Hi Teresa...........and other updates concerning my ruptured disc

PattyInAK · May 10, 2008, 03:43:41 PM

We don't know how long it will take the insurance company to approve the surgery, but once it is approved, I am under the impression that surgery could happen very soon, like within a week. I just found out that after my 15 weeks of medical leave of absence is up, I will be terminated. You have no idea what a slap in the face that is. I have been with the company for 30 years. I will lose my insurance coverage but will be referred on to COBRA, which I have heard has to pick up the ball and run with it as far as what is going on with me now. My boss was shocked to find out he would have to terminate me. How come no one told me about this??? WTF is the purpose of our HR department............to make sure no one puts up a questionable calendar in their cubicle??? GAWD!!! I am totally amazed that I wasn't informed of this before now. I have voiced this to my boss, who is totally on my side, and I think he will be asking some questions on Monday. Gosh, I sure wish some of you guys lived closer, I have no friends around here it seems, and any co-workers who would care live in Anchorage, 50 miles away. (You guys probably wonder why I have no friends, I'm really pretty evil) Dan is working 6 days a week. On a bright note, though, Willy and Alex have been little dolls and great company. They've been having a great time roaming around the back yard while I sit on the deck. The leaves are just now popping out on the birch trees and its a beautiful day today, we ARE having a beautiful spring. My folks will be here next Friday, they spend their summers up at the the family cabin. I will be able to go up there and have my folks for company, plus mom's home cooking. My sister from Homer will be visiting a lot this summer, especially after I have my surgery. I will be recovering up at the cabin. There is something so comforting about sitting out on the deck looking at the lake and watching the loons.

Barb · May 10, 2008, 03:51:50 PM

OMG Patty - I can't believe they are going to terminate you ???? That is appalling and h*ll yes, why didn't they let you know that was a possibility. I am so glad your mom will be up there soon - it must be so hard for you. I sure wish I was closer. I am praying that you will have your surgery soon so you can begin your true recovery.

Please know we are all thinking of you and love you !!!

Roberta · May 10, 2008, 03:52:02 PM

Thats pretty rough Patty, is there no way your boss can get you some work any work that you can get via email, pretty basic maybe not what you do but something for the company, they may want to pay you a pitance but it keeps your name on the books.
As for friends, are't you glad you got us mob

who are all :idiot: . Its understandable where you live to not have people who "just pop in".
Hugs and glad to hear the boys are coming through for you the two and the four legged ones.
Love Roberta Nick and da monsters

PattyInAK · May 10, 2008, 04:40:42 PM

Quote from: Barb on May 10, 2008, 03:51:50 PM
OMG Patty - I can't believe they are going to terminate you ???? That is appalling and h*ll yes, why didn't they let you know that was a possibility. I am so glad your mom will be up there soon - it must be so hard for you. I sure wish I was closer. I am praying that you will have your surgery soon so you can begin your true recovery.

Please know we are all thinking of you and love you !!!

Thanks Barb. I know that if I lived next door to you and your two sweet ones, I'd have company. I am at the point of "whatever", I just have to let the wheels of progress turn, however slow.

Valerie · May 10, 2008, 04:43:34 PM

Wow- that just sucks big time about the job.
I hope your boss can work something out for you. :xfinger:
I believe that Cobra can take care of you for about 18 months??? It may be expensive though... I know at my last company it was.

PattyInAK · May 10, 2008, 04:43:51 PM

Quote from: Roberta on May 10, 2008, 03:52:02 PM
Thats pretty rough Patty, is there no way your boss can get you some work any work that you can get via email, pretty basic maybe not what you do but something for the company, they may want to pay you a pitance but it keeps your name on the books.
As for friends, are't you glad you got us mob who are all :idiot: . Its understandable where you live to not have people who "just pop in".
Hugs and glad to hear the boys are coming through for you the two and the four legged ones.
Love Roberta Nick and da monsters

I live in a neighborhood of large lots and lots of newcomers, we have not had the chance to get to know each other. I was hoping that I could take Jasper (my riding horse) out and about this time of year, as he was always the personable one, and get to know the neighbors. People are always attracted to horses and they are a great conversation starter. But I came down with my ruptured disc on February 16th, and Jasper died at the end of February, so there goes that plan. BUT....the doxies are also a great conversation starter, we just have to get me well.

PattyInAK · May 10, 2008, 04:45:20 PM

Quote from: Valerie on May 10, 2008, 04:43:34 PM
Wow- that just sucks big time about the job.
I hope your boss can work something out for you. :xfinger:
I believe that Cobra can take care of you for about 18 months??? It may be expensive though... I know at my last company it was.

I expect "expensive" from COBRA, but what else can I do? My boss said he would hire me back as soon as I was able, and I do believe in him, he holds me in high regard. He will do whatever he can for me.

Brekkesmom · May 10, 2008, 05:07:41 PM

Terminate you? That totally sucks! I can't imagine no one let you know about that stinky little item!

(Yeah, right, Patty is totally evil - I left DD's 2001 Bowwow about 6 hours later than I would have, so she wouldn't be alone until her shuttle to the airport to fly back to Wasilla! Hey, Patty, I just bought a book about the Iditarod yesterday (children's book - Young Author's Fair this week) and the title page has a piccy of the Wasilla city limits sign! Hey - we're only a computer click away! Email me your phone number with some good times to call, and I'll give you a ring!)

PattyInAK · May 10, 2008, 05:19:31 PM

Quote from: Brekkesmom on May 10, 2008, 05:07:41 PM
Terminate you? That totally sucks! I can't imagine no one let you know about that stinky little item!

(Yeah, right, Patty is totally evil - I left DD's 2001 Bowwow about 6 hours later than I would have, so she wouldn't be alone until her shuttle to the airport to fly back to Wasilla! Hey, Patty, I just bought a book about the Iditarod yesterday (children's book - Young Author's Fair this week) and the title page has a piccy of the Wasilla city limits sign! Hey - we're only a computer click away! Email me your phone number with some good times to call, and I'll give you a ring!)

Yeah, Wasilla is the home of the Iditarod! I will take you to Iditarod Headquarters if you come up for a visit. I will email you soon. Thanks for caring.

papbouv · May 10, 2008, 06:11:55 PM

My HR dept at the hosp where I worked insisted that I apply for Social Security disability sure glad I did it took almost two years or longer for me to get it after I got a lawyer. Cobra is nice but very,very expensive over $200.00 a month if I remember right of course hubby would not pay it nor put me on his insurance at his job. I went to a clinic you pay what you can afford as you go, not a fun experience but at least it was health care.When I did get my SSD I also go on Medicare so better than nothing.
I sure wish you the best on your surgery hope you will not have to be off much longer sounds like the surgery will relieve your pain quickly so you can go back to work if you wish. Nowdays loyalty to a company means nothing not like years ago you cannot feel safe now days no one is safe that is a sad fact of our world now.
Hugs & Rays to you
Papbouv
Buddy
Patches

doxielady5569128 · May 10, 2008, 07:07:40 PM

That is outrageous!! I can't believe they are going to terminate you when the time is up. I'm really sorry! Hopefully your boss will keep their word about hiring you back when you are ready. I'm hoping for the best for you! I would definately come visit you if I lived closer. I really hope things get better for you soon!

DeeanDave · May 10, 2008, 07:34:12 PM

Patty, When you went out on Disability leave, did your employer place you/notify you about the Family Medical Leave Act? That is 12 weeks of leave time which can be paid or unpaid and FMLA is in place to protect employees and their jobs who have a serious health condition.....there is a lot of information on the Department of Labor website and it's federal law. You should have been notified up front of any possible changes to your employment. I've worked in HR for 34 years and I would never handle your situation the way your employer did. There is FMLA, the ADA, Accommodations, etc., etc. that you should have been notified of.

Dee

Teresa · May 10, 2008, 08:34:59 PM

I'm really in shock over this one. How many weeks do you have left? Wouldn't it be great if you could have surgery in the next couple of days and get in there, at least one day a week just under the wire of the 15 weeks? I'm glad to know he can hire you back. Hopefully you are looking at only a couple of weeks, maximum, if they terminate you, before being back there.
If, for some reason, he doesn't get to hire you back (the higher ups blocking him somehow), I would seriously consider getting an attorney to look at this. I don't know that they can do this legally, not without giving you a chance to take unpaid leave first, and not without having informed you of the chance of your losing your job. Even though this came on suddenly, you have been in touch with the office a lot and they know you are doing what you can to get well. Your boss now knows you are within weeks, a month and a half at most of returning. He has already made plans for your return. It's not like you just dropped off the face of the earth (even though you may feel that way sometime).
Once you hear more on Monday, you may want to contact the doctor's office and let them know what is going on. It may make a difference there and get them really motivated to get this approved for you. I just hate it that the chiropractor took so much of the time up while you were home without giving you any relief.
I am glad you are having a beautiful spring and have the wonderful windows to enjoy it through. Can you get on the deck at all? That would be really wonderful.
I would love it if you would personal message me your telephone number. I was just thinking this afternoon that I would love to call you and check on you and I was trying to think of who might have it. I knew Roberta did and I thought Dee Dee might. My plan was to try to track it down this evening. Oh, I just remembered that Karen has it because she got it while she was in the hospital. That was when the operator couldn't find Wasilla!
Hang in there. Hopefully it won't be long now and you'll be back working-Without being terminated first.

Delia and girls · May 10, 2008, 08:50:49 PM

Oh, man, Patty! That just stinks about your job! But at least you know your boss will do what he can for you when you get to the point of working again. At least the kids are keeping you company. They are getting very spoiled, I'm sure. Still sending prayers for your speedy surgery and recovery.

PattyInAK · May 10, 2008, 10:30:41 PM

Quote from: DeeanDave on May 10, 2008, 07:34:12 PM
Patty, When you went out on Disability leave, did your employer place you/notify you about the Family Medical Leave Act? That is 12 weeks of leave time which can be paid or unpaid and FMLA is in place to protect employees and their jobs who have a serious health condition.....there is a lot of information on the Department of Labor website and it's federal law. You should have been notified up front of any possible changes to your employment. I've worked in HR for 34 years and I would never handle your situation the way your employer did. There is FMLA, the ADA, Accommodations, etc., etc. that you should have been notified of.

Dee

Dee, I have been on unpaid FMLA leave. I was not told that I would be terminated afterwards.

PattyInAK · May 10, 2008, 10:34:44 PM

Quote from: Teresa on May 10, 2008, 08:34:59 PM
I'm really in shock over this one. How many weeks do you have left? Wouldn't it be great if you could have surgery in the next couple of days and get in there, at least one day a week just under the wire of the 15 weeks? I'm glad to know he can hire you back. Hopefully you are looking at only a couple of weeks, maximum, if they terminate you, before being back there.
If, for some reason, he doesn't get to hire you back (the higher ups blocking him somehow), I would seriously consider getting an attorney to look at this. I don't know that they can do this legally, not without giving you a chance to take unpaid leave first, and not without having informed you of the chance of your losing your job. Even though this came on suddenly, you have been in touch with the office a lot and they know you are doing what you can to get well. Your boss now knows you are within weeks, a month and a half at most of returning. He has already made plans for your return. It's not like you just dropped off the face of the earth (even though you may feel that way sometime).
Once you hear more on Monday, you may want to contact the doctor's office and let them know what is going on. It may make a difference there and get them really motivated to get this approved for you. I just hate it that the chiropractor took so much of the time up while you were home without giving you any relief.
I am glad you are having a beautiful spring and have the wonderful windows to enjoy it through. Can you get on the deck at all? That would be really wonderful.
I would love it if you would personal message me your telephone number. I was just thinking this afternoon that I would love to call you and check on you and I was trying to think of who might have it. I knew Roberta did and I thought Dee Dee might. My plan was to try to track it down this evening. Oh, I just remembered that Karen has it because she got it while she was in the hospital. That was when the operator couldn't find Wasilla!
Hang in there. Hopefully it won't be long now and you'll be back working-Without being terminated first.

I have been on FMLA unpaid leave, and I guess when that is up they will terminate me. The doctors office is aware of the time constraint.....that my insurance runs out at the end of the month. I will go on the COBRA insurance but who knows how much that will cost and how much they will cover. I, too, am bummed out that I wasted so much time with the chiropractor for nothing. It got up to 60 degrees today and yes, I have been able to get out on the deck. Willy, Alex and I took several short walks out back and they are pooped out tonight. I will PM you.

Doxherding Karen · May 11, 2008, 01:37:04 AM

When I was pregnant with the twins I went through a run-around with the place I worked at.

If your boss really cares, he will find 1) someone to give or lend you their sick hours; 2) give you some busy work, a simple job which when finished can be listed as a forty-hour assignment (or 32 if that's their minimum for part time) and then 3) send you out on another round of unpaid disability leave.

There are lots of creative ways for a company to help in times of need. This IS a time of need!

Karen

Dee Dee and Hallie · May 11, 2008, 11:28:17 AM

That is criminal! there are a lot of good ideas and suggestions here though I hope they will work for you. I cant' believe they are trying to do this to you! You devote most of your life to something and this is the thanks you get...
I am so sorry you are still in so much pain. This has to hurry along so you can put it behind you and get some relief! It's gone on too long already. Hang in there.

cheryl186 · May 11, 2008, 07:28:24 PM

Oh My Gosh Patty!!! It definitely is criminal what they are going to do to you...how horrific!!!! Hang in there....I am just continuing to pray for you so that your paperwork gets finished really fast and you get in there for your surgery

.....you need some relief.....Everyone does have some great suggestions here and getting a lawyer to help you with your job is definitely the best one. Good luck....we all love you and are all pulling for you

David C. · May 11, 2008, 08:01:06 PM

Dang. That just stinks. Can't they give you Leave Without Pay or let you take a Leave of Absence when the medical leave runs out? Sending major rays your way. If Alaska wasn't so darn far, we'd be more than happy to drop by.

Mike · May 11, 2008, 09:39:07 PM

Maybe I misunderstood our benefits briefing, but I thought that insurance had to continue to cover you if you were already undergoing treatment.

DP · May 12, 2008, 12:37:23 PM

Patty,

With what you were doing for the company (drafting) for so many years and the problems you are having, could this be disk problem caused by the work and might it be a workmans comp thing? Might this be a repetative motion injury? Just thinking..... As stated previously the company should not be able to fire you for taking a medical leave under FMLA. My understanding was that the company had to keep you on but they did not have to keep your existing position open. When you return they had to provide you with a position, any position. If Alaska is a "right to work" state they may be able to fire you without cause. I know that is the case in Missouri but i do not know how FMLA fits into it all.
At this point I would consider talking to a lawyer about the bills, the continuation of insurance coverage and the job termination.

My prayers are with you for a good outcome from it all.

Teresa · May 12, 2008, 01:42:32 PM

I found this on the Department of Labor's site in the FMLA section:

Q: Will I lose my job if I take FMLA leave?

Generally, no. It is unlawful for any employer to interfere with or restrain or deny the exercise of any right provided under this law. Employers cannot use the taking of FMLA leave as a negative factor in employment actions, such as hiring, promotions or disciplinary actions; nor can FMLA leave be counted under "no fault" attendance policies. Under limited circumstances, an employer may deny reinstatement to work - but not the use of FMLA leave - to certain highly-paid, salaried ("key") employees.

Of course, your company has to have 50 employees for any of this to matter. If it's less than 50, the guidelines don't have to be followed.

Frankys_mom · May 12, 2008, 07:35:53 PM

Gosh, Patty
I don't know what to say other than we will continue to pray for you! Sending lots of rays for your health and hopefully a better solution regarding your job.

Dawn, Franky & Delilah

Merion · May 13, 2008, 11:58:56 AM

Sending HHHHHH's & PPPPPP's for you Patty. If I were you I would check with and attorney and see how legal this is since they never notified you originally.
Good Luck.
Merion & the ZZ's