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How do you know when to take a break from work?

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    How do you know when to take a break from work?

    I have been working hard for the last 15 years--pushing myself to the limit, always willing to work weekends or whatever it takes to get the job done. I was just *finally* diagnosed and pushed for an answer because my mental capacity has gone to the dogs. I have a very demanding job and I can barely function any more. I cannot get my thoughts together, stare at the walls, cannot get things done, cannot come up with the right words. Am not sure if this is a flare or the new normal.

    Either way, I am afraid of losing my job. My direct manager thinks I should take advantage of our company's STD program and take a few months off. I am worried that this won't get any better in that time. I am panicking about the thought of losing my home and having my credit ruined.

    Any advice on how to know when you should take a break? I feel so guilty for even thinking I should!

    #2
    I was at my job for 10 yrs when I left on STD, then LTD.

    What you wrote sounds like a STD would be a good thing, and I would talk to your neuro about what treatment may help you.

    TC and GL in whatever you choose

    Comment


      #3
      My employer didn't offer STD. That is a huge benefit, because if you end up applying for SSDI, it covers you before it kicks in.

      We were able to get by for the 5 month waiting period on my husband's salary and our savings. Once SSDI kicked in, we no longer worried about finances. My benefit is similar to what I earned while working part time.

      I don't know anything about formulas to calculate SSDI benefit amounts, but maybe you won't have to worry about losing your house or damaging your credit.

      ~ Faith
      ~ Faith
      MSWorld Volunteer -- Moderator since JUN2012
      (now a Mimibug)

      Symptoms began in JAN02
      - Dx with RRMS in OCT03, following 21 months of limbo, ruling out lots of other dx, and some "probable stroke" and "probable CNS" dx for awhile.
      - In 2008, I was back in limbo briefly, then re-dx w/ MS: JUL08
      .

      - Betaseron NOV03-AUG08; Copaxone20 SEPT08-APR15; Copaxone40 APR15-present
      - Began receiving SSDI / LTD NOV08. Not employed. I volunteer in my church and community.

      Comment


        #4
        Knowing when to take a break from work includes your own observations about how you are functioning cognitively, physically and emotionally.

        When your supervisor/manager/boss recomends that you consider STD, I would take that as an indication that it may be time for some rest and recovery, sx meds, etc. Rest and recovery is very under-rated in MS.

        I don't recommend waiting for things to progress, for an error that may jeopordize job security or employment. A disability dx dated after termination usually results in you not qualifying for your company STD, LTD, Medical, etc. A disability dx must be dated prior to date of termination in order to qualify for company benefits you are eligible for.

        If you haven't done so already, you should discuss the problems you are having at work with your MS doc, including your manager's remarks and observations about your work related problems.

        You need your MS doc's support in order to qualify for STD, LTD, SSDI etc., as doc's are required to sign forms identifying your disabiling medical dx.

        Wishing you the very best of luck, and up date us about your progress.

        Comment


          #5
          Thank you!

          Thank you all for you responses. Navigating this new territory can be downright scary. There are not many MS specialists in my area, and I have an appointment but not for three weeks. I am trying to hold it together until then and do the best I can.

          I will definitely be forthcoming about my cognitive difficulties and I hope he can help me determine if this is a flare or a progression. Sure seems like a progression because it has steadily gotten worse over the last year.

          Thanks to everyone who are willing to share their stories that help all of us newbies find our way!

          Comment


            #6
            There is a possibility that STD benefits can be approved with PCP doc's support. STD does not require the level of documentation, or stringent medical criteria, or medical testing as LTD claims.

            The reason for the distinction in qualifying for STD benefits versus LTD is that the STD benefit payment period is typically limited to 6 months of disability, versus LTD which can pay benefits until retirement age if recovery is not possible.

            There is a 2 year 'look back' provision in LTD policies that allows the insurer to deny claims as pre-existing condition during the first 2yrs of the policy.

            You should be aware of your policy's look back provision to determine if you policy has been effective for minimum of 2 years to avoid the 2 year pre-existing condition exclusion.

            If your LTD policy effective date is more than 2yrs from the date of disability, pre-existing condition exclusion does not apply. Your date of disability for LTD benefits will include the period covered by your STD claim.

            There are posters here who were denied LTD benefits after many years with one employer, because the LTD insurance carrier was changed over their years of employment. Their date of disability was within 2ys from effective date of the new LTD policy.

            Changing LTD carriers is a trend to reduce liability=avoid premium increases, due to the long term employed no longer being subject to the 2yr exclusion. Also, first year commissions are paid at a higher rate to the insurance agent, so there is a financial incentive for the agent to encourage employers to change insurance carriers.

            Employers can grandfather their long term employed into a new LTD policy, but I'm not sure that every employer is aware of the grandfather clause, but doing so would defeat some of the objectives of changing carriers, as it would probably result in higher premium rates.

            HR benefits representatives may not always be aware that the new LTD policy may not cover long term employees with claims during the first 2yrs of the new policy effective date.

            I hope none of the above applies to you or anyone who may be reading this post.

            Wishing you the best and good luck.

            Comment


              #7
              I did a stupid thing

              Here's the thing. My company automatically pays for STD benes but you have to pay for LTD. When I found out I may have (at that point) either a brain tumor or MS, and tried to get LTD, they denied me because by that time, I had 3 brain MRIs showing lesions, and an "undiagnosed" brain issue. Also why they denied allowing me to up my life insurance. So I cannot get LTD through work, just STD. Until I can see a doc to determine which type it is, I think having 6-8 weeks to get some cognitive brain therapy and de-stress would help. If it doesn't get better in 8 weeks, then I know I have a bigger problem.

              Comment


                #8
                Abnormal MRIs, even without a conclusive dx can result in being 'uninsurable' for income replacement policies.

                Life expectency with a MS dx is considered nearly normal to non-MS'rs. Approval for increasing death benefits is not unusual for Group LTD. It may also be true for individual life insurance these days, but there was a time MS was viewed as high risk for life insurance purposes.

                Rest, rest and more rest for anyone with MS. With your STD benefits, you may experience some recovery, and more importantly find a MS Specialist, DMT, and other theraputic remedies that will allow you to return to work. I had very active disease for 5yrs, a 10 'remission' before the big problems started. I worked 20+ years, very sympomatic with un'dx MS.

                Think of you and wishing you the best.

                Comment


                  #9
                  pushing myself at work

                  Personally,

                  I would try and not go on disability unless I am using the American Family Leave Act. If the ADA applies to your employment, I would find a doctor and ask for help with reasonable accommodations. Some people can be transferred to another job or department at the same pay and get a job more suitable to their limitations.

                  There are web sites that can help you with this. I don't care what the HR department says... I would talk to them and a doctor about this before, I made up my mind about going on disability. The worst thing that can happen is you still decide to go on disability.

                  My husband has had to have MRIs and several neuropsych exams all in preparation in case he had to go on disability. Most people have to go on STD before they can go on LTD.. and trying to get Social security or SSI takes about 9 months to 2 years depending on where you live.

                  mctripat

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