California
I have Graves Disease (hyperthyroidism) - it's an autoimmune disorder. I've had it for well over a year and my employer is aware of my illness. My manager has been very understanding of needing occasional time off due to not feeling well. I miss very little time from work - actually, I miss less time than many of my co-workers.
During the past 6 months, I've gotten worse - really sick and painful - after numerous tests, I learned that I have another autoimmune disorder - Rheumatoid Arthritis. My MRIs show extensive damage to joints and my SED level was 77, which is very high. My doctor informed me that this is a crippling disease and that's it probably started several years ago - there is no cure, but there are medications that I can take to slow the progress. The recommended medication is a low dose chemo. So, I now have 2 autoimmune disorders.
I am home from work this afternoon - sick with a fever of 101. I know, not life-threatening, but enough to cause a headache and severe fatique. I just could not be productive at work.
My question is - should I tell my employer about this latest diagnosis and the fact that I have two autoimmune disorders? I want to work as long as I can - I'm only 49. I'm concerned if I tell them, that they may think I'm not up to the job, and fire me. Not to blow my own horn, but I am considered to be one of their best employees. Still, if I keep getting days like this when I can't work, and who knows how I'll feel if I decide to take the meds, I may need to take more time off work. I even considered taking a short leave of absence just to get some rest (my job is stressful). Really, I guess the questions are:
1. Should I tell my employer?
2. If I do need to take leave, what is the process?
3. If I take leave, will my medical benefits continue?
I just don't know what to do. Thank you all for your feedback.
I have Graves Disease (hyperthyroidism) - it's an autoimmune disorder. I've had it for well over a year and my employer is aware of my illness. My manager has been very understanding of needing occasional time off due to not feeling well. I miss very little time from work - actually, I miss less time than many of my co-workers.
During the past 6 months, I've gotten worse - really sick and painful - after numerous tests, I learned that I have another autoimmune disorder - Rheumatoid Arthritis. My MRIs show extensive damage to joints and my SED level was 77, which is very high. My doctor informed me that this is a crippling disease and that's it probably started several years ago - there is no cure, but there are medications that I can take to slow the progress. The recommended medication is a low dose chemo. So, I now have 2 autoimmune disorders.
I am home from work this afternoon - sick with a fever of 101. I know, not life-threatening, but enough to cause a headache and severe fatique. I just could not be productive at work.
My question is - should I tell my employer about this latest diagnosis and the fact that I have two autoimmune disorders? I want to work as long as I can - I'm only 49. I'm concerned if I tell them, that they may think I'm not up to the job, and fire me. Not to blow my own horn, but I am considered to be one of their best employees. Still, if I keep getting days like this when I can't work, and who knows how I'll feel if I decide to take the meds, I may need to take more time off work. I even considered taking a short leave of absence just to get some rest (my job is stressful). Really, I guess the questions are:
1. Should I tell my employer?
2. If I do need to take leave, what is the process?
3. If I take leave, will my medical benefits continue?
I just don't know what to do. Thank you all for your feedback.
