My Friday FMLA Drama!!

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fmlaLate in the day yesterday, I received an email from the company that handles my FMLA. To say the very least this email caught me off guard and took my anxiety to levels I did not know existed. In this email I notified that I had been “approved” for medical leave, basically when I have a relapse the days that I need off are within the guidelines. That part was a relief, but the part adjusting my hours at work to working six hours five days a week was “DENIED”. There were NO explanations as to why my adjusted hours that was authorized by my specialist was denied. I have been working this adjusted schedule, probably since November last year when I returned to work after my relapse. It was my manager, who is also the AVP that suggested this and approved it, so I just went with it!

The company that is dealing with FMLA is relatively new to my company and even though they should be aware of the policies, I am sure the company I work for does not have clue about the new policies that need to be implemented. Amidst my overwhelming anxiety I responded to the email immediately, but of course had no patience to wait for a response, so I called the company a few minutes after I sent the email! I was so thankful and a little surprised the woman I spoke to was understanding and very compete to help me. You all know customer service has been on a rapid decline especially with medical issues. She explained to me why my adjusted hours request was “denied” and what needs to fmla rejectedhappen next. First, the reason for the denial is a bit crazy, but it was due to an untimely manner of reporting the adjustment. This was really not my fault as I followed the instructions given to me from the HR department, which was probably my first mistake! I had been working these adjusted hours for a long time without any issues and now the new FMLA company wants to add specific procedures my manager was not aware of and neither was I! She told me she understood why I was so upset, but then also gave me steps to have the denial overturned. All I need to do is have my manager email or call the company explaining the reasons for my untimely manner of reporting this and it should be “approved”. Thankfully my manager is very understanding and I am sure he will be happy to email the company to have my denial overturned. We will see what happens next week when I explain this to my manager. I am sure there is going to be more phone calls from me to the FMLA company as it is apparent not many people care about what my rights are! Is it just me or do you agree that I should not have to jump through SO many hoops to have FMLA? It’s not like I asked for this illness! I already had to deal with my doctor several times so she would sign the paperwork and now they expect more from me! It seems SO wrong to add so much stress to my life!!

This not so pleasant Friday drama added to my pain level immensely!!!! I have honestly been having a lot of issues with my right side for a few weeks now. My right arm, from the shoulder to my fingertips has been in SO my pain. Although there is much more than the pain situation, but some burning and tingling as well. This has happened before so I am a little concerned there may be new lesions or lesions that were already present are acting up! I am going to have another MRI soon, but I am in the process of completing paperwork to FMLA family medical leave act ,FMLAhave MRI co-pay assistance, that in all these years I did not know existed. How is it possible that I have been living with MS for almost 18 years and I am just now hearing they do have co-pay assistance for MRI’s? I am not going to complain about this but I do feel someone should have shared this with me YEARS ago! The co-pay for MRI’s is about $600 and I have had SO MANY over the years, which gets so darn expensive$$$! With all that I have recently learned about co-pay assistance for MRI’s, I am going to urge y’all to check this out as well. I know everyone that has MS must get MRI’s at specific times, so maybe this would save you some money$$ if you could get co-pay assistance or you may have better insurance, especially if you do not live in the states!!! Insurance here in the states is really not what it should be and is probably going to get even worse in the near future! We already have to pay so much for the insurance, just to find out we have to pay ridiculous co-pays as well! I mean seriously, why pay a ton of money for insurance that does not help the way it should! I do feel that we should have free health care, but apparently those in charge disagree, y’all already know who that is! We are the only developed country in the world that does not offer free health care, which is really a shame! 

I hope y’all are having a great Saturday! The weather where I live is sunny and HOT, which I am pretty sure is going to be the case until October at the earliest! I really appreciate you visiting my site today and look forward to reading your comments. I promise to respond to all comments as soon as I possibly can! As always, I am sending y’all LOTS of ❤love and comfort!

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❤Always, Alyssa❤

90 thoughts on “My Friday FMLA Drama!!”

  3. Don’t stress it, It will all work out. FMLA scared the crap out of me when my boss had me fill out the paperwork too. As far as the co-pay assistance in regards to the MRI I too didn’t know until this last year. Just think of all that money we threw out the window. I wish someone would have told me as well. Keeping you in prayer chickie. Happy Saturday to ya

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  6. Good luck with this. It seems like it should be a slam dunk getting this through but unfortunately I never cease to be austounded by the level of incompetency in the workplace today. I hope I am wrong but it wouldn’t surprise me if this isn’t the last hiccup you will have to deal with. As long as your bosses are on your side it will ultimately get taken care of

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    • Sadly, you are not wrong about the incompetency in the workplace today. I think there was a stupid bomb that was set off and it hit most people! My boss is pretty great and I am sure he will do anything he can to help me. He has a close friend with MS so he really understands. I am pretty darn stubborn and will make sure this crap is taken care of!! I appreciate you reading and making a comment!! I hope you have a great day!!

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  7. I checked out your blog and I love how much strength and positivity you input into life’s obstacles. You’re a warrior soul! I am sorry to learn about your condition and all the awful things that come with it, particularly not being able to deal with it because of all the politics and bureaucracy that goes on in the healthcare department in this country. “We are the only developed country in the world that does not offer free health care, which is really a shame!” Health insurance companies were what deterred me from continuing with a medical career. Thank you for sharing your experience, I am certain it will help others as well.
    Keep fighting and stay strong, I too look forward to reading more of your posts! And thank you for being such a great example of how being positive is up to you, not your external situation; regardless of what life throws at you, I can tell (and hugely admire) your positive and loving disposition. So don’t lose hope! Sending you lots of love, good vibrations, and many blessings!
    ☺️🙏♥️

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    • It is stressful and upsetting, but this is the first time I have had a hard time with FMLA. Never has FMLA given me a hard time or caused stress, but I have never reduced my hours. I am pretty certain it will all work out. Everything in life seems to be difficult and take hard work! I appreciate your comment and hope you are having a lovely day!

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      • This really is the first time I am actually listening to my body and doing what it wants me to do! I am definitely not going to allow for the FMLA people or my HR department stop that now! Thank you so much for your comment, I always appreciate your support!

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  10. Okay Alyssa, I have to ask…you don’t drink beer, and you don’t smoke pot….how the hell do you make it through each day without “killing” someone?!??! To the best of my knowledge you don’t smoke cigarettes either (which are my go to drug)

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    • I know it is hard to imagine how I have not killed anyone yet, but it is true!! When I do drink, I like wine. To be honest, alcoholism runs too much in the family so it scares me. I went down that path before and stopped. As crazy as it is, pot isn’t legal in NC. I did quit smoking cigarettes about 8 or 9 years ago because of a bad relapse. I quit while on a high dose of steroids, how I did not kill anyone is unknown!!! I do use a vape though. Grace you are far too funny and I LOVED this comment! It was the only thing all day that made me laugh!!!!

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  11. I am so sorry for this latest struggle but appreciate the info on this MRI co-pay assistance. I must look into this! I have had so many for back and neck issues and am in need of another, as my whole right side has pain and goes numb. Good luck with everything and happy weekend!

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    • Definitely look into this co-pay assistance! I still have to complete the paperwork and I am adding a letter of explanation because of taxes from last year. Things have changed pretty drastically and they will need to understand before they approve or deny assistance. I am so sorry about the pain and numbness you are dealing with, I know that isn’t easy. I wish you luck with everything and hope you get to feeling pain free soon!! Happy weekend to you as well!

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  14. Im so sorry for this Alyssa. There are such ridiculous hoops that we have to go through for really no discernible reasons. Im glad you called and were able to advocate for yourself. You mind and body differently dont need the added stress. I hope it gets all worked out very soon!!

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    • Thank you Alexis! I really appreciating you reading and making such a fantastic comment. I definitely do not need the added stress from this situation, so I am trying to handle it and still be calm. Nothing good comes from getting upset! I am sure things will work out for the best. I hope you are having a great weekend!!

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  15. No one is looking out for you including HR. It’s the bottom line. I’m sure a memo came across somebodies desk at one time about changes but you know how that goes. Like everything else we have to take care of ourself and bug the shit out of everyone to make sure paperwork is done and is there anything else. I’m glad they are paying for your days off, that’s a huge relief.
    🙂

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