TMD and The Workplace (Surgery, time off, Covid-19)

 TMD and the workplace

 Many people ask how TMD affects people at work, especially post operation.  The truth is it really depends on the job, the healing process, and the procedure.

 For me, here was my average time off by procedure:

1)Arthrocentesis-minimally invasive procedure to clean the joints-2 or 3 days

2)Open Joint Arthroplasty-an incision is made to repair, replace, or reposition the articular disc-3-5 days

3)Discectomy-an incision is made and the articular disc is removed (and sometimes replaced with something-in my case it was replaced with a plastic type of material which was removed in office 5 weeks later-I spent the night in the hospital (23 hours per my insurance) and was at my friends bridal shower a few days later.  Maybe a week off work.

6)Total Joint Replacement of the TMJ-this surgery requires two incisions on both sides.  An upper incision is made over the joint area in front of the ear.  A lower incision is made in a skin crease (if present) in the upper neck.  The fossa (socket) is smoothed down with power tools.  The condyle is cut off to allow room for the metal replacement.  The fossa prosthesis is placed into the natural fossa and held in place with wires or screws.  The condyle is then fitted into position and attached to the lower jaw with several screws.  Most patients receive arch bars and are banded shut-most people take 3 weeks to several months off work. 

 After TJR I took 3 weeks off from work; however, I am a teacher and only returned for final exams.  I then had summer vacation. 

Day 1 of the 2020 school year

TJR and work

Because I was an English teacher, I talked most of the day.  The incessant talking was increasing my migraines, tinnitus, and muscular issues.  After one year, I switched careers and became certified to be an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Support Facilitator. 

 I notified my school when I passed the exam and added ESE.  They assured me that they understood my TMD and would work with me, but they didn’t.  In fact, I had to switch schools and jobs mid-year. 

 

What I learned from this situation?

Because of my disability, I should have gone through the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission and filled out paperwork with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  I didn’t know this, and my principal didn’t advise me to do so.  In fact, she sent me an email during my planning to tell me that a teacher who was supposedly being surplused got the job she had been promising me since the start of the school year.

 https://www.eeoc.gov/

https://www.ada.gov/

 

What was the result? 

Because of the administration’s lack of empathy and refusal to change my position, I was forced to apply for jobs in other counties.  Luckily, I found a school that was willing to hire me even though I had never been an ESE Support Facilitator in my life.  Nothing was sweeter than the day my current school called my former principal for a letter of recommendation. 

 How has COVID affected my TMD?

 I’m officially at a new school and enjoying my new position.  I work with students but in a different capacity.  It is much easier to manage my pain.  Of course, everything changed with Covid-19.  Teacher were working remotely until the schools opened.  Then teachers could apply through the ADA to remain virtual and/or an accommodation.  I recognized that the school board was only approving teachers/administrators/staff who had Type 2 Diabetes, COPD, Cancer, autoimmune diseases, and were obese.

 I applied to either remain virtual and/or receive an accommodation where I could have space to take a break from my mask.  I don’t mind wearing a mask; however, if I wear it too long or on days when there is low pressure, it hurts…BAD. 

 I was denied by the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission.  I wasn’t surprised, but I was slightly taken aback because it was clear that they didn’t read my paperwork because they didn’t even acknowledge my request for a reasonable accommodation (mask breaks). 

 Here is the actual denial letter:

Lee, Minda
XXX High School

RE: REQUEST FOR REMOTE WORK ACCOMMODATION

Thank you for taking the time to apply for a remote work accommodation.  Your request for a remote work accommodation has been denied.  Based on the information provided by you and/or your physician, your underlying medical condition does not present the strongest and most consistent evidence of the likelihood of a severe case involving COVID-19.

Because your request for a remote work accommodation has been denied, you will need to report to work no later than 10/14/2020.  Should you choose not to report to work, please inform your Principal/Supervisor prior to  10/14/2020.   To explore other options that may be available to you, please contact the Leaves Department at XXXXX.

This completes the EEO Department’s handling of your request.

Respectfully,

District Review Team 

 

Luckily for me, my Assistant Principal called me the next day and told me that even though I was denied, the school was going to give me an accommodation.  I am in a room where I can remove my mask so that it doesn’t cause me MORE pain. 

My new office (for now)

Covid-19 Rules

This was extremely gracious, and I appreciated their efforts.  I did not fight to remain remote as I’m not unreasonable.  I’m currently back and working.  I actually ENJOY being at work. 

 

 

I know I could have fought to remain remote, but honestly, I recognize that many teachers/administrators/staff were denied.  Many of these people have underlying conditions as well.  It would be ridiculous for me to complain when the school is working with me.  Yes, the teacher’s union stated that if you don’t have students, you can work remotely if your school approves.  But I’m a team player and recognize that it is not fair for me to remain home when others cannot.  I’m sure that some people are taking advantage of the policy, and that is something that they have to live with as that is bad karma.