2 replies to this topic

[benji837]

I was given a note by my doctor to take into my work to ask for a straight day shift on 11/25/2009. I was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea on 11/4/2009 and Narcolepsy and cataplexy on 11/19/2009. I took the Note In November 30th 2009 and this is when my world was turned upside down. The plant manager at my job used vulger language towards me on 11/30/09 demanding to ask what my medical condition was. The next day 12/1/2009 he called me into his office and told me to sign a release for the company doctors to review my medical information or he would have to fire me on the spot; I have this on tape.. He told me I had two choices death or the streets and he felt the streets was the better option in his opinon he was very rude and understand.. I am in the union and they did nothing but blame me and make fun of me in meetings with the company. He kept me on the job 11/30/09-12/4/09 my days off were 12/5/09-12/08/09 to return to work on 12/9/09. I was called by the same plant manager on 12/7/09 and was told to go on short-term disibility and not to come back to work on 12/9/09 and I would be best off to just look for another job as he refused to accomadate. It was a very rough miserable 4 years of torture at that company. I began there on 3/20/2006 and they have been very rude and blamed me for everything. They call me all the time and tell me to come and get my in very vulgar language **** out of the company which is wrong and even crank call my home. This is a very rough company called Archer Daniels Midlands in Decatur, IL if you look them up there has been a movie and a book made about them and they have a bad moral, legal, and ethical record. I am only 26 have never drank a drink or at the least a sip of beer, done or tried any illegal drugs and have never taken a puff out of a cigarette. I have not have had any invasive tests done yet and have been diagnosed with Narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic non-allergic rhinitis, cataplexy, throat problems, chronic rhinitis, over weight since I went to the company I was 144 when I started and 261 when I left I have managed to get my weight down to 218 since December. I got sick at that plant and they deny it. I was in great health when I went there and with all the chemicals and the dirty and damged facility with improper PPE many people are getting sick. I have been denied short-term disibility and just got it with a major fight. I have spend hours on the phone getting it extended week to week. I have now been denied SSDI and LONG-TERM DISIBILITY INSURANCE through the company. My medications for provigil and all my other meds keep getting approved and denied preventing me from getting stabalized. this has ruined my life. I have trouble in dating, am smart but can't focus in school or do anything anymore people wonder why I am not working but the company has me listed inactive. I just don't know what to do anymore and would like some help:( I have done a lot of reading and know most of you have suffered in life like me also from what I have read I want it so badly but everything is so hard to do. I just would love someone to talk to who understood me so we could help each other. Also do I need a lawyer or what for all this legal mess? And any reccomendations would be greatly appreciated! Thank you and thanks for all your great help and time.

Sincerely,

Benjamin J. Manning(Newly Diagnosed with Narcolepsy)

[merrymom1013]

Benjamin, Sounds like some rough times. I'm so sorry. You start with "a note from your doctor asking for day shift." Some companies may have just provided that,but that alone wouldn't meet the legal requirements for a request for accommodations. In the future, keep in mind that the request has to note your disability/ medical condition & why it is disabling. How does it impact your ability to function. Then, the requested reasonable accommodations (such as day shift), and even how/why that will make a difference. This should come from your doctor. The person to approach would likely be someone in HR- many supervisors don't know their legal obligations in these areas. It's worth finding the right person/procedure to take the request to.

As for now- if you've been turned down for SSDI & disability, it may be worth talking to a lawyer who specializes in disability cases. At your age, it would be tough to get approved for SSDI. Have you formally applied for SSDI & been turebd down or is that what the company told you?

If you would like to work, it may be worthwhile to look into services from your state department of vocational rehabilitation. (referred to as DVR in many states). They can help assess what kinds of work you might be able to do, & help with training & finding a job where you can function & accommodate your health needs.

You are only 26- maybe getting out of that company will be a good thing in the long run. You need to find a strong advocate- do you have a family member of friend that can help? If not, it's up to you. It's time consuming & hard work to learn what you need to know, but if you can make phone calls & use the computer, it can be done. It can take awhile to learn how to live with your narcolepsy- even just to get your symptoms treated. But it will happen, & you still have your whole life ahead of you. Good luck to you. Let us know how you are doing.
Sue

[Joyce]

Hi, dont know if my own steps on how I got my ssdi claim approve might help but I have attached it here with another document that might help you - if not no harm - good luck, Joyce

Attached Files

•  DAILY ACTIVITIES WORKSHEET_blank.pdf   34.16K   6 downloads
•  How I got my SSDI Approved_request.pdf   31.02K   12 downloads