Thursday, February 10, 2011

To Tell or Not to Tell

Many of us hide our health issues from family and friends. I didn't tell anyone I worked with until I called my boss from the hospital (with a horrible raspy voice) telling him, "I have sickle cell and I need a blood transfusion."

I was tired of hiding and sick as a dog.

The response of my boss and co-workers was surprising. Their compassion poured over me and I was so relieved. I could finally relax, get well, and come back to work after two weeks with my head held high.

This is our dilemma, to tell or not to tell.

There are laws that protect people with disabilities. Sickle cell is considered a disease that disables and all of these laws protect us too. The American with Disabilities Act gives (us) rights to work without fear of being fired, passed over for promotions, reduced pay or lack of training.

Check out the Disability Act and know your rights to live.....and tell.

Americans with Disabilities Act



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Friday, February 4, 2011

Your Chance To Speak




Information From: The American Pain Foundation


The Committee on Advancing Pain Research, Care, and Education is calling on the pain community to help committee members better understand what it is like to live with pain.


This is a critical time to share your story, whether you are an individual with pain, family member, caregiver or health care provider.


With the passage of the Pain Care Policy Act in 2010, Congress has commissioned the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to convene a committee to review pain research, care and education and explore ways to improve pain treatment in the United States.


Now is the time to tell your story and make your voice heard! Act now and share your individual experiences with pain and how it affects your life, including:


Barriers that have prevented you from receiving effective pain care,
Stigmas you have endured as someone struggling with pain, and
Experiences (positive and negative) you have had when seeking treatment


Go to link and tell your story. Help everyone by telling anyone!!!