I’ve had this post rattling around in my brain for some time now. Maybe if I finally write it down, I can move on. About six weeks ago, I had a call from the insurance company regarding my long term disability claim. I know the woman on the other end of the phone was just doing her job, but, I guess I was shocked at the fact that I felt I had to defend myself for staying home from work…just saying that I had cancer didn’t seem to carry enough weight. The woman asked the basics, how I was feeling and if I lay around and read books all day. I thought if I tell her that I actually try and get out of the house and try to get some exercise once in a while, my claim would be denied for sure. She said just to give her a call if I felt like going back to work; the doctor’s opinion didn’t even seem to matter. I wanted to explain to her that if I had a job where I could work 3 or 4 hours at a time whenever I felt like it, I could go back to work, but my job needs a little more TLC than the odd 3 hour shift.
My doctor said there would be days when I would feel good and that I should just enjoy those days. I try to follow the doctor’s advice but ever since I got the phone call from the insurance company, I sometimes get this guilty feeling like I should be doing more. I know the guilt is self imposed…I’m sure I’ll get over it.
me
5 comments:
Hey Kim
Is this woman for real? Has she ever known anyone who has undergone chemo treatment with cancer? So, before I use language (because in my humble opinion, she is inept for her job) that children and your parents will be offended by... please take those books I gave you (the hard cover, very heavy books - all 5 volumes) and wack her up the side of the head!!! Okay - I feel better. See you on Sept 2nd.
c.
Dear Kim:
Don't give her another thought and just do what the doctors tell you.
Some people... how insensitive... she obvioulsy hasn't had anything major to deal with in her life...although like you said she was just doing her job, but I think the insurance comany needs to change their script when speaking to people...
Love Mom
Kim,
It's blatantly obvious that this insurance company, and probably most others don't really give a damn about the person, rather their bottom line. Take the time YOU need, and let them live up to their obligations.
Love,
Chris
Hello Kim,
I think what the insurance company has to realize is that because you are taking such good care of yourself you are able to do your treatments every 3 weeks. Imagine if you tried working inbetween treatments, how much more tired you would feel and would take longer to recover (and would be on disability longer, etc. etc.). Also, does this person know you have two young children you need love and care (and hubby too1). What you are doing is working, so just keep doing it.
Rosemary
Hi Kim...just a little bit of a reminder that the LTD Insurance you receive is a Benefit thru our employer and each of the times when pay raises are 'negotiated' or given there is a HUGE consideration given to the costing of all of your benefits...these 'costs' including the 'cost' of LTD for the amt rec'd by employees and duration are all 'reflected' in the dollar amt=% of the pay raise given. So my dear, you are in effect SUBSIDISING your current LTD pay'ts. Believe me, we all pay for this benefit so do not feel guilty for using it. Relate it the CPP we pay and then draw on at age 65 or 60...if you elect to receive a bit lesser monthly amt. The only medical info you are required to supply is thru your doctors who determine what you should or could be doing or not doing. I think I've been on my soapbox long enough so I'll sign off. P.S.
As someone who is going thru 'hot flashes' for a different reason, I'm contemplating buying one of those new fandangled 'remote control' fans...I've heard they're great!
Take care,
Mel
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