When to Tell Your Employer

When to tell, or even IF to tell your coworkers and place of employment you have MS is a very personal, private decision. There is no right or wrong answer to this dilemma. It's a decision that everyone who has MS and works outside the home must make.

I personally hid my MS from my co-workers and supervisor until I absolutely had no choice. It wasn't until my balance became affected, and I had to start using a cane to walk, that I informed human resources. First, I obtained a letter from my doctor stating that I had to use the cane to walk.

However, it can be a scary prospect having to talk to your employer about needing an accommodation. It's completely natural to be afraid of losing your job.

Fortunately, there is a lot of help out there. When the time comes that talking to your employer about your MS is not a luxury but a necessity, contact the National Multiple Sclerosis chapter in your area. They have so many resources available and can help you so you know exactly what to say and who to say it to.

The second piece of advice I have is to let your employer know before MS starts negatively affecting your job performance. You can present doctors notes asking for a reasonable accommodation to your Human Resources Department, and ask that they keep all the information confidential.

It's really up to you, who you decide to share health issues with. That includes MS. Sometimes dealing with the fatigue in the workplace is as simple as modified work hours. Coming in an hour or two later, and staying an hour or two longer — if you have a desk job. Perhaps working four 10-hour days instead of five 8 hour days would be helpful.

If MS is causing you cognitive issues, that is something that's much harder to hide. In that case, let your doctor know as soon as possible and let human resources know. The last thing anyone needs is to be accused of coming to work under the influence of something.

Just remember, there's no right or wrong way to handle when to let your employer know about your MS.