Going on STD, so at least I don't have to worry about losing my job

I saw my PCP this afternoon.  (He spent almost a half hour with me!)  He filled out the paperwork to put me on Short Term Disability (effective last Friday****il Sept 12th, citing abdominal pain that would require surgical referral and intervention.  He also thought that Lexapro would be helpful. (He also refilled the vicodin 7/325s for every 6 hours as needed.)

My mother thinks it is ridiculous and overkill since clearly there are some days that I am completely fine and able to work (and in some ways I do agree with her, but I am not the one who made the company sick time policies that provide such limited time off and flexibility).  She doesn't understand the pressure I am under to still accomplish the same amount of work within the same time frame even when I have been off for several days because of the pain and  doesn't understand how concerned I am that they will just decide that they are not getting enough work out of me and will terminate me (which would mean no severance and no eligibility for unemployment!).

I still have to wait for the HR person to call me back and get a disability "case worker" assigned so I can submit the paperwork from the doctor and get everything official (and I'm sure that will involve SOME kind of hassle), but at least I can relax a bit.  Hopefully the Lexapro will also help.

Thanks to everyone for the support over the past couple of weeks.  I appreciate it more than I can express.



Lora

I don't think it is overkill if your job is at risk.  I have a friend that just got STD due to deblitating migraines.  You would rather have your butt covered in the event that you need to use it.  I hope the Lexapro helps some.  Is he refering you to a different surgeon?  I hope they get all this figured out for you.  I've been following your posts and it sounds like you've been through hell lately.  I really hope they find out what is causing your pain.

In my opinion, STD is the best thing for you both physically and emotionally at this point.  Hopefully, you'll be able to get the treatment you need and deserve on both fronts.  Good luck.

Thank you for those words.  I agree that it is the best thing for me especially after this week.... but it was (somewhat surprisingly) very comforting to have someone else say so.

Lora

I'm so glad for you!

Disability is for when you aren't able to work and earn a livible wage.  If you have to stay home sick 3 days a week you can't live on your pay.

It is very fair that you are on disability, so don't listen to your mom!

Pup

How big is your company? If you are over 50 people within 75 miles you can apply for FMLA too. It can run at the same time as STD and it gives you more job protection.

I'm glad that you'll be able to focus on your health.

Lora, in this case Mom's don't know everything. You NEED your job. I am sorry you are having to go through all of this. But it really is for the best to get on STD. Hopefully the Lexapro will work out for you. Just remember that it doesn't work for everyone and if you are not feeling some relief in a few weeks let your doc know. (((hugs)))

Shelly

 You gotta do what you gotta do to take care of yourself and your family.

Unless she spends a day in your shoes she'll never understand what you are going through.

Believe me, I went through the same thing with my own mother (god bless her soul), who had no idea how to deal with my deterioration due to depression.

((hugs)) to you.  Hang in there!  :)

Yes, I know that my mother just does not understand the psychological component of this whole situation.  She has never been depressed and does not understand how difficult it can make coping with even normal life stressors or how debilitating it can become.  She does not understand the PTSD, either.

Lora

MOMS!  I swear, you can't live with them but you can't live without them.  So sorry you have to go through this.  I"ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.