Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

Well, I work in an office and I'm an office manager. I do okay when I actually get here, but I work in the city (live in the suburbs). I used to take public transportation until the bowel/bladder problem got worse. Too many close calls, or having to get off and find a building or something to go behind. It was mortifying! So, I'm now driving, but it's costly with gas at $3.75/gal and $10/day parking. I want to ask my boss if he could help and pay for my parking, but am afraid to ask. I have that mentality that I have a job, and don't jeapardize it, as who is going to hire me with MS! So, that's my struggle right now.

I'm a software consultant and travel 100% if I'm doing billable work to a client. Which has been the case for 4 out of the last 5 years now.

I still get paid when I'm doing non-billable work for my employer as I've been doing since Feb. Thank goodness. This is purely incidental, but what great timing for me that I may work at home on non-stress non-bill stuff.

I did ask for accomodations because my husband consulted with an employement atty. on this. Also, husband is an atty and there was legal precedent in CA that made it worth doing it. Wouldn't recommend it unless you have similar reason, though.

Mostly I didn't want boss to think I was drunk or stoned since I'd been walking around funny with slurred speech.

What I asked for was quite minor and I phrased it in a "may or may not need" way since I don't need these all the time. They were: 1) more time getting through the airport and to client sites; 2) not being required to walk long distances; 3) Not being required to go to dinner with clients cause I need my rest.

So.... CA has privacy laws, too. So, this was stictly confidential between me and boss.

I am a Correctional Officer in a State Prison, but have not returned to work yet since my DX in february, i have been released to go back to work June 8th, and my last MRI set for the end of this month will determine whether i will have any restrictions or not, and i will need a physical test to determine if i can be around inmates or not, but the Warden has been very understanding and is willing to put me in a non-inmate setting if necessary....I am also looking into a degree in Criminal Justice so i can continue working in the field if i should not be able to return to active duty as a C/O....

Right now I'm back in my original field as a bookkeeper. Its very stressful around certain days of the month, but I know this job by heart, which helps because I have severe memory problems as well as balance and speech issues. I DID switch my job to a customer service rep for an insurance company before my first diagnosed relapse and had to quit that as I could not handle the stress and understand and relay information. Right now I'm only doing a maternity leave coverage and plan on stopping working again when the girl returns. After being back at work for 3 weeks part-time I'm in another relapse.

i returned to work after my initial diagnosis & promptly found myself back in the hospital with a major relapse exactly 3 days later.
i'm unable to handle the stress my previous line of work brought on (biopharmacutical research; an MS drug at one time. oh the irony.) & recovery from my relapses can take up to 4 months to completely recover physically. i find myself having to find a new field entirely.
i nap so often, i have similar concerns-- how do you find a job when you require naptime!

IM IN SALES I SELL AND RUN THE CO.I HAVE OTHER SALES REPS WORKING FOR ME TOO.THE MS HAS NOT EFFECTED MY JOB BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE FATIGUE I JUST CAN'T WALK WITHOUT CRUTCHES SO IT'S A GOOD THING MY JOB IS NOT PHYSICAL OR I'D BE BROKE LOL

I did write, but now I'm having a hard time thinking clearly.

Thanks to everyone who replied. I went today to my physician and I am trying adderal along with the provigil for the fatigue to see if it gets any better. I am staying with my current job since I found out I can't be covered for 2.5 years for the other company's LTD policy. I would advise checking before any changes are made. I did and it meant I had to disclose, but what if I hadn't and quit and then wasn't covered. I may not be able to work for another 2.5 years. So I am hanging in with this job for as long as I can and not wear myself out. I am not sure about accomodations yet. I guess we will go that route at a later date if the meds don't work. Thanks for your replies. This dx is such a difficult one---do you ever hear "But you look so good". And yes, I look normal, whatever that means!! What a challenge the daily life is now.

I struggle with this one a lot. I used to have a job I hated as a marketing manager. I had a commute of 1-11/2 hours each way but I got to work from home two days per week and only worked 32 hours. Now, I love my job as a marketing writer, I only commute 30 minutes and I'm moving even closer next month, but I have to work 40 hours in the office. I feel happy but exhausted. :-)
Lazy Julie

"'But you look so good'. And yes, I look normal, whatever that means!! What a challenge the daily life is now"
i CONSTANTLY hear this too. it's almost like i have to carry a picture of myself with one side drooping, stumbling & drooling. just because i look 'great' now does not pardon what can happen if i'm not careful with my health. i wish others can understand that.
do you ever get the response, 'oh your poor back!' when you say 'multiple sclerosis'? (they're thinking scoliosis!) :)