Need advice please - migraine disability letter for my employer

Hi folks~

I am mostly a reader here, but have posted a couple of times. I have chronic migraines and mixed headaches 3-5 times a week and head/neck pain pretty much all the time and I am suffering. I am missing a lot of work and know that the stress of that and just the stress of work in general has been doing a number on me in terms of the migraines.

So, I've decided to work part-time for a while and take a part-time leave of absence from work- under FMLA. I think this will help some.

I just saw my migraine specialist today and she thinks this is a really good idea considering how disabled I have been lately. She is willing to provide any documentation or letters needed and said that I should write up what my employer needs and provided its within what we discussed, she'll put it on letterhead and sign it.

So, this is where I need help. Does anyone have any ideas as to how to word the letter. I'm looking to go from working 38.75 hours a week to 25 for 3 months - at least (until my next visit with the neurologist/migraine specialist.) I don't think its an unreasonable request and I will tell my employers (I have 2 part-time jobs to make it even more confusing!) that this is a better alternative than having to take a full-time leave that leaves them with no one to do my work.

I'm not sure exactly what information I should provide and how much detail (though the Dr said less information is best..) So, how to craft the letter with enough documentation but not too much info?

I am starting on Topamax tomorrow (the script was just called in this afternoon..) - a pediatric dose (15 mg) since I am so sensitive to side effects. I'm nervous about starting it but feel so desperate - the migraines have taken over my life and I find I can sometimes function at work - but am really limited.

Thanks in advance for any advice you might have or any experience you have had with this.
In solidarity!!
Jane

"in view of my current health circumstances I would like to request my hours be reduced to .. for.. months. I do not feel that my health warrants ceasing work altogether, but would like to take time as a preventative measure to firstly rest and secondly search for solutions to my problems..."

Maybe??

Dear XXX

So and so has been diagnosed and suffers from a severe neurological disease named "migraine." So and So is beginning a new treatment for their condition that will require them to rest significantly during the day until a full therapeutic dose is a achieved and the results monitored for a brief period. So and So will still be able to work effectively approximately 25 hours a week during the three months necessary for this process. I request that So and So be placed on a reduced workweek of 25 hours a week for three months beginning _______ and ending ______. So and So is making this request under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act.

Sincerely

Dr. Richard, CNIT (certified know it all) LOL

Richard puts it very eloquently. Best of luck to you. I hope you get some relief from topamax.

I take it, just upped my dose and had the first pretty good day in a while (still felt a M, but didn't take any pain medication!). Maybe that gives you a bit of hope.

I agree with Richard's letter, and I am stealing his signature forever.
Jen..CKIA

You didn't copywrite it did ya?

Thanks everyone, esp Richard.

I did use your letter as a template, changed a few things. I actually work for a union so I know a bit about helping members with these kind of things, but somehow its different when its my own case.

I'll let everyone know how it does.

Many thanks....
Jane

Howdy Jane

I am an old Union guy myself. I know exactly what you mean ,... well sort of. When I am writing my own letters and things, I get too much emotion in them so a buddy has to tone me down. I never did that on official stuff.

AFSCME, Communication Workers, Laborers and my last employer was the national AFL-CIO (political director for 5 Western states). What Union(s) do you call home, Sister!

Hey Brother Richard~
Well, I work for and am a member of a clerical and technical union in public higher education in Massachusetts. We are affiliated with the National Education Association and Mass teachers Association.

I've been doing union work for the past 15 years and I really am passionate about it. I work for the union 1/2 time and am a member by working at the University 1/2 time. I'd love to have one job - just doing the union work, but alas, our budget wouldn't support it. But, boy it would make my life less stressful than having the two jobs!

Yeah, I assist members all day with FMLA and other workplace issues, but somehow when it comes to my own situation, you are right, it is more emotional!

So nice to meet a fellow union comrade here! In Solidarity!! Jane