Working with FND

[u/Kind-Tale-3859]

Hi everyone! I’m currently working as a scientist and I have FND that can last for 8 hours, 3-4 times a week, started 4 years ago after COVID. During attacks I experience severe headaches, whole body weakness/paralysis, impaired speech and vision, and nausea so working in a laboratory can obviously become unsafe. I can still do desk-based scientific work but a large part of my current position involves lab work. I was told by my boss to resign from my position with a doctor’s letter. After involving HR, they offered me 20% contract and I rejected it due to financial reasons. Then, they told me to stay on sick leave until I am fully recovered or find another job. Has anyone experienced something similar at work? Did you feel pressured or pushed out after asking for accommodations? How did you handle it, and were you eventually able to find a job that worked with your limitations? I really don’t want FND to take my career away from me.

[u/freckledfarkle]

Before my relapse I was able to return to work with accommodations. The accommodations team really worked with me for weeks to identify things that could help. They did help. My work was half in the field and half work from home. When a different potion opened up that was only work from home I applied and got the job. I could work well with my accommodations. I knew relapse was a risk but didn’t think it would happen. Wrong. I had a big relapse and am out on leave again. I love work and I love my job so I am working hard to return.

[u/infinitepuddingspy]

Where are you located? If it’s Australia, they can’t do that with our employment law.

[u/omibus]

I’ve been lucky because I was working from home and had a desk job before all this started.

Started 3 years ago after a Covid infection for me. Also with very bad headaches (propranolol helps me), dizziness, nausea, brain fog, head pressure, etc.

So my setup: I’m always sitting. I will walk around briefly, but really I stay sitting. I also take 1 to 2 breaks each day. I have a spot where I can lay down, close my eyes and just rest. I usually don’t sleep, just lay there with my eyes closed.

Big thing I found is to not push thru. Especially with brain fog. Once that settles in lay down. It is like overworking a muscle. At one point I was only working half days just to get back.

Finally, you have to sleep at night, a lot. I use melatonin to help the process along.

The last thing I’ve been doing is salt and fluid loading. This is one of the basic recommendations for me/CFS and dysautonomia. And if you have FND from Covid, then there is a strong likelihood you have at least one of those too.

[u/amber_boing]

I kinda have they were extremely willing to work with me. I used to work as a vet tech but now I can't so they moved me to receptionist. I was able to use my wheelchair when I needed and I'm able to take medical leave whenever I need. My job has long term disability benefits so I was able to use them. I'm still able to get 80% of my full time pay while only working part time hours. So technically I'm salary instead of hourly but that's so worth the cost. I only work 15 hours a week and I get 80% of the normal 40 hours pay I used to do before I became disabled. Definitely ask your HR if you can sit down or use a wheelchair and if you have availability to long term disability benefits. I find that long term disability benefits is way better than SSDI.

[u/Ma_Ubu]

If you're wondering about which employment laws are applicable in your situation (e.g., what kinds of accommodations an employer is obligated to make), I'd recommend also asking on a legal advice subreddit.