Just need to vent.. (long)

wntrgrl83

OK so I know I may not post too often, but I try to get on here as much as I can-- I just need to get this off of my chest...

I found out a few weeks back that DH and I are expecting twins-- we are totally excited, couldn't be happier. My OB advises me that she is now considering me high risk which I figured after reading about twins/ and lurking on the mulitples board. She then asks what exactly do I do for a living.... Well, here is where the vent/ story comes in...

I work for a busy 911 service. Mostly my job is administrative, however I am still required to answer 911 calls on an ambulance as needed (which has been more frequent because we are short staffed.) OB said she wants me off of the ambulance all together, but administrative duties were fine--- I told her I would like to stay at work for as long as possible, however she said I could put the babies at risk if I lift a patient that was heavy. So I go in and tell my boss this, and after doing so this is what was said to me.... I was first told that it is my ultimate decision of when I want to stop riding on the truck. I told him I'm not the one who wants to stop, but I have to listen to my OB. He then tells me that he can not offer me light duty because he was unable to accomodate others who had injuries or surgeries outside of work... I tried to argue the fact that their primary job was riding an ambulance, not administrative... but it didn't matter...So long story short I was told I would have to take disability until the babies are born-- which my due date is in the end of April...

I am full of mixed emotions right now... I enjoy my job, and have worked so hard at it to get to where I am at.... I am afraid to leave and let someone else come in after me and take my place and change things up... I am going to have to figure out something to do for 6 months... I can not and will not just sit at home... On the other hand, I am glad my babies will be safe...

If you made it through this, props to you.... I just really needed to type this out... I am so overwhelmed right now... I hope it makes sense, as I am not the best at putting my thoughts into words...

ateal2490

Boo...your boss sounds less than empathetic...that's really terrible. Would disability cut your wages? If so, I don't believe they can legally do that, but double check that with your state laws. I just think that if you're doing work that doesn't fit into your official job title, you shouldn't be punished because you can no longer perform these additional duties. What a douche

wntrgrl83

Thanks for your response... Yeah, with disability I will roughly bring in about 80% of my wages.... I will have to double check on the laws...

jeffsjayme

If your job description does include ambulance duties, then they can have you go on disability as you are no longer able to perform the functions of the job.  Most times, employers will try to work with you, but there's only so much they can do, you know?  I'm sure he would rather have you there healthy and working as he'll have to figure out how to cover your hours.

I'd take the disability and look for another job that you can do.  With the caveat that you might need to go on complete bed rest at one point (ask your OB/GYN)...if you'll have to do that eventually anyway, then I'd say just stick where you are. 

But you can only be on short-term disability for so long before long-term disability kicks in...I don't know what that time frame is...I'd check cause LTD is a different deal than STD.

wntrgrl83

jeffsjayme:

If your job description does include ambulance duties, then they can have you go on disability as you are no longer able to perform the functions of the job.  Most times, employers will try to work with you, but there's only so much they can do, you know?  I'm sure he would rather have you there healthy and working as he'll have to figure out how to cover your hours.

I'd take the disability and look for another job that you can do.  With the caveat that you might need to go on complete bed rest at one point (ask your OB/GYN)...if you'll have to do that eventually anyway, then I'd say just stick where you are. 

But you can only be on short-term disability for so long before long-term disability kicks in...I don't know what that time frame is...I'd check cause LTD is a different deal than STD.

Thank you for explaining all of that-- I mean its hard for me to comprehend much of anything right now, because of feeling overwhelmed.... I am not mad at anyone, not even at my boss... I  mean I do understand that he had to do what he had to do, its just making me sad that I will be out for so long.... Just venting I guess....

devious1031

GL with everything. Here's hoping that something can be worked out and they can keep you doing your administrative duties.

NayNaysPlayPen

Im just glad that your ulitmate choice is to not risk it and keep your precious babies safe. But yes, how frusterating and completely not understanding of your boss.

AmyJoy728

I would check your job description. As someone else said, if ambulance duties are listed then he is correct. If it is extra duties that you picked up, then it wouldn't be 'light duty'.

I'm preg with twins also, and my MFM told me that there is a good chance that I could be on modified bed rest come 24-28 weeks.

snoangel79

Wow, regardless your boss sounds like a real peach (and I am being sarcastic as hell about that)!! So you wouldn't be helpful at all just doing the administrative stuff?? Do what you need to for your babies!! I would never put my babies in danger for a job regardless. If you can get disability then that is what you have to do. My boss is already making plans for me to go out in November or December anyways and be out for about 6-7 months. Take up knitting, get your house ready, take this time for you etc. If you want to do something get a retail job for the holidays if you can, maybe at a baby store to get the discount.

I think you are my labor buddy btw and I'm assuming I will be in a similar position in the next month or two anyways. Don't get discouraged, do what you need to do for your health and your babies!! 

wntrgrl83

snoangel79:

Wow, regardless your boss sounds like a real peach (and I am being sarcastic as hell about that)!! So you wouldn't be helpful at all just doing the administrative stuff?? Do what you need to for your babies!! I would never put my babies in danger for a job regardless. If you can get disability then that is what you have to do. My boss is already making plans for me to go out in November or December anyways and be out for about 6-7 months. Take up knitting, get your house ready, take this time for you etc. If you want to do something get a retail job for the holidays if you can, maybe at a baby store to get the discount.

I think you are my labor buddy btw and I'm assuming I will be in a similar position in the next month or two anyways. Don't get discouraged, do what you need to do for your health and your babies!! 

Yeah, I sat and made a list of things to get done,and things to do around the house that was hard to get done with working so much.... So I know I will be able to keep myself busy in that aspect. I am also glad my babies will be safe, and that is one positive point out of this...

We are labor buddies!! I will send you a private message later on today! Thanks for your words of encouragement as well!

krissywave

Girl you need to stand up.  I am a firefighter/ medic.  I am on "desk" duty.  I have not rode a ambulance and or a fire engine since July 2.  They she should place to put you.  Check into federal laws and your state laws.