Hi Stirnatty,

I am far from an expert, but I don't know that it would be legal for
your employer to fire you based on the knowledge of you having Lupus.
You may want to check into that.

I personally live in fear of losing my job due to missing work,
however, I have contacted human resources and got an FMLA (Family
Medical Leave Act) form, which my doctor completed.  This protects my
employment.  Should I even miss so much work that they would need to
hire another person to replace me (I do all I can to prevent that), I
am protected legally that they will need to still find some type of
employment with them.  The catch is my current position is never
guaranteed.  Still, it is a small form of protection.

I found that it was easier for me to be up front with my boss about my
illness...that way he knew I wasn't just slacking, being lazy, or
calling in sick.  I sat down and told him that I would do everything in
my power to not let it affect my work, and I was very sincere.  I think
he appreciated my sincerity.

So far, I have worked with the same company for 6.5 years , which is
almost as long as I have dealt with my symptoms and flares, so I feel
very fortunate.  If you are able, I think it's a good idea to try to
stay employed with the same employer as long as possible...it will make
it easier to receive disability later on should you need it (hopefully
not, but *if*).

I also struggle to manage health, life, and career...the balance is
tough.  I find I have to let a few things go and work on stress
management to keep things going as smoothly as possible.  If you have a
good health plan, I think counseling is great...just a nice outlet and
time where you can spend an hour a week or so.  I am considering going
to counseling again because of the stress I feel as a result of my
health.

Other than that, I don't know much else besides just talking to people
here on the support board.  It has helped me feel much better.

Welcome, and please feel free to share more.  There are many great
people here.  Best of luck.

Michelle

lupus should not be a reason you get fired. i personally have made the
personal choice to tell my employers gradually over the past after i
have gotten to know them, and sometimes i have chosen only to tell them
"i have a weak immune system." it would recommend for you to find the
least stressful job possible and/or the most flexible work situation.
there are a lot of job opportunities out there, i've realized, and my
health is more important than a specific career. this has been hard to
accept, but if a certain job field causes you to be stressed out often
enough to have a flare, then it may be worth it to find another field.
you may also want to consider other outlets that continue to help you
deal with lupus. i know i still have a hard time dealing with it and
only after 7 years am i able to have the courage to even post on a
support site. it's really hard to face these things head on, but i
found that every step forward i take, no matter how long it takes me to
take that step, or how small it is, makes me a stronger person. good
luck!