well another year has flown by. I am now in my twenty teens, thats over 33 lol.
I had a great time out after being kidnapped by friends and forced to have copious amounts of alcohol.
this leaads me to anotherr issue......
After 20 years of epilepsy, im gonna have to make up another phrase for it, I have encountered discrimination, insults and general ignorance for most of the time but the most annoying one is an attitude from some of my closest friends.
As the blog title suggests I have come to terms with having the Big E, that will do for now, and am determined to live my life to the full. It therefore annoys me somewhat that when I do go out for a wee vimto or seven there is always an underlying tension between some of my friends and I know they just cannot relax because they are too worried that, during the evening, I will have a seizure. Now, I know they are just worried about me and I know they are able too help if I do but in 20 years I have suffered maybe 5 seizures whilst out on the bevvy. Reason being is I usually have an incling in the morning when I wake if "today is going to be a bad day" so thertefore if I wake up with a doubt I seldom leave the house.
It is awful being watched and scrutinised whilst trying to have fun and kinda adds an uncomfortable edge to the proceedings.
I have assyred many of my friends that it is unlikely going to happen, explained my "bad days" feelings and spoke in lengths about how I understand their concerns and how it is ap[preciated but that it also ruins my night and probably theirs.
No avail.
I am at a loss now as to how I can stop them behaving manner but I am determinned not to stop me having fun!!!!!!
Monday 20 August 2007
Thursday 16 August 2007
A certain work place....
After working in hotels and the Leisure and tourism industry for most of my life I deecide it was about time I left this trade and get a normal 9-5 job away from unsociable hours and stinking pubs.
I got a job in a very large call centr and after intense training was rather succesful at my job.
I exceeded all my sales targets being awarded sales person of the month 6 months in a row and was promoted to sales coach, more money less hours not manning the phones. Ideal.
When I first started the job my line manager arranged a risk assesment for me due to my epilepsy. I saw the company doctor and we went through any special requirements needed to do my job safely. This was a very positive response as I had never known an employer to go so out of the way to help.
My line managers and head of department were all given literature about epilepsy highlighting the problems that may incurr. Again very promising.
As I could have predicted I suffered a seizure, about 3 months into my new post, at home therefore had to take some time off.
After one seizure I am just about gauranteed to suffer two or three more within the next few days so had to be off for the week. As I would be absent for seven days or less I sent in a self certificate explaing why I would be absent (this is legal for the first week in Britain).
As stated in the literature given to my employers from their own medical officer I sleep for about twelve to fourteen hours after a seizure and as I lived alone friends and family are always very concerned but I, determined to be independant, didnt inform anyone.
When I returned to work I was given a back to work interview (becoming more and more popular with employers up here).
During this interview I was, to my astonishment, accused of taking unauthorised abscence and if I was to avoid given a written warning that I was to obtain a doctors certificate. A doctor can only issue a certificate if they treat you and as I know whats wrong and know that nothing can be done immediately I hardly ever have treatment for my usual seizures.
My department manager therefore issued a written warning although I had pointed out these facts and the fact that I and their own medic had prewarned that due to my condition, I hate saying condition makes it sound like a disease, this made no difference.
I then received a second written warning due to the fact that I did not personnally call in every day to update them and inform when I may be able to return to work. I reminded them that I sleep for hours on end and cannot possibly be expected to call in everyday at 6am, one hour before the begining of my shift, due to this problem. No avail.
Two written warnings for being epileptic.
A demotion because of the two written warnings.
Not authorised to take any more sick days for 6 months or instant dismissal.
AAAAAAArggggghhhhhhhh.
So much for positive action.
I took advice and tried to fight their decission. Citizens advice, lawyers and my Union but for some reason got nowhere fast! Frustration is not the word I would use.
Eventually I had to leave the job before I was pushed.
Just another thing we have to endure...and am sure it wont be the last time.
I got a job in a very large call centr and after intense training was rather succesful at my job.
I exceeded all my sales targets being awarded sales person of the month 6 months in a row and was promoted to sales coach, more money less hours not manning the phones. Ideal.
When I first started the job my line manager arranged a risk assesment for me due to my epilepsy. I saw the company doctor and we went through any special requirements needed to do my job safely. This was a very positive response as I had never known an employer to go so out of the way to help.
My line managers and head of department were all given literature about epilepsy highlighting the problems that may incurr. Again very promising.
As I could have predicted I suffered a seizure, about 3 months into my new post, at home therefore had to take some time off.
After one seizure I am just about gauranteed to suffer two or three more within the next few days so had to be off for the week. As I would be absent for seven days or less I sent in a self certificate explaing why I would be absent (this is legal for the first week in Britain).
As stated in the literature given to my employers from their own medical officer I sleep for about twelve to fourteen hours after a seizure and as I lived alone friends and family are always very concerned but I, determined to be independant, didnt inform anyone.
When I returned to work I was given a back to work interview (becoming more and more popular with employers up here).
During this interview I was, to my astonishment, accused of taking unauthorised abscence and if I was to avoid given a written warning that I was to obtain a doctors certificate. A doctor can only issue a certificate if they treat you and as I know whats wrong and know that nothing can be done immediately I hardly ever have treatment for my usual seizures.
My department manager therefore issued a written warning although I had pointed out these facts and the fact that I and their own medic had prewarned that due to my condition, I hate saying condition makes it sound like a disease, this made no difference.
I then received a second written warning due to the fact that I did not personnally call in every day to update them and inform when I may be able to return to work. I reminded them that I sleep for hours on end and cannot possibly be expected to call in everyday at 6am, one hour before the begining of my shift, due to this problem. No avail.
Two written warnings for being epileptic.
A demotion because of the two written warnings.
Not authorised to take any more sick days for 6 months or instant dismissal.
AAAAAAArggggghhhhhhhh.
So much for positive action.
I took advice and tried to fight their decission. Citizens advice, lawyers and my Union but for some reason got nowhere fast! Frustration is not the word I would use.
Eventually I had to leave the job before I was pushed.
Just another thing we have to endure...and am sure it wont be the last time.
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