One sad chick! Just want to give up!

[karascott]

I turned in my return to work notice to the school system last week. I have been cracking everyone up because on paper I sound really jacked up. The doc put the following conditions on my paper: Rheumatoid arthritis, Vertigo, right ear deafness, sicca syndrome, fatigue, migraines.  I received a letter yesterday from human resources to report on June 3 rd to Mercy hospital so that I can be evaluated by their medical doctor. No ones seems to think that they will let me back in the classroom because I work in the inner city where student behavior is a problem. I would like to go back for the last week at least. I am nervous though. The placement specialist told me that they will see how or if they can accommodate me, and if there are any concerns, it will go to legal ( not sure what that means).  I have a pension with the state of Maryland as a teacher and have enough years to qualify for disability retirement if approved.  I was informed that whether or not I can do my job will be between me and Baltimore City. Let me be real...I am scared because I have no control over anything right now, and the disability process seems over whelming. Thank you guys for your words and testimonies which have gotten me though many things and have helped me figure out this new normal. I may be off balanced, hard of hearing, tearing in one eye, a little forgetful, but I am still here and only God can take that way. Lol

[arizonajack]

This is more a legal question than a medical one.

What happens with your job depends on the terms and conditions of your teaching contract and whatever laws and regulations govern the position.

Can they prevent you from returning to the classroom. Theoretically, yes, if they determine your condition is detrimental and something for which no accommodation can be made. Will it happen that way. No way to predict.

Might be a good idea to consult an attorney who specializes in employment law with regards to disability.

[Echo]

Hi Kara,

I agree with Jack, a consult with a lawyer specializing in employment law would be a good thing to do.  Not sure how it works in the US, but here in Canada I needed to access an employment lawyer many years ago and was given the first 1 hour consult free to determine if I had a valid reason to retain their services further.  The information I gained from that initial consult ended up being all I needed to sort the issues out.  It doesn't hurt to do your homework first and go in prepared when you meet with these folks.

Regardless of how this goes for you, I wish you the best outcome possible.  I firmly believe when one door closes another opens.  Good luck!!

Cathie.

[karascott]

Thank for the advice.

[karascott]

I was told by human resources to contact the legal department. The legal department told me fill out some forms to apply for accommodations through the disability act. They said that my file would then be handled by ac EEOC specialist.  I must answer theses questions thoroughly.

[karascott]

I was not approved to return to work for the last three weeks of school. The  school system doc thinks that it would not be in my best interest, so i should try again in the fall. My balance is just not good enough and my wallking is still somewhat slow. She said that she would hate for something to happen because we all know that the Baltimore City Schools can be rough.  She also said I should wait to see what kind of accommodations can be put in place before I return. so sad.

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Kara ~

I'm sorry you weren't approved to return to the classroom but you mentioned this might be their decision.  However, having the summer to regain your equilibrium and otherwise gain strength may be the best outcome, after all.  It certainly will be a form of motivation for you.

I'm not familiar with the Baltimore school systems and their policies so I can only speculate (and not from a position of knowledge, in this instance) but I suspect the 'accommodations' will be relatively minor but may include less actual time in classroom teaching.  Between union rules and the systems fear of lawsuits, I can see why the criterion for your return has to be relatively strict but I trust that you'll be able to meet it by the beginning of the new school year.

Jim

[karascott]

Thank you so much Jim. I needed those words of encouragement. I am feeling a little down. I must admit; I am a little scared that they might not let me back, and I might have to apply for disability retirement through the state pension plan. I might need to take this summer to look into a backup plan just in case.

[Imcamodchick88]

Ms. Kara,

I am a student, not a teacher. However, I wanted to share the story of my teacher, who also had an AN. His, however, was removed quite sometime ago (I believe the late 1990s he said). He was not able to return to teaching full time as a college professor for quite sometime, I believe he said it took him almost a year to be able to look at his computer and email long enough to type in grades and send out progress reports. However, he has now returned to teaching full time, and is one of the best professors I have ever had.

As for me, I returned to school in 2 months. But I did not have balance issues except for with stairs, and as I am a college student, I do not have to control other people. I do however have specifics in the classroom to protect the school, as I am employed as a teachers assistant. I cannot be standing for long periods of time (over 2 hours) is the main one, as they are afraid I will "tip over upon exhaustion."

So do not get down. You can return, and you can make it back! I will say, hearing one student over 20-30 is difficult though. And remember positioning!

Good luck!

Kristin

[karascott]

Thanks. I spoke with my Physical therapist and primary doc, and they both said it could take a whole year before I am 80% back to being me. They don't have to hold my job for a year. I have decided to talk with a lawyer because I might have to file for disability because I am on leave without pay.

[kixit]

I too am facing the ole employment delimma. I was told when this AN thing started that I would be "guaranteed placement" if I couldn't return to my normal job in public safety. That was May 2012--welcome June 2013--the city "is not obligated" to keep my employment since it's not job related. We encourage you to look for employment elsewhere within if that's what you feel you need to do, if  you feel like you can't return. Mind you, my final appt with my surgeon is Aug 3rd. My employer has put me through "assessment" testing, none of which included BALANCE TESTING, which is my issue. It was reccommmended by the cities doctor and the ENT that originally saw me that I be sent for Balance Battery Testing at UVA. The city delcined stating "you have been through enough and we don't want to put you though anymore testing". In other words they are not going to pay $2800 for something that isn't work related but yet rushing ahead to judgement on my employabilty (kixit word!). And I was also told they have spoken with HR and city attorney.

[karascott]

This sounds crazy to say but glad to hear I am not alone. I am very depressed right now. I got to read the my doctors' responses to the EEOC specialist who is Handling my disabilities act accommodations request. It does not look good they are  saying that it will take a year or more for me to get better and my conditions are permanent or chronic. They pointed out several job descriptions that I cannot do or would be limited in. My Rheumatoid  arthritis and Sjogrens are acting up which are causing me more problems.  I saw an Attorney today who me to go ahead and file for SSD and that it is most likely that the school may not accommodate me. The worst part is that I will be out of money soon so I do need to hurry to file for my state retirement disability pension which could take up to 6 months for approval. I am just tired. I feel like my world is falling apart and I am not prepared for this fight.  My union rep told me wait for HR to tell me that they cannot accommodate me because it will make may pension disability go through faster. I cannot afford to wait to long. I am one sad chick! Sorry for any errors don't care much these days!!!!!!!!!

[Soundy]

6 years later and still unemployed because of various disabilities that didn' t bother school board before surgery and that now even walmart doesn' t want me.... but not disabled enough for disability... but have mostly learned to roll woth the punches

Was only subbing and have done a couple half days...we are getting in a financial bind now and have cut things including internet service... i get depressed because i feel guilty that my family is doing without  a few things because i am no longer contributing at all... they never say a thing to that effect but i carry it....still fighting lack of coverage for anything bcbs/ tn thinks is remotely an related...

Hope things start looking up for you... in the time being know you are not alone in this fight and that we keep you i  our thoughts and prayers

[maryanddavidsmith]

I am sorry to hear about your fight.  I am nervous too. I am newly diagnosed 1.1cm and haven't seen my specialist yet. I teach at a small Catholic school and am afraid to tell them I have an AN. I am hoping to do watch and wait because of the fear of not  being able to teach.  I don't have any problems yet but sinus pressure.

[karascott]

Thanks for the support. Everyone is understanding before the surgery not so much afterwards because they cannot get passed that you look ok.