[ariatboot]

I was having problems with my schooling about a month ago and eventually I had to take a medical leave for this semester. So I lost my tuition for this semester, lost my scholarship for next semester and I feel like a huge failure. My university just contacted me and they want my Bipolar documented before I can take any more classes just so something like this doesn't happen again. My problem is that my pdoc doesn't want to document it for me saying that if I take my meds as prescribed I wont ever have any more problems in future semesters. Personally I hate the fact that I have what the university calls a "disability" but after this semester I realize that I may need some extra help to get through my classes. If I get documentation my professors will be aware of any issues that may come up and will help me be successful in their classes. I just don't know what to do about my pdoc. She never listens to me much and my appointments are an average of 3 min a piece. How can I get her to help me? She is willing to write letters to the university explaining things but wont do the documentation. Any suggestions?

[PT52]

Hmmm...the thing is, you can't be 100% certain that you won't have any more problems, so I don't get how any doctor would refuse that. But what does the university specifically mean by "documented"? If you have a diagnosis, I think they can request copies of medical reports, but they can't deny the diagnosis. Also, did you notify your university prior to the problems you recently had? If they were aware of it, you probably have at least some recourse in that you probably could have succeeded if you had some assistance. You are protected under the ADA, but I don't really know what qualifications there are. You can read up on it or consult with a civil rights attorney.

[kitty004567]

Here's what I did: I'm already on social security disability so before I could get financial assistance my pdoc had to write a note saying it would not be detrimental to my health. He scribbled 2 lines on a prescription pad and that was good enough.

I gave that to my Texas rehabilitation commission case worker who asked for more information...like what accommodations I might need. I had my T write a letter explaining a little about bipolar disorder and how I might have a panic attack during class or need an extension on a project if I was having some mood issues. So basically my T did all the explaining the pdoc just verified the diagnosis.

I then went to the student service center and filed the paperwork in accordance with the ADA. I had to go in each semester and get a piece of paper filled out with possible accommodations (just in case) for each teacher. The first day of class each semester I took the paperwork to each of my teachers and explained that these were just-in-case measures and I did not anticipate having to use them; I just wanted my professors to be aware.

None of my teachers really treated me differently except for one a@#hole who I had to turn my first paper into late. He then called me on my cellphone outside of class time to ask if my second paper was going to be on time. Just because he made me so mad I turned it in early. However, this was an isolated incident: that particular professor and I didn't get along. He told me I'd never graduate because I couldn't get along with people (group work problem). So I made it a point to find him at graduation to rub it in his face :-)

The point is that with the exception of that one professor I never had a problem with my teachers knowing. In fact, it was kinda a relief because I didn't have to worry about what-ifs I could just do my work. Try getting your pdoc to simply verify the diagnosis and your T to do the explaining. Worked for me. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

[Eloise42]

I think your University's response has been inappropriate and if they are using the word "disability" then they SHOULD know exactly why.

You are entitled to privacy, there are at least a dozen vague and applicable terms to describe why you were gone and what you will need without specifically saying "bipolar". For example: 'Personal health reasons', 'stress-related study issues' etc.

I strongly advise you to find someone who is employed by the University to be your advocate. My college had a Disabilities Coordinator who came in with guns blazing whenever I needed her. It changed my life.

You are currently being discriminated against in a way that is highly unethical and possibly illegal. Your professors do NOT have a right to your private medical information.

You should not have to accommodate them, they should should be reasonably accommodating you.