I put in a request to take off work on Monday for a Dr's appt. My leave request was denied b/c my principal states in the Fall she told us that we could not miss professional development days. She is hot that I would even question her directive order and said if I take off I will be docked pay. I went to the school board to question the denial b/c I spoke to the Texas Teachers' association and they agreed due to a medical reason I should be allowed off. They guy at the board office said he would not go against how a principal runs the school and if she says I can't go, then I can't go. Both people questioned my about my medical history. My principal said that I should have told her in the fall that I had medical issues and I would have to take off. I know under HIPPA? that I do not have to tell her about it. So if I take off on Monday I will be docked pay.

Do you think my Dr will write a note explaining that IT IS medically necessary for me to take off work? IF I can prove 100% without a doubt then I can file a grievance to get my pay back and to not have this issue every time I need to take off.

I am sorry that your principal is being a jerk. Unfortunately, if you go against your principal's instructions-- it will leave a bad taste in her mouth. If you are not tenured, then your job could be on the line. Once, I missed a few professional development days, and the BOE let me do alternative training later on in the school year. If you do not go, try not to let your frustration show toward your principal. She will pick up on it. Also, I found that venting only to a select few family and friends, helped out tremendously. I hope the best for you.

If you used FMLA for your surgery then a follow up appointment MAY be covered if they don't want to get picky. But the more obvious question... Is it possible for you to get a dr who isn't 3 hrs away? Then you could go on your lunch hour or before or after work....

Other doctors around here wouldn't do the procedure on me. They said I was too fat for the lapband.