3 replies to this topic

[Taylor412ce]

I have had sleep apnea for a number of years. I work rotating shift work and 12 hour days. I have been excessively tired for years. I was diagnosed with depression and treated with Cymbalta and Nortriptalyne. But something was still wrong. I was always tired and couldn't seem to shake it. This led to the demise of my marriage of 20 years.

Reccently I have taken militant stance with Health Care Provider. I wasn't going to take, "we don't know", for an answer. I was finally diagnosed with Narcolepsy and put on Provigil, but not before my employer disciplined me for falling asleep at work.

Has anyone else had any issues with discipline in the work place concerning Narcolepsy? It seems wrong. But my employer is adamant that they want to make an example out of me.

Any help is appreciated.

[hssmith]

Narcolepsy is recognized by the ADA and your employer is required by law to accommodate you as long as it's not excessive and you are still able to do your job. I would check out the ADA website. There is a specific link for sleep disorders.
Good luck,
Heather

[Narcolepsy Network]

Perhaps the best site for ADA accommodations, inclduing discussion of sleep disorders, is:

The Job Accommodations Network (JAN)
www.jan.wvu.edu

NN

[judycasper]

The Narcolepsy Network site has some really good information on ADA and how it pertains to narcolepsy. Take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions page. I suggest also going to the Educational Material section - you can order papers and summaries such as "Napping in the Workplace and in the Pubic Sphere" and "Narcolepsy and the Americans with Disabilities Act".

I've also had some big problems at work but everything has gotten much better since I told my HR department that I have narcolepsy and esp. since my doctor gave them a letter saying I should be covered under ADA.

Good luck with everything! Everyone on the message board is cheering you on!