Bad news...

[Dustypye]

Well, I just found out that I'm getting laid off at the end of the year. I've received nothing but positive feedback and praise. I've won several awards and I've even been able to create events and complete projects that our board has wanted done for years. But, for some reason, they're dead set on getting rid of me. This couldn't come at a worse time (not that there's a good time to lose your job). With my kidney function dropping, it's been increasingly difficult to get though the work week, but, working gave me a sense of purpose and kept my mind off of my CKD.

I had talked with the EEOC about a month or so ago about filing a grievance. The EEOC rep I spoke with said that it sounded like I was definitely in a hostile work environment, but, I didn't go through with it. Kind of wish I had now. I mean, I like where I work, even if my boss is really negative and constantly tries to undermine and sabotage me. I've been on the transplant list for about 9 months now, so, I'm hoping (really hoping) that in the next 9 months I'll get that call that they matched me and I'll be getting a kidney. I just keep telling myself that I only have to do one thing, "endure." No matter what happens, no matter how bad I feel or what life throws at me, I just have to endure until I get a transplant.

[coaching]

Hi Dustypye,

So sorry to hear about your circumstances. Your health is of paramount importance and you have been coping very well so far. Now, sometimes we have to listen to what our bodies are telling us. I know you want to keep active as much as you can, you also don't want to make yourself worst off. You need to find a balance because with renal failure, the level of energy drops drastically. All i am trying to say is that, maybe being laid off at this time is a blessing in disguise and i know you have given them you best and doing this to you is not fair at all. Don't be bitter about it and don't spend your time resenting them because you have better things to do. You will find better things to do. When one door closes, another opens. Don't be discouraged, your turn for a transplant will come. I hope you get it very soon.

[Hidden]

It isn't too late to file. Why not begin the process now? You haven't anything to lose.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador]

Hi Dustype,

I am so sorry to hear this; actually I agree with Mr. _Kidney; speak to your EEOC rep again. I would want to know who made this decision,and what the reasoning is. If you feel warranted, file. Will you be given references, severance pay and the option for a Cobra medical benefits.

I also agree that the layoff may be a blessing in disguise as it will give you a chance to go through any kidney treatments or surgeries without the worry or headache of a hostile work environment and additional stress.

Look at it this way, you take care of the medical issues and then look for a better job and one of your choice without the hostility. You are worth more than to continue with this.

Let us know how you make out...get answers; both from the EEOC and your doctors.

You are among friends here.

[Dustypye in reply to Bet117]

Yes. My wife and friends have told me I'm handling this well. I told them, "well, when you're dying, stuff just doesn't upset you like it used to." My best friend is a very religious guy and he thinks it's all part of god's plan. It would be nice if I would get the call for a transplant soon. In the meantime, I'm trying to take this in stride. Working in nonprofits, I've learned never to trust your board of directors. They usually turn on you before it's over with.

I so appreciate all of you. It's nice to talk with people who know what I'm going through and know how the ups and downs of life can become magnified when you're dealing with CKD!

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador]

Dustype,

You are not dying until the doctor tells you so.

In the meantime, you are doing everything that you can to put this disorder in some kind of plan. You are not just sitting by and doing nothing.

Of course the whole situation stinks...and kidney does not have the research and publicity that Cancer does. It puts us all at a disadvantage.

The road is also long and annoying. You got double wacked with an impending job lay off..There is time to act and thank the lord you were not fired. Healthy people go to executive jobs as scheduled to be told to clean their desks and no reason.

We all have a fear of mortality, frustration as to "why me?" I go through the same feelings and we have two different disorders and two different stages. A friend from the site has MCD..she has suffered through treatment after treatment and recently one began to work.

When I get blue, she reminds me to fight...not give up! Don't let IT or the possibility get me.

Yes I believe God has a plan for us all. Why us? No reason..somehow the suffering will make us stronger and give us the wisdom to help another in need someday.

You are intelligent, strong and willing to work with the doctors with your wife at your side! Lean on her and pray.

Hang in there! We are all here for you.

[hazel-hearty]

Sorry to hear about the job. You have the right idea please don’t let it consume you nor let the CKD consume you. Remember you are not the CKD; you are a wonderful human being with an aggravation, CKD. It is difficult but taking care of yourself is vital to living a positive life as aggravating as it may be❤️🙏😊🦋🎶

[LyFrazier]

Im sorry you are going through this. Maybe this is the time to concentrate on you and your help. File that grievance.

[Zazzel]

Life sure is testing you right now. It's during these difficult times that we grow the most.

This may sound silly, new agey and simple, but I've been listening to meditation / hypnosis videos on YouTube while I sleep. im a highly anxious person and have been dealing with some major obstacles with our business ( my husband and I are self employed) as well as some looming additional health issues beyond my CKD where I'm waiting for biopsys to be done. During all of this, the thing that has kept me caLm is yoga and meditation. When I start to feel anxious during the day, I do a 20 minute meditation on YouTube and it eases my worries. This is coming from an old school Catholic girl who also prays daily, so I'm telling you, this stuff works. Thomas Hall is my favorite on YouTube.

Sending positive thoughts your way for strength during this difficult time. You are strong and will power on!

[newbie1956]

Dustype, offering prayers for your comfort and endurance. Sincerely.

[Zazzel]

Just checking in Dusty. How are you doing lately?