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I recently experienced a significant medical event involving acute hypoxic respiratory failure, which was characterized by tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypoxia, primarily due to the flu A viral infection. This condition required a hospitalization of four days. In light of this situation, I submitted a request for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and received my requested forms approximately one week later with only one questioned asked “Is the leave for you or a family member and will it be consecutive or intermittent leave?” During this time, I completed the necessary FMLA forms, as I was uncertain about my eligibility for short-term disability and my rights regarding medical leave.

My physician has advised me to gradually ease back into my routine, as my recovery has not progressed as expected. She recommended that instead of full shifts, which are 12-hour shifts, I work 6-hour shifts. However, I recently received a notification stating, "Because this is a personal medical situation and not worker’s compensation, we are unable to make accommodations within the clinic." There was no further explanation.

The email further explains, “Because this was a hospitalization, it should have been counted under Short-Term Disability…As it was not requested in a timely manner, we are unable to go back and count it now, but will count the time under FMLA.” Just like that, my FMLA was approved, but I was denied a reduction in my hours.

Throughout my treatment, I was prescribed a considerable amount of medication, and I have experienced and documented symptoms, including brain fog, dizziness, and lightheadedness. As a result, I may not have been fully equipped to manage these processes independently. Even now, I am now on a controlled inhaler with another medication for additional month and if there’s little to no improvement, I would have to consider a pulmonologist.

This is my first time dealing with anything like this, and I feel like something is wrong or that something wasn't handled correctly. I am still unable to obtain my short-term disability benefits and terms as they have not sent them to me to review yet.

submitted by /u/Temporary_Comment792
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