Hi: I have not been formally dxd yet but am seeing an MS specialist on 2/10 and will undergo further testing. I have been on medical leave for the last 5 weeks for an unrelated issue and will be returning on Monday.
In the last 2 to 2-1/2 years, I have had two major memory crashes with other cognitive issues, especially lack of problem solving. I work in the health care field (Medical Technologist) so this has been a big concern for me, especially now that other people are noticing. Before I left on my medical leave, I made my second mistake in the last couple of months. I am sure that next week I will have to meet with my supervisor and may be written up formally.
My most major MS symptoms are cognitive. My first episode included trigeminal neuralgia, numb right leg and major memory loss where I could not remember my activities of the previous day without great difficulty. My memory never returned to its baseline and I have had distinct episodes when it would get worse. I also have had physical issues that are consistent with MS and also had an MRI/MRA for tingling in the right side of my tongue, and I think my right hand and foot (sorry, memory again), but I do recall the tongue part of it. The radiologist report said "Changes consistent with MS." MS had been suspected in the past, too, but I was never followed consistently. So I am certain that finally I will be dxd.
So how does this fit in with my job issues? When I return to work, I won't have been through the tests yet. Can I be fired when I really did make these mistakes? I know FMLA can protect me from being penalized for work missed but is there protection from the effects of the disease process itself? Am I covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act? How do I invoke that? Do I have to wait for formal dx or can I do something now at this stage?
I need my job. Without it, we will be trying to sell our house in a very bad housing market (houses on our street have been for sale for years in a couple cases, others have given up. Only one house out of 7 has sold in the last 2 years). I am scared to say the least. Thanks for any input.
In the last 2 to 2-1/2 years, I have had two major memory crashes with other cognitive issues, especially lack of problem solving. I work in the health care field (Medical Technologist) so this has been a big concern for me, especially now that other people are noticing. Before I left on my medical leave, I made my second mistake in the last couple of months. I am sure that next week I will have to meet with my supervisor and may be written up formally.
My most major MS symptoms are cognitive. My first episode included trigeminal neuralgia, numb right leg and major memory loss where I could not remember my activities of the previous day without great difficulty. My memory never returned to its baseline and I have had distinct episodes when it would get worse. I also have had physical issues that are consistent with MS and also had an MRI/MRA for tingling in the right side of my tongue, and I think my right hand and foot (sorry, memory again), but I do recall the tongue part of it. The radiologist report said "Changes consistent with MS." MS had been suspected in the past, too, but I was never followed consistently. So I am certain that finally I will be dxd.
So how does this fit in with my job issues? When I return to work, I won't have been through the tests yet. Can I be fired when I really did make these mistakes? I know FMLA can protect me from being penalized for work missed but is there protection from the effects of the disease process itself? Am I covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act? How do I invoke that? Do I have to wait for formal dx or can I do something now at this stage?
I need my job. Without it, we will be trying to sell our house in a very bad housing market (houses on our street have been for sale for years in a couple cases, others have given up. Only one house out of 7 has sold in the last 2 years). I am scared to say the least. Thanks for any input.
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