im 23 years old and 6 months ago was diagnosed with kidney failure. since then ive been doing everything in my power to get my life back on a somewhat normal track. ive worked for kroger for four years now and since this has occurred, have dealt with employees talking behind my back about my illness and it effecting my work, bosses threatening me that id be replaced, that i had to resign, or getting in the way of me recieving my medication. needless to say, some people at work have made things very difficult for me. though i thought not all was lost, and things would get better. it got to the point where they needed restriction papers for me and what accomadations i would need in order to work, and i thought finally things would turn around. i got my restriction firm filled out from my doctor stating that im unable to lift with one of my arms over ten pounds due to my fistula( surgery done on my wrist to provide an access for dialysis). i brought it to my store manager and he said he would move me from the deli to up front. the next day i get a call from him saying that i am unable to return to work because of my restrictions and must go on leave. pretty much hr told him that even though i have my restrictions and i probably would never have to lift over ten pounds its in krogers policy that im required to be able to and for me to work would show favoritism and that i cant return until im able to do so, which pretty much means until i get a transplant which can take about two to three years. i think this is funny because there is a man who is disabled and can work using one of his arms and he is able to work free of harrassment and discrimination. ive called my local union and there isnt much they cant do which is also funny since the whole point of psaying union dues and having a union is to protect the workers yet they cant do anything for me. now ask you what would you do in my situation?
Just remember...Don't let them get you down...KEEP FIGHTING!!! One day, the same people who have ridiculed your illness will have their own health problems to deal with...I've seen strong able-bodied people disintegrate quickly, with one health problem after another...I've seen some anti-social store managers in my time, getting a diagnosis of cancer, and coming out different people on the other side...It does happen...It can happen...It will happen...That's life...It's amazing how we take our health for granted...until we don't have it anymore!
But stay strong!!! Nothing ever comes easy, but don't give up!!!