Hey Forward,
Man, I know how you feel. My last seizure occurred during work. This especially sucked because part of my job entails driving people to doctor's appointments, recreation, etc. HR told me that because one of my job requirements, as stated in my job description, includes driving people and I could not do this if I had active seizures. I agreed. He also told me that I would be terminated if they could not be accomodated me in my present position or if I could not find a non-driving position within the agency.
First of all, driving is a small part of my job and secondly, anyone of my coworkers could handle the driving required. Anyway, HR basically told me that I would need a letter from my Neuro stating I was OK to drive. Fair enough. But what was unfair was his claim that if I was unable to get the letter, I might be terminated. He told me that they would try to accommodate me , but he could not guarantee anything.
I was torn up about this. My insecurities and self-esteem issues that have plagued me thoughout my life were recharged that day. He continued to harass me via mail. It made me furious.(For days, I had wonderful fantasies of beating this weasel of a man's head in.)
The reason for the seizure was threefold. Firstly, I also was working on 4 hours of sleep, secondly about 5 min. before the event, I had had a conversation with a guy I had not seen in a year or so- a former boss. For some reason this meeting stressed me out and definitely helped trigger the seizure. The third reason is likely the main reason. I had been playing amataur neurologist and lowering my meds on my own (perhaps a mistake.)
I contacted my doctor to see if I could get this letter. I was convinced that three months seizure free was more than enough time to ensure that I would be OK driving. Anyway, when I finally got in touch with my doctor, he said because I had lowered my meds on my own (for some reason he wasn't thrilled by this), he was OK with the three month time frame, that is, as long as I resumed my former dosage of meds. I agreed. He also said that my agency had no legal right to fire me.
I informed the weasel that I would get the letter which would state I could return to driving in three months. He told me I should get it to him within a week. He told me again I might still be terminated even with the letter. (More fantasies of beating the s--t out of the weasel)
Now getting this letter would prove to quite an ordeal. I continued to call and email my doctor but he continued to ignore me. The weasel continued to harrass me during this time. I told him my doctor was not responding to my emails and I would get the letter to him as soon as possible.
I decided to talk to the Epilepsy Foundation about my legal rights. The woman I spoke to said she would call my agency personally if they tried to fire me. She said she knew people at my agency. A few days later, I was called into another meeting with HR and the weasel. Again the threats. I told him about my conversation with the Epilepsy Foundation and to please put the threats for my termination in writing, because I would need the documentation when I sued the Agency. There was a moment of silence, and I could see that the word made him uncomfortable. Eventually, I got the letter from my doctor to HR.
A day or two later the weasel called me and said they would be happy to accomodate me for the three months. I just said OK and hung up the phone. About a week later a got a formal letter from the weasal in HR stating I would be given 3 months accomodation , but could still be terminated if he did not receive the second letter giving me permission to drive. Boy, I thought, this guy is such a (insert Richard's nickname)!
I got the second letter to HR stating I was neurologically stable and able to drive, and that was the end of it. Part of me wishes I could have sued them. After all, the agency I work for is for the developmentally disabled. You would think that they would have some compassion for my situation. What a bunch hypocrits. Anyway, I know how you feel.
Ron