Migraine

I just got notification yesterday I have been approved for intermittent FMLA for a full day abscence twice per month.

Here is why I am so happy about this....

(says to unsympathic boss) IN YOUR FACE JERK!!!!!

Whenever I call out for a migraine I can HEAR my boss rolling her eyes like I am being over dramatic or making it up. Well, according to federal law, I'm not! The truth is, a lot of times I don't call out when I know I should because I don't want to hear it. I just sit here barely doing any work, waiting until I can sign off for the day. It is a total waste of my time and of their money, because instead of taking sick time I need, they are paying me to get almost nothing done....

Now, it doesn't matter if she thinks I am faking it. Because according to FEDERAL LAW I'm not!

IN YOUR FACE!!!!!

Other than gloating, I am also posting this so anyone who is having a similar issue with thier employer knows that migraines are eligible under FMLA and it is worth the time and effort to get all the paper work together.

I'm giving myself cake to celebrate!

That's awesome!!!!

I am so happy for you!!!!

Wonderful news!!

I know what you mean about hearing the eye roll over the phone! Sometimes I feel like people look at me like "you're kidding, right??"

Good for you!

Congratulations! I'm confused though... Are you only allowed to have 2 migraines a month? I am also on FMLA for intermittent leave but I do not have any restrictions on the amount of time I can take per month. What if you have a 3-day migraine that causes you to miss work (hopefully that won't happen but you know what I mean)?

Congrats again, glad you got everything worked out.

Amy

Ok - you've convinced me. I'm going to do it. I've printed up the paperwork off the FMLA website - is that all you did? Had your doctor verify everything and then turned it in, right? This keeps you "safe" from being fired due to absences? My employer is giving me a hard time - and sitting here with my sunglasses on day after day is really unproductive...I work hard to be here. They don't see migraines as a disability - and that's what they are.

Anyway, let me know what other paperwork you turned in and to whom?

Thanks!

That is so great! Sounds like it's a big relief for you.

YAHOOO!!! Here's another cake to celebrate with

Seriously, Great job in fighting for your rights

Dar

Good job! Who was it that approved the FMLA leave? I don't know how that works. My husband's former secretary was out way too much when her daughter was sick. She got a letter from the daughter's doctor saying that when the daughter (who is 19 or 20) is sick, she needs her mother with her. So, the company has to give her FMLA leave.

She's now the receptionist, and DH has another assistant.

I don't know whether they can limit the number of days she can be out in a give time period. She can only use the FMLA after she's used all her sick days and vacation days. It's permitted under the law for the employer to make her use her "off" days before she takes the FMLA days. And I don't know whether she can take a half day. So far, she hasn't had to use it.

Congratulations! I hope it really helps!

Gretchen in Mississippi

quote:

Originally posted by Helpless:
Ok - you've convinced me. I'm going to do it. I've printed up the paperwork off the FMLA website - is that all you did? Had your doctor verify everything and then turned it in, right? This keeps you "safe" from being fired due to absences?

Anyway, let me know what other paperwork you turned in and to whom?

Thanks!

Yup. As long as your company is required to give FMLA (which is over 50 employees) and whoever does your FMLA certification approves it, it will provide job security, at least to some extent.

btw, when your doctor fills out the forms, check to see how many episodes per month and days per episode they give you. Mine is less than I would like, but didn't realize it until the paperwork was filed.

Talk to human resources for more info about what your employer's protocol is for applying..... They may have an outside vendor, different paperwork, etc.

as for stampinamyb .... actually I read it wrong, I get ONE migraine and two days off. Yeah, kind of ridiculous and I think I need to talk to my neuro about that next time I go. I think I should at least have two per month.

On a separate level, my migrains are usually managable b/c I work from home in a very dark, quiet apartment, so usually I don't need to take much time off. If I was in the office, totally different story.... I can't even imagine how bad this would be if I were under florescent lights all day!

Also, the hope is that when my preventives start working (had a good two weeks, then a bad two weeks) I won't need more than that.

This is definitely on my list to do, and soon. My company allows intermittent FMLA leave after all available paid leave has been used. They're very understanding and allow flex time, which has been a huge help, but if it comes down to it I definitely want the FMLA there.

Congrats to you, Kat - that is definitely a success worth celebrating. Hopefully you won't need to use it!

Congratulations Kat! Job well done. Let's hope you don't have to use it very often

Most excellent! Congrats!