Hi all, I'm 23 and have had problems with Meniere's since I was 19. I know the disease is less common in the younger generation yet I find myself wearing a hearing aid (only unilateral MM) and having challenges I didn't anticipate until I was into my later years. I had endolymphatic sac surgery three years ago because I was having week long episodes every three weeks and it was too dibilitating. I was 99% ok until a month ago. I had one episode that landed me in the hospital and have had two others since. I didn't really do much for looking up info, just took what my specialist said and went with it. I'm up for surgery again December 20 because I litterally cannot afford to be out of commission. I am supposed to graduate college with a BA, BS, and minor and planned on going to PA school. I have been to work once in the last three weeks and because I had had surgery and everything was going smoothly I hadn't really mentioned anything to my superiors about MM. What and how do I present info on MM to them in a way that won't make them either confused or want to fire me. Also, I'm interviewing for a new lab assistant job at a children's clinic on Monday and I want to let them know about MM without killing my chances at getting the job. I will be off my parent's health insurance as of January 1 since I'm graduating and I'm also bipolar on $550/month worth of meds. I feel like I'm drowning in stress which as you all know really is not helpful. I've been reading posts on here and it makes me feel like I'm not crazy. I've felt the brain fog many times and am tired a lot but I thought it was all in my head. I wish I would've been a little more proactive. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to tell my current boss, what to tell my prospective boss, and what to do about insurance? Also, my psychologist suggested getting a dog to help with the SAD (seasonal affect disorder) anyone have any input on that? Sorry to bombard the board with my first post as a member but I'm just so... overwhelmed yet again. It is really frustrating and depressing to have all of the troubles come back again. Thanks in advance to whomever replies and I've appreciated all the posts I've read. Jo
Welcome Jo. Bombard us with all the questions you like that's what we are here for. I'm not sure what to say to your boss as I am still waiting for a diagnosis and therefore have not crossed that bridge yet. Gwen
The truth will set you free! It is not just for Bible scholars. Be truthful with yourself and your employers who ever they may be. If you start out this way then you will have no regrets and you will sleep better at night and we all know that proper rest helps. Sounds like you have a lot on your plate, especially with being bi-polar. Keep up as much as you can, don’t let the disease stop you, but rest when you know you should. You have found a great place here to vent, to joke and to be loved. You will meet many wonderful people here from all over. Keep coming back and reading and posting and getting involved. God Bless, Mike
Welcome Jo (that's my middle name) I use the Sun Lamp to help me with my SAD on dark days and mostly from November thru to April. And I also use full spectrum lightbulbs for all my lamps in my home during this time as well. I try to get as much light into my eyes as possible especially on dark and dreary days of Winter. Speaking to your employer.............. you might want to visit the ADA website (www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm) first to find out what your rights are before you advise any employer as to your diagnosis. Are you living in a right to terminate state? Sparrow
Hi Jo, Welcome. Great questions - I'm sure you'll get a lot of help around here....so many knowledgeable and supportive people. I've never heard of the use of a dog to combat SAD but sure sounds interesting. Could it be simply that a dog will force you to keep going?...I know that in the worst winter weather, when I don't want to get out of bed (I suffer with SAD too - and use light therapy)...it's my dogs' puppy eyes that get me moving. Couldn't say no to them when they ask for a little walk. Sparrow's suggestion of looking into your rights as an employee is a very good one. How or if to tell an employer sure seems like a difficult question. I don't know the answer either. In my case I had been employed for a number of years before becoming ill. There was no chance in not telling my employers...I was so sick, so sudden...and I think walking into walls was a big tip-off. At least when I told them I had mm they no longer thought I was drunk at work! : All the best to you, Amethyst
Welcome Jo, I don't have SAD so I don't know if a dog would help, but Amethyst is right a dog would encourage you to keep moving (they have to go out or you have a terrible mess to clean up.) Like Sparrow said be sure you know what your rights are before you tell your employer or prospective employer about the MM. There is no way to guarantee it won't get you fired or keep you from being hired. Assuming you are in the US, the ADA will only protect you so much. Another idea for finding out what your rights might be. Talk to your college adviser and see if they know anyone in the business department or legal department that could advise you to the laws in your area. Glad you found us! Sorry you're having such a hard time right now. Tracy
My dog drags me out in all kinds of weather and takes me to meet people and socialize, when otherwise I would just sit home in a blue funk. I think a dog is a fine idea. Dog people are very nice people, and friendly, and so are dogs. Just walking my dog for an hour can lift me out of the gloom. The important thing is walking the dog. Don't just live somewhere where you can open the door and let it out, then let it back in. That's nice when you are having a rough period, but not good for everyday behavior. The walking with the dog is really, really fun, even when you don't feel like it. Is there a dog park near you? Be careful not to get a dog that has more energy than you have time for. I got a border collie/cattledog mix and she runs circles around me. The dog park was our solution and it has been as good for me as it has for her. I don't think you legally have to tell anyone anything about any medical thing you have before or after you get hired, but looking into the legalities of that would be a good idea. I know I sure wouldn't apply for anything I couldn't physically do at this point. But I also wouldn't go to a job interview and tell them I am sick. Not if I wanted the job.
Here's an article about a man with a "prescription dog" for depression. In terms of telling your current employer or future employer, be honest with them about your limitations. Be honest with yourself, too, about what you can do. Likely as not, there will be good days, and bad. Take care and hang in there! Kathy
Hi Jo and welcome to the site. Yes, a dog is a great idea. Any pet is really, I believe. They are so accepting and give such joy and comfort.
Kathy, What a wonderful story. I'm so glad it had a happy ending. Jo, Sounds like a dog might be a great idea! Tracy
Hi Jo, I agree you should know your rights well in advance. If you feel that you can function at a job well without telling them, I would lean toward not saying too much. Remember that all people without MM need time off from work for flu, surgery, and family emergencies too. I think I would get in there and show how valuable of an employee I can be, and then if issues surface after, I would be very honest with them and tell them it is affecting you more than you thought, but you are willing to work in a way to compensate for any time missed. They are not supposed to take any ailments against you, by law, so I don't know that you need to present them. I would however, myself, tell them if it was going to be something that affected me weekly. I am all for honesty. But the truth is you just don't know, and most people are able to carry on and work with MM after being treated in various ways. I would take the attitude that you assumed the surgery helped and it wasn't going to be a worry, but if it is be honest also and say you are now dealing with a new element to it. Just my opinion........good luck, Lisa
Thank you everyone so much! It feels so good to have support from people that see the world as I do. I'll definately look into the ADA website before I talk with my current employer. I hope everyone is feeling functionable and if not I wish you well! And thank you again for the suggestions/confimations! Jo
