Hi! I am doing really well. I found out that if I don't return to work by Monday, April 16th...that's when the 12 week family leave I had taken runs out.....I will absolutely lose all my benefits, and possibly my job. I am a classroom asst. and we do not get tenure. Truthfully, I may have already lost it, they may have made up their mind that they don't want me back. Legally they can send me to a dr. and he can say I can't work.....or even if he says I can work, they may decide to not renew my contract for next year, all legal, even though I've been there since 2000, and have never been written up for anything and have all glowing evaluations.
But, I would not get bck to work without a dr's note, so I had to gain, and I am. I had to follow my meal plan, eat all my Cliff bars and even though I am eating a HUGE meal almost every hour, I am doing it. I don't care, this job is so rewarding....I love it so much, it's my life.....that's been my motivater. This job has a pension, and great benefits.....how could I be so selfish to my family and lose it? Plus, my health, I could lose that, or my life.
Anyway, the doctor said he write the note if I got to 94 pounds and I'm at 96! I've gained 3 pounds this week and I'll be even heavier by the time their dr. sees me. In the past, they sent me to a dr. who allowed me to work again 2 years ago, I'm afraid he won't send me back this time. Plus, my job is most likely sick of me doing this, getting sick, missing work, really, how much can they take?
I called my union HR person for my county, he said that when the dr. faxes over the letter, I needed to include a letter as well saying I am ready, willing, and able to return to work on April 16th and asking them where and when to report. Legally, they can give me another assignment.
The dr. didn't fax the notes over until 6pm last night. So, I am freaking out wondering if they will allow me back. Will my contract be renewed for next year? Do I have to see a psychiatric. dr of their choosing? My entire future is riding on these decisions and I am scared to death. I am about to e-mail the HR guy for my district and see if he got the fax. I spoke with him Monday, told him it would be faxed Wednesday, he seemed annoyed that I needed to give more notice, but the reality is they didn't get this fax until today (Friday), so now they will be even more annoyed at me! If I lose my job, my heart will break. Thank you for asking! I'll let you know what happens.