat to me about it, because it's a federal law. I don't know what kind of work you do, but I know several other people in different fields of work who also have FMLA's and they have no problem with their employer. I just have to have mine renewed by my doctor every 45 days and since IC is chronic and there is the possibility of a flare up at anytime my doctor doesn't hesitate to fill the form out for me to renew it.

I hope you are feeling better by the time you read this and I hope you can check out the possiblity of a FMLA yourself. I know it has saved my job and I have been at Philip Morris for 26 years and only have to make it 4 more to retire and with the help of my doctor and this FMLA I am going to make it without having them hold my IC problem over my head.

Take care,
Carol

[makeyourday]

I just wanted to add to what was already said. I am on a FMLA also. I have it marked as INTERMITANT leave. My doctor wrote a note that I have a chronic condition. The intermittant leave covers me for my dr. appointments,instillments...If I were up all night and had to miss work the next day. Anything related to the IC falls under the protectection of FMLA.
I don't like to complain about my problem or feel like I have to explain how bad it is everytime I need to miss work. This way I am already covered. My Intermittant leave was marked for 1 year. When the time is up I will get another. I actually haven't used it very much. I used it for my instillments last December and for a couple appointments. It is a bit awkward to ask to be off every Wednesday for 6 weeks. The leave made it more comfortable to do so.
You get 12 weeks of FMLA a year. Just so you know, if you have a major illness or injury it comes out of FMLA also. I had a hysterctomy in March and turns out that the 6 weeks off from that came out of my FMLA.
I also show my office that I don't take advantage of it, or take it lightly. I try to get ahead on my desk when I can, so there is less for them to do when I am gone.
Our whole office sees me avoid all the goodies I use to eat with them. We all love to eat, so they know its serious. I was the office chocoholic and mocha drinker. i would even use my break to run to see's candy for truffles. They know I haven't done either in almost a year. So they know its serious. I have had days where I think they forget what I am dealing with. It is important to look out for your own security.

[IBNPAIN]

Thanks for backing me up on the importance of the FMLA. Mine is intermittent,also. I try not to abuse it, but when I have treatments I am just not able to work that day or sometimes the day after, even. It's just good to know that it is there if I need it and that they can't hold my job over my head.

I hope you are getting better and getting the rest that all of us who suffer IC need so badly.

Carol

[kirasieni]

All I had to do was walk in threatening to apply for the familly medical leave act and they started leaving me alone about missing hours at work. They cant treat you like that. Dont take it laying down.

[Katrina]

:pray: :pray: :kiss: :kiss: :grouphug:

[blue]

I hope you are feeling better!