Here are some helpful elements and tips for working with multiple sclerosis.
- Multiple sclerosis is often diagnosed between the ages of 25 and 35.
- The appearance of neurological disorders affecting different functions (motor skills, sensitivity, vision, balance, coordination of movements, etc.) is very suggestive of multiple sclerosis.
- Patient expert Marie Delenne, member of the French League Against Multiple Sclerosis, provides advice on how to work peacefully with multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that most often occurs when a person is young and therefore of working age. The question of access or retention in employment for these patients therefore frequently arises.
“Depending on the symptoms and above all, the level of fatigue felt by the sick person, the difficulties encountered are not at all the same. Some people manage to work normally or almost until retirement age. For others , it’s much more complicated”, first explain the French League against Multiple Sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis: what to tell your employer?
Should you tell your employer about multiple sclerosis? “It all depends on the relationship you have with him… In the event of a relationship of trust, it may be useful to inform him of his situation, if only so that he understands and accepts regular absences or to agree with him adjustments in the way of working This can, for example, prevent fatigue from being misunderstood/perceived and these situations causing additional stress for patients. continues the patient association.
“On the other hand, if the relationship with the employer is indifferent or poor, it is undoubtedly preferable to contact the occupational doctor who is bound by medical confidentiality and who will be able to support or advise you throughout your career in the company”, she believes.
Multiple sclerosis: what about Recognition of Disabled Worker Status (RQTH)?
Should we opt for Recognition of Disabled Worker Status (RQTH)? “This can be an incentive to keep the employee in their job. Indeed, when a patient is recognized as a disabled worker, this allows their employer to comply with the obligation of any company with more than 20 employees to employ disabled people up to 6% of the total workforce”, explains the French League against Multiple Sclerosis. “This recognition also makes it possible to mobilize financial and material assistance so that the employee is retained in employment (job adjustment, skills assessment, professional training, etc.)”, adds the non-profit organization.
“You should also know that the pathology is not indicated on the RQTH card. The employer does not have the right to demand that you tell him what disability you suffer from,” she emphasizes.
Multiple sclerosis and professional life: which structures to rely on?
What structures can help people with multiple sclerosis to understand their professional life? “First there is France Travail (former Pôle emploi)”, explains Marie Delenne, patient expert and member of the French League against Multiple Sclerosis. “Sameth no longer exists: it is Cap Emploi which now provides support for businesses, private sector employees and public sector employees”, she finishes.
It is also possible to rely on GEFIPH (national association for managing the fund for the professional integration of disabled people) And the FIPHFP (fund for the integration of disabled people into the public service).
Multiple sclerosis is often diagnosed between the ages of 25 and 35. More than 120,000 people in France are now affected by the disease, and 3,000 new cases are identified each year.
The appearance of neurological disorders affecting different functions (motor skills, sensitivity, vision, balance, coordination of movements, etc.) is very suggestive of multiple sclerosis. Doctors talk about inflammatory flare-ups “dispersed over time and in the central nervous system”.
