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  • #1

    Should I Let Work Know?

    I recently started seeing a chiropractor. I've known that I have scholiosis in my spine for about 10 years and was having it treated until about 4 years ago. Recently, I could not sleep without pain, get out of bed without help, and basically had forgotten what it was like for my back not to hurt. New mattress didn't help. Xrays now show I now have a subluxation in addition to the scholiosis in the lower back, and starting in my neck. I was told NOT to lift heavy things.

    The only thing is, there are other things at work that could harm my back until we've straightened it a bit, and I'm afraid that if I go to my manager with a dr.'s note it may look like I'm competing for attention/sympathy with pregnant coworker. But then, I don't want to do something that I would normally do and find that I messed-up my back even worse. Can't work if I'm stuck in bed.
    "If anyone wants this old box containing the broken bits of my former faith in humanity, I'll take your best offer now. You may be able to salvage a few of em' for parts..... " - Quote by Argabarga
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  • #2
    If your doctor recommends and is willing to write that you shouldnt be lifting heavy things then let work know (who cares if they think youre looking for "sympathy") and DONT LIFT HEAVY THINGS!!

    Also, your CW is pregnant, not disabled, whereas you may be headed towards the opposite if youre not careful. Dont compromise your health for any purpose. Let them know and get your duties changed accordingly.

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    • #3
      Quoth LillFilly View Post
      The only thing is, there are other things at work that could harm my back until we've straightened it a bit, and I'm afraid that if I go to my manager with a dr.'s note it may look like I'm competing for attention/sympathy with pregnant coworker.
      Pffft.

      I'm disabled. You have a chance not to be.

      Trust me. You DO NOT want to become disabled. Don't worry about what stupid people might think. You are genuinely seeking to do your job in a way which doesn't injure yourself.

      Important note: if your job does involve lifting or transporting things, there's absolutely no reason your company can't provide mechanical lifts and pushcarts. Take your doctor's note (or even better, an occupational therapist who is familiar with your spinal problems) to a disability equipment store. Some of them actually have OTs on staff.
      Determine what sort of lifting devices and carts will let you accomplish your tasks at work without injury to yourself or risk of injury.

      Depending on the welfare situation in your country, there may be a government program which will partially pay for this equipment (or even fully pay for it), so your boss would then have NO reason not to provide it.
      If there is such a program, the shop is almost certain to know exactly how to apply for it.

      DO NOT BUY THIS EQUIPMENT YOURSELF. Providing equipment like this is part of 'reasonable accomodation', as defined in disability laws all over the first world. Either your boss or your nation's welfare organisation will/should buy it if they want you to do lifting/moving work.

      By providing your boss with not only the doctor's note, but the 'and here's how I could safely do most of my existing work' information, you become CLEARLY not fishing for sympathy, but just trying to stay safe.

      IMPORTANT NOTE: don't overdo it just because you now have the additional gear. it's a very easy trap to fall into. Just keep to what you're already doing, and make sure you use the tools the way the OT teaches you.
      Seshat's self-help guide:
      1. Would you rather be right, or get the result you want?
      2. If you're consistently getting results you don't want, change what you do.
      3. Deal with the situation you have now, however it occurred.
      4. Accept the consequences of your decisions.

      "All I want is a pretty girl, a decent meal, and the right to shoot lightning at fools." - Anders, Dragon Age.

      Comment

      • #4
        Absolutely give the Boss a copy of the Doctor's note. If you don't, and get hurt later, they will then have the excuse that you never informed them that you were prone to injury.
        "For a musician, the SNES sound engine is like using Crayola Crayons. Nobuo Uematsu used Crayola Crayons to paint the Sistine Chapel." - Jeremy Jahns (re: "Dancing Mad")
        "The difference between an amateur and a master is that the master has failed way more times." - JoCat
        "Thinking is difficult, therefore let the herd pronounce judgment!" ~ Carl Jung
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        • #5
          Quoth EricKei View Post
          Absolutely give the Boss a copy of the Doctor's note. If you don't, and get hurt later, they will then have the excuse that you never informed them that you were prone to injury.
          ^^This^^

          You have to keep them informed. Also, the note needs to be clear about how much you can lift and any limitations. You may need to discuss with your doctor how to handle things if your pain becomes too great at work. This should probably also be noted in some way.

          You're not competing with pregnant co-worker. It's just some bad timing that your problems increased at a time when her abilities are temporarily limited. It happens. That's life.
          Labor boards have info on local laws for free
          HR believes the first person in the door
          Learn how to go over whackamole bosses' heads safely
          Document everything
          CS proves Dunning-Kruger effect

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          • #6
            I have my own experiences with back injuries and Doctor notes.
            Customers should always be served . . . to the nearest great white.

            Comment

            • #7
              Quoth EricKei View Post
              Absolutely give the Boss a copy of the Doctor's note. If you don't, and get hurt later, they will then have the excuse that you never informed them that you were prone to injury.
              YES. Keep work informed. Don't let anyone convince you to do more work than you're able. This is your life, this is your injury, this is your future. Don't screw it up because of asshats wanting you to do their work for them.
              And, if pregnant co-worker gets a bug up her butt about it, shrug and offer something like "Oh yes, having an injury is so much fun. ... What are you going to name your baby?" (Ie change the subject after pointing out the reality of the situation.)
              "Is it the lie that keeps you sane? Is this the lie that keeps you sane?What is it?Can it be?Ought it to exist?"
              "...and may it be that I cleave to the ugly truth, rather than the beautiful lie..."

              Comment

              • #8
                I just want to repeat my suggestion earlier.

                Either don't ever lift heavy stuff...
                ... or have your workplace/govt health & welfare agency buy you mechanical assistance devices to do the heavy work for you.

                When I was in the rehab hospital, the place was FULL of carts. I don't think I saw anyone ever carrying anything heavier than a binder. They used carts for damn near everything.

                Also: some disabled people have a term for the non-disabled. "Temporarily able-bodied". Think about that. Keep yourself able-bodied as long as possible. Carts can be mended. Your spine can't.
                Seshat's self-help guide:
                1. Would you rather be right, or get the result you want?
                2. If you're consistently getting results you don't want, change what you do.
                3. Deal with the situation you have now, however it occurred.
                4. Accept the consequences of your decisions.

                "All I want is a pretty girl, a decent meal, and the right to shoot lightning at fools." - Anders, Dragon Age.

                Comment

                • #9
                  Update

                  Lucky for me the Chiropractor gave me a letter citing my recommended limitations that I gave to my Manager, who agreed that we could accomodate them all. No bending or lifting, a sitting break after x hours of walking, no more than Y hours of driving at a time. I'm glad that with this in writing, I can't be guilted into doing anything, even in the name of helping someone out, and it can't be blamed on that I'm not doing it because I'm jealous of coworker not having to help because she's pregnant.
                  "If anyone wants this old box containing the broken bits of my former faith in humanity, I'll take your best offer now. You may be able to salvage a few of em' for parts..... " - Quote by Argabarga

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Yaaay!

                    Good for both your chiro and your boss. AND you.
                    Seshat's self-help guide:
                    1. Would you rather be right, or get the result you want?
                    2. If you're consistently getting results you don't want, change what you do.
                    3. Deal with the situation you have now, however it occurred.
                    4. Accept the consequences of your decisions.

                    "All I want is a pretty girl, a decent meal, and the right to shoot lightning at fools." - Anders, Dragon Age.

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Good. This is solid. Clad in iron, if you will.
                      Now. Go get as well as the situation will allow.
                      "Is it the lie that keeps you sane? Is this the lie that keeps you sane?What is it?Can it be?Ought it to exist?"
                      "...and may it be that I cleave to the ugly truth, rather than the beautiful lie..."

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