Back To Square One Folks!!!

[Elaine H]

Hi Guys

I am still sitting at home waiting to hear from my new employers, they have told me that I need to have a medical to see if I'm ok to work there at the school.

During the first week of working there, the girls had arranged for us to go out for a curry, my name was top of the list, I was so looking forward to going out with them, and getting to know my new colleagues. The curry was scheduled for last Friday. As I'm not there at the moment, I rang one of the girls up last Friday and asked what time we were meeting, she said to me..."Oh no Elaine, we were told that as you were off sick, we were to cross your name off the list!" As you can imagine, I was furious, it was on the tip of my tongue to shout down the phone, "I'm not off sick, it's just the powers that be have suspended me, while they work out if I'm safe to work at the school!" I wouldn't dream of taking two weeks off sick one week into a new job!!

Anyway, this is just another example of people's total lack of knowledge and employer's stupidity regarding epilepsy! The irony of it is, that there are 4 or 5 kids at the school with epilepsy, and they have this department that looks after kids with special needs!! Then they treat me like this, unbelieveable, I'll keep you posted as to what happens, they can't sack me, they were more than aware of my epilepsy at the interview, I couldn't have been more up front with them.

I'll let you know what happens!

Love

Elaine x

 

[brain]

Do you have EA or N E S near you
where you can contact them in regards
to your rights in the UK?

I hope you can pick up the phone and
dial their number and unload it on them
and they can take a recourse of action
upon your employers - I mean if the
Doctors have given you the "OK" to
return back to work - MY GOSH - that
is a "Stamp of Approval" right there!

:zacepi:

And I always had quoted this horrible
quote of mine but it actually makes sense:

"I wonder about some people: Some people
are just some people are just some people...."

I sure hope by having them intervene on
your behalf will step on some T-O-E-S!
Gee Whiz!

But if that's their policy in where you're zoned
at in UK - well, at least, picture it as a "mini-
vacation" before you go to work! GOOF OFF!
Grab a cuppa tea and read a good book or
go shopping and spend the last few days
of some "funsey wunsey" before the 4 lettered
word -- W O R K!

:?

 

[Elaine H]

Hi Brain

God, Ive lost I think it's eight jobs over the years, simply because of people's stupidity and ignorance! Plus the fact, I've been sat at home on my backside for the last few months, and it is driving me potty!! It wouldn't be so bad if it was Summer, or I could jump in my rusty old car and go and visit someone, I know it's nice to not have to get up early, but I need challenges, and I need to be busy and focused, there is one thing I can get on with, and that's completing my book, I sure have written a lot of it already, but I have so much more to add!

Thanks for your much valued support, I have used The Citizens Advice Bureau in the past, and they helped me too successfully prosecute one of my previous persecutors, so I may ring them, I'll let you know the outcome, have a good day!

Lotsalove

Elaine x

 

[Nancy]

It is absolutely astonishing that this is being done by people in charge of educating children ...... teaching children to read things (like LAWS), understand them and follow them.

 

[Belinda5000]

Elaine
I've noticed some people are scared be with me in case I have a seizure.
That's really idiotic.They see me have them all the time but don't want be alone with me.

I never get out hardly to begin with and so what if I do seize.
It just frustrates me more and moe when people I know get like that especially when they say thre my friend.
Belinda

 

[TeeTees]

Elaine,

I had to read this twice to completely comprehend it ! So, let me get this right....The School which you got the new job at have sent YOU home because of what ?....you had a sz at the school, or because you have epilepsy ?

Don't bother answering that, as I still don't get their reasoning. Whichever the answer of the above comment, they were still told at the interview (even though you didn't HAVE to) that you have sz's ?.....so what's their problem ? <scratching head> .....and even if you didn't tell them at the interview, what are they going to gain by kind of 'suspending' you (I put that word in 's as I'm not sure if it's the correct wording) ?

Damn, I'm confused.

Like Brain suggested, get yer feet up, pour a cuppa, and relax for the time being. I'd certainly ring around places like the CAB to find out where I'd stand should they come back and tell me they wish to 'write me off'....that way you'll always be two steps ahead off 'em.

Best of luck Elaine, I hope it all works out in your favour come what may.

 

[Crazy Monkey]

Awww Elaine

That is awful, (I know how much you were looking forward to your new job) you have been nothing but honest with your new employees this is just another classic example of ignorance about epilepsy. I'm confused like TeeTees, they have sent you home because you have epilepsy??? do they think that if you have a couple of weeks off work you will get better??? are they worried that you might be contagious??? honestly some people!!!!

It is defo a good idea to seek some advice from the citizens advice bureau, I have used them in the past for work related issues and they were very helpful.

Hopefully everything will work out for you in the end

 

[Elaine H]

Hi Guys

Thanks so much for your feedback! It is much appreciated. I have e.mailed Epilepsy Action formerley The British Epilepsy Association, and told them of my plight. Here we are, and it is Thursday tomorrow, still no news from the school, or a call from their medical company. I know what is going to happen, they put in their job offer letter, congratulations on your new position as Teaching Assistant, the offer is subject to a medical, references, and a full CRB check,(this is a check they have to do on people working with children) so I think they will withdraw the job offer on the grounds that I am not medically suitable, or something along those lines. What I am trying to do, as I consider myself an "ambassador" for people with epilepsy, is keep to the rule book, and cooperate with them for the time being. They are more than awware that I know my rights, and that I'm familiar with The Disability Discrimination Act 1995, and I am not going to put up with any s--t from them!! I would feel like I was letting everyone else down if I didn't stand up for myself! I have lost I think eight jobs in the past simply because I have epilepsy, no more, I am NOT going to lie down and take this!!

I'll keep you posted, and thanks again for your wonderful support!!

Lotsalove

Elaine x

 

[Belinda5000]

Elaine you always have my support.
You've always been there for me.
Belinda:e::soap:

 

[seizures4ever]

Oh Elaine,

I'm so sorry to hear of your troubles. I have lost a job in the past due to my epilepsy as well. Unlike you, I wasn't aware enough of my legal rights at the time to challenge anyone. Stand your ground. We're all behind you.

Have strength my friend. -Julie

 

[Meetz1064]

Most definitely

you have all of us behind you, Elaine. No question about that. Let us know how things go, OK?

 

[TeeTees]

Hi Guys

Thanks so much for your feedback! It is much appreciated. I have e.mailed Epilepsy Action formerley The British Epilepsy Association, and told them of my plight. Here we are, and it is Thursday tomorrow, still no news from the school, or a call from their medical company. I know what is going to happen, they put in their job offer letter, congratulations on your new position as Teaching Assistant, the offer is subject to a medical, references, and a full CRB check,(this is a check they have to do on people working with children) so I think they will withdraw the job offer on the grounds that I am not medically suitable, or something along those lines. What I am trying to do, as I consider myself an "ambassador" for people with epilepsy, is keep to the rule book, and cooperate with them for the time being. They are more than awware that I know my rights, and that I'm familiar with The Disability Discrimination Act 1995, and I am not going to put up with any s--t from them!! I would feel like I was letting everyone else down if I didn't stand up for myself! I have lost I think eight jobs in the past simply because I have epilepsy, no more, I am NOT going to lie down and take this!!

I'll keep you posted, and thanks again for your wonderful support!!

Lotsalove

Elaine x

Hi Elaine,

Wow, this kinda crap just insults my, and everybody elses, intelligence.

Surely this is just gross negligence on the Employer's behalf. YOU told THEM at the interview of your condition, which they obviously comprehended, and to which they agreed to employ you with. You didn't have to tell them anything that would discriminate you into being disallowed the position any more than the person sitting next to you....including the simple things such as date of birth, but you had the decency to do so.

Maaaan, this just makes my blood boil.

I hope you get the job back, if that's what you want (whatever your decision, I'm right behind you - it's your life, and you must do what makes you happy).

Here's a link on discrimination in the workplace, should they try to pull a stinker on you :

http://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/employees/unfair.html

I hope you don't need to read it, but just in case huh ?

 

[ashmstng]

Hello Elaine~
I am sorry how things went with your job. I hope everything gets better. I can say I know what you mean about work and how they treat us. I have been working at the same place for 4 years and they keep giving me trouble about the hours I work. I have to work nights cause I dont drive and my mom is my ride back and forth. Lets just say this is the 4th time I had to change my hours. As of yesterday my mom got irritated and called my work to talk to my manager on why they keep doing this and never to seem to understand that I have to work certain hours. She sure wasnt happy at all. I do want to say I really hope things get better for you. I think it will always be hard on us no matter what we do. People dont seem to understand us or listen. And the people that do are the people that understand or family. I just feel like we constantly have to repeat ourselves over and over. Even if I dont have another seizure. I still have to deal with my memory loss. The seizures effected my memory. I hope you the best Elaine!

 

[brain]

Elaine;

Don't give up, go and kick some "butts"!
Just my :twocents: ...

Those people need to be educated that people
with Epilepsy aren't what they think they are and
needs to be brought out of the DARK AGES!

Hearing stuff like this makes me all the time!

After all they are a School and they should know
better than that if they do their own research and
knowing how many famous people who have had
Epilepsy and all the wonderful things that they have
did and done ... whether deceased or alive and well
today! Enough said!

Here's wishing you to a brighter future and for that
:tup: response of "You're all good" report!

 

[maureen]

What????

Elaine,

I just read your post a couple of times to make it sink in. What are they doing? I have all sorts of things going on in my head - they knew of your condition, it shouldn't make a difference, what are they teaching the kids about people with epilepsy or other conditions, do they want to 'protect' them? and on and on and on........

I completely understand your frustration and annoyance. It would be hard to know where to start in fighting back!

Keep up the good work in your efforts and please keep us all informed!

Maureen

 

[tinasmom]

Elaine -

I agree with not giving up. Stay strong and fight for your rights. Their problem is ignorance. Not knowing what seizures are, how they affect people and what to do are the biggest problems world wide. Even today, people still are living in the dark ages with their knowledge of Epilepsy. Would they not hire an amputee because he/she might lose their footing, fall and get hurt? People are more understanding of a disability they can see and they are fearful of one they can't see physically.

Fortunately, there are people out there that do want to educate others. I was contacted on my You Tube regarding my Awareness video. The request to use my video came from a London news website and they are doing a series on Epilepsy.

Hang in there Elaine!!!!!!


Here's a bear hug for you -

 

[Elaine H]

Hi There

Thanks for your kind words, and the bear hug! I would really appreciate it if you would let me know which London news co it was that contacted you, and how I can contact them, I have been trying for years to raise awareness, and myself and a well known London solicitor are gonna really try and do our bit for the cause next May, during National Epilepsy Awareness week, we really want some tv coverage, we both did several BBC radio interviews in 2005, I've done local BBC radio for the last two years during Nat Ep Wk, I so so so want to help, I really do feel as though I've been chosen to have this condition, and get through it, come out smiling, and do something about it!!

I don't know if you heard, the famous glofer Seve Balesteros, has just had an epilepstic seizure, and has recently been diagnosed with a brain tumour, but when it was covered on BBC news the other day, they merely said that he had "fainted" why oh why won't anyone say the "E" word, what is so terribly wrong with having EPILEPSY!!!!!!!!!!

I would really really appreciate it if you could let me have their contact details, this afternoon, I am going to get stuck into typing up my notes for my forthcoming book "Fit For Life" because I tell you what, if it's the last thing I ever do on this earth< I am gonna finish it, and get it and all the photos from the last 22 years publisehed, this cannot have all been for nothing!!

God bless you and all you are trying to do aswell, we can all pull together, and be strong for each other eh?!

Lotsalove To You

Elaine xxxxxx

 

[tinasmom]

Elaine -

Here is the message I received:

www.yourthurrock.com
Hello Laura,
Is it ok if we run your vid on nov epilepsy awareness?

we are a news and info web site in london and are running a series of features on epilepsy

michael casey

 

[Elaine H]

Hi Belinda

I hope all is well with you my friend? I had a nasty wobbler yesterday and I'm so bloody sore today, I bit my tongue both sides and my left cheek, so I keep dribbling (nothing new there then!!usually only do it on a Friday and Saturday night!! HA HA!!)

I feel better though, I 'm back on the Trileptal 300mg am and 300mg pm along with the Keppra 1,000mg am and 1,000mg pm, I'm still Smiling!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have nearly finished writing my book, I am so pleased about this, it has taken me probably nearly ten years to put together, there have just been so many things happen that I felt I wanted to include in it,so it seemed I was never gonna finish it!

It always help my mood when the sun is out, and it is beautiful out there today!! the sky is totally blue!! It is a crisp,bright day, and although I count my blessings EVERY DAY for all th wonderful things in my life, Mark especially, on days like this I just feel so good to be alive!!

On another positive note, I get the results of my two University courses in December, I so hope I pass them both, one was a Vocational Qualification in Epilepsy Care & Management, and the other was a University Certificate in Neuroscience/Epilepsy, I put a lot of work in over those 4 years, I so hope I do well, I will of course let all the guys on CWE know, great excuse for a celebration!!

Keep in touch won't you, it is always great to hear from you, and I hope that you are doing ok and that you are happy and looking forward to Xmas?! I'm gonna try and enjoy it, no money this year though! so what, friends and family mean more to me than anything else, they are my memories!! Keep your chin up gal?!

Lots of Love

Elaine xx

 

[Nancy]

Well .......... rats! I had high hopes that Trileptal would finish off your wobblers. I believed it would. Have you been taking it long enough that you're all "adjusted"? (I'm too lazy to look up old posts )

But your positive attitude is such an inspiration.
I, for one, need that so much.
Thank you.