Dr's note

jennyboog
jennyboog Member Posts: 1,322
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

So, I've been trying to get my job back and that's been a huge issue.  They wanted a dr's note stating that I'm ok to return....I get the note yesterday and it reads like I'm about to die, 10lb weight restriction, will be monitored closely....WTH!  I'm trying to go back to work, not stay out and with a note like this they'll never take me back.  I've been doing all sorts of things...I poured a concrete slap in my yard just last week, which took 80lb bags of concrete but I can't lift 10lbs, this is the first I've heard this by the way, I guess I can't pick up my daughter either!  I feel like I'm being discriminated against because of BC, the rude lady I spoke to about my job said, we need someone dependable not going to be at the dr all the time so we need a note....BC just keeps biting me in my butt, it's so frustrating. What's worse is I work for our goverment!  Anyone else have/had similar issues?

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Comments

  • thefuzzylemon
    thefuzzylemon Member Posts: 2,630
    edited November 2011

    Howdy! Here's something that I needed to help my employer with - I got the ok to return to work with RECOMMENDATIONS for restrictions. They can't tell you how to live your life - only what they want you to be cautious of, and to help protect you.

    If your note isn't worded this way, just call and ask them for another. You may have any reasonable accommodations you feel would be helpful listed.

    Good luck!

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  • MaxineO
    MaxineO Member Posts: 555
    edited November 2011

    Jenny, seriously, talk to your EEO person at work. You should not be treated that way, especially in the government.

    It never ends, does it?

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited November 2011

    I don't know what happens in the US, but in Canada, this discrimination would fall under Human Rights violations. 

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  • Wabbit
    Wabbit Member Posts: 1,592
    edited November 2011

    Your problem here is the doctor's note.  You need to talk to the doctor and have him write you a new note the way you need it to be.    

    As for the rude lady ... she is not only rude she is stupid and if she keeps up with remarks like that will be looking for a new job herself.  I advise ignoring her. 

    If you don't need any special accommodations I would think the note would just read "Released to return to work with no restrictions".   If there are some parts of your job that you can no longer do those restrictions should be shown.  But how many doctor appointments you might have in the future is not any of their business IMO.   

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  • bak94
    bak94 Member Posts: 1,846
    edited November 2011

    I don't understand why the doctor said what he/she said! You do need a new note. ANd how dare that lady treat you like that. I hope you are able to get this straightened out so you can go back to work. You have been through so much, you deserve to get back to work and move on.

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  • Kay_G
    Kay_G Member Posts: 3,345
    edited November 2011

    How rude! I used to be the HR person at my company. It was by default, it is a very small company and I was the controller. The disability insurance co. told me that anyone who comes back to work after being out on disability needed to have a doctor's note okay ing them coming back to work. I guess it is an insurance issue. I agree, talk to your doc and get the note you need. That lady's comments were rude regardless though.

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  • Outfield
    Outfield Member Posts: 1,109
    edited November 2011

    Jenny, according to HR where I work, having had cancer falls under the ADA.  Sounds like that woman is treading on thin legal ice.

    That said, why would you have a lifting restriction like that?  I think we've had similar treatment, and the only point when I had a restriction like that was the first little bit after surgery.  I would definitely ask the doc for another one, but if you can't do it in person it might be helpful to write a note rather than leave a message, so the doc knows for sure you want a note to get IN to work, not OUT of work. 

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  • jennyboog
    jennyboog Member Posts: 1,322
    edited November 2011

    Thanks everybody, I thought they were being unreasonable.  I won't even start about that lady....numerous problems, she's on a power-trip apparently.  Not sure why the dr worded things that way, I know about the LE but other than that I don't understand it.  Also, I didn't recieve any disability so I don't see why they needed a note.  I'll give the dr a call today.

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  • NeedtobeSTRONG
    NeedtobeSTRONG Member Posts: 101
    edited November 2011

    Jennyboog:

    I would also file a formal complaint about the lady.  She has no right to tell you what she did. 

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  • invisible
    invisible Member Posts: 28
    edited November 2011

    Jenny - you say you work for the city/state/county federal government?  You are my diagnosis date twin and I've always watched your posts.  I am also a public sector employee and my experience has been 100% different.  My management was supportive and accomodating throughout

    What you have just experienced is discrimination based on sex and personal medical history which cannot be a factor in a hiring or work assignment decision.  You can self identify a handicap, but until you do you can only be treated as a regular employee.  Please engage immediately with your EEO ombudsperson and end this insanity.  . 

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  • SharonMH
    SharonMH Member Posts: 353
    edited December 2011

    Hi Jenny. How did everything turn out? Did you get the Dr's note fixed? Oh I also pick up more than 10 lbs. I did not know that was a rule. SharonH

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  • jennyboog
    jennyboog Member Posts: 1,322
    edited December 2011

    :) Thanks Sharon...I know I've been picking up way more than 10.  I did get the note fixed and submitted it to my employer and I got the "we'll let you know" so I'm here waiting on them to decide.

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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited December 2011

    Sheesh, what BS.  The 10 pound thing probably would be a short termed thing related to lymphedema I would guess, but what irks me the most about your post was the person's response at your job.  I was a manager for a long time and that sure smacks of discrimination to me.  Saying we need someone dependable that's not going to be going to the doctor's all the time---BS!  Truly it's too bad you have no way of recording that because a statement like that is borderline illegal.  I was also told a note was needed just to be sure you are OK to come back to work.  End of story, no comments or questions.  As long as the doctor thinks you are able to do your job that should be the end of it!

    Keep us posted on the outcome!
    Sharon (the "other" Sharon :))

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  • jennyboog
    jennyboog Member Posts: 1,322
    edited December 2011

    Thanks "other" Sharon...will do and I aggree :)

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