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Posted 3/21/2016 1:06 PM (GMT -5)
Does anyone have any ideas on how best to approach my employer? My job requires initiative and lots of multi tasking and the even the idea of work makes me anxious. Like all of us, my symptoms come and go and when I'm good, I'm good. Right now...not so good.

Should I be educating my employer on the effects of Chronic LD or do I simply ask for accommodations based on a "chronic illness"? So much of my symptoms mimic early MS and I feel like others 'get' that more than they do LD but that is not my diagnosis and I don't want to have it backfire on me if they think I'm trying to make it sound worse than it is! So wrong that we have to think through others reactions when we can't even think for ourselves most of the time! rolleyes
Posted 3/21/2016 1:09 PM (GMT -5)
What kind of boss do you have? Inclined to be decent or not so much?
Posted 3/21/2016 1:14 PM (GMT -5)
She is understanding but very "old-school" so while she is compassionate, she hasn't come around in the past when I've asked to work from home (a lot of what I do can be done via email). She knows I have lyme but doesn't really understand my symptoms. I think she equates it with her dog only.
Posted 3/21/2016 1:15 PM (GMT -5)
I have a couple cool managers at the office. One knows vaguely that I'm going a "illness", the other that I'm cooler with knows more in-depth of what's going on.

Letting them know has only helped me. They are empathetic. Flexible with doc appointments, maybe working an afternoon at home because I'm not feeling so hot.

So you kind of have to know your employer. How will they react?

Supportive or see you as a liability?

BUT, I was purposely vague at first to test the waters. The more cool they were about it over a little bit of time the more specific I got.
Posted 3/21/2016 2:44 PM (GMT -5)
There have been previous posts on this subject.

Be careful, I know people that were "let go" becuase they did this. It could back fire, it has for others.

If one feels they must tell their employer, might be better to just say your ill and not mention lyme.

Companies are for one reason- making $, its the cold facts., I've witnessed it.

Not to scare you, just being truthful.

Hope it works out whatever you do.
Posted 3/21/2016 3:13 PM (GMT -5)
Glad you are aware and thinking about a plan, though. That's the important thing.
Posted 3/21/2016 5:40 PM (GMT -5)

astroman said...
There have been previous posts on this subject.

Be careful, I know people that were "let go" becuase they did this. It could back fire, it has for others.

If one feels they must tell their employer, might be better to just say your ill and not mention lyme.

Companies are for one reason- making $, its the cold facts., I've witnessed it.

Not to scare you, just being truthful.

Hope it works out whatever you do.

I agree. I have not said "lyme" (on purpose). Just illness with some more specific details for a little context.

Also you should know, that "illness" will only give you so much time. A few months? 6 months tops? but after 12+ months I personally will just pretend everything is "fine".

I'm sure there's a shelf life when it comes to people being empathetic.

Post Edited (dacarte3) : 3/21/2016 4:43:24 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/21/2016 5:48 PM (GMT -5)
Trust your gut! I would be more apt to not give it a name and just call it a bacteria infection that your are being treated for by professionals and that now that you are getting adequate support, your performance will only improve. I am fortunate. The lead attorney at the office I work at actually encouraged me to get tested for lyme. Grateful! Sending positive thoughts your way as I am to everyone else as well.
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