Just like everywhere else, how comfortable you feel at work will help determine if, how, and when to tell your employers and/or colleagues that you have MS. Of course, at work, some of the dynamics are different than at home.
As an employee or job applicant, you have no legal obligation to disclose your diagnosis of MS. In fact, it’s illegal to be asked if you have MS in an interview. You can describe your problem simply as “a medical condition.”
Before you decide either way, though, it’s important to know your rights.
If you’re already employed and need certain accommodations on the job, such as some time for naps or a workspace that’s close to a bathroom, thanks to a federal law called the Americans with Disabilities Act, most employers have to comply (employers with fewer than 15 employees are exempt from this law) as long as the accommodations don’t present what’s considered “undue hardship” for your employer.
One important thing to note: Legally, you must accurately state your health status information on your health insurance review forms in order to receive your benefits.
Quitting work is often the first thing recommended when people first get diagnosed with MS. But this simply may not be in your best interest.
In many cases, it may be better for those with MS to keep working. Staying on the job and learning to manage your stress is good for both your mind and your body. You might be inclined to quit your job now in anticipation of problems down the road. Rather than prematurely taking action that you might regret later, it’s far better to keep working. Should a crisis happen to arise, you can take stock of the situation then.
If you feel like you can no longer stay in your current job because of physical limitations, you may want to consider speaking to your employer about changing jobs within your company.
There are so many good reasons to continue to work. Aside from protecting your benefits, many people appreciate the sense of community—and of structure— that their jobs provide.
If your boss has been encouraging before and you continue to show desire and commitment to continue to work, there’s a good chance your employer will be fair, reasonable, and willing, too.
Bottom line: If you feel you can handle it, consider finding ways to keep going about your business. Literally.