I find myself having trouble attending work on a regular basis. Some weeks there are no issues. Some times I work extra because I become overly focused and energized. But other weeks I cannot make it out of bed.

I missed a week of work a couple weeks ago. I followed my employers procedure for calling in sick. I even contacted the leave management company for short term disability after missing three days.

But that week, coupled with the few other days I have missed has caused my employer to threaten my job. They are requiring me to have my doctor fill out Americans with Disabilities Act paperwork to "protect" my job.

My doctor was supposed to fill out the paperwork. For both the ADA information and the leave management company. I provided them the paperwork weeks ago and still haven't gotten it back. And the ADA paperwork is due to my employer by tomorrow. According to the doctor's office, it still isn't complete.

This situation at work is something I have fought before. I even lost my last job due to days missed because of my disorder.

I just, I don't know what to do anymore. My anxiety is at a high.

I go to my doctor regularly. I take my medications daily. But attending work still causes me issues.

How do any of you deal with it? Are any of you fighting the same issues?

[Kathryn0442]

Hi. I'm sorry to hear you are going through this but I just went through the same thing. I struggled with attendance off and on for a couple months at a new job because I just couldn't get out of bed in the morning. Some days were just a struggle. My job wouldn't excuse the absences and required the same disability paperwork but I couldn't get it completed in time.

I really hope it works out for you. I am hoping for a new start myself once I get stabilized on my moods.

Good luck to you.

Kathryn,

My doctor's office did not complete the paperwork in time for me either. I had the nurse I was working with at the doctor's office call the nurse at work. The doctor's office nurse said that the work nurse took some information about her and did not really seem to have a problem that the paperwork was delayed.

However, later he called me because "management" asked him to tell me I would not get paid for my absences until they had "medical proof". He also told me that I needed to attend work and that my absences were "hard to believe".

I received the completed paperwork yesterday afternoon. The doctor's office faxed the medical approval right away to the leave management company. And they provided with my the original ADA papers to get to my employer.

I am just concerned because I have followed all protocol. Gotten doctor's work excuses when I have mixed. And now have worked to get this paperwork. I lost a job previously due to attendance issues. My meds are helping, but my moods are not completely stabilized.

Do mind me asking what happened in your situation?

So I tried to return to work this morning after being off for three days. I went to the occupational nurse to turn in the paperwork that was requested. He sent me to HR after speaking with him.

In the HR office, I had an emotional breakdown. I couldn't control it. After speaking with her, she suggested I go on a leave of absence for a couple weeks. She said she wanted to help protect my job and that I had been doing everything right. But if I was having a hard time, a leave may be best.

So now I'm on a two week leave. I worked it out with the Leave Management company this morning. And the lady from HR said she would work it out with my supervisor. I go to the doctor again Wednesday.

I'm still worried about my job. I like it. And I can't afford to lose it. Sorry, I guess I just needed to vent a little.

[Kathryn0442]

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear about our breakdown. I know that can be hard. I hope that everything works out. I'm glad that they granted you leave, at least you can have time to get everything to where you want it.

Unfortunately, they sent me notice the day the paperwork was due that I was getting written up for my absences. I didn't miss for six weeks, but they decided to terminate my employment anyway. It's been very hard for me. I feel like a complete failure.

[Seaswept]

I have had several leaves over the years at work due to sounds like the same conditon. My last leave, HR gave me 2 weeks to get the paperwork in.
HR will keep what happened with you, in her office, confidential.
I understand what your going through though, being worried about keeping your job.
I was diagnosed with Bipolar 7 years ago and still have my job, if that helps.

That does help. And HR and the nurse at my doctor's office have been helpful. Even saw the doctor today and he already had the necessary paperwork in hand. So that made me feel a little better too.