Time off work

[Demileighbo]

Has anybody else had to call in sick at work because the pain is too severe? I am having to do it this week but I feel so guilty! One minute the pain has gone and then it comes back - so intermittent. I don't think work are too happy

[missm87]

Over the past year I've had to call in sick twice because of the pain. I also work in a factory full of men so they don't really understand and most of the time don't let you explain yourself as they don't want gory details (men just can't cope with it). I am lucky though my manager is aware I have an issue and since I'm trying to sort it out he knows that unfortunately I will have to have time off from time to time.

I do however always try to manipulate my pill so that the worse days of period come on the weekend and I don't miss work, I think the odd occasions when it hasn't worked out is when I've had to ring in sick.

I also feel guilty about it because every girl has a period and it seems they all cope well. All you have to think about though is that a normal period shouldn't have you in so much pain that you can't function.

[JellyKat]

Yes, I've been off on sick leave for it, repeatedly... I collapsed at work one day because of the pain (not a good idea on a construction site!), but after a couple of months of the pains, and being sent home from work because of it, I booked a couple of days off work as annual leave when I expected the worst pain to be.

Doesn't help relive the pain, but make a note of the pain (give it a score, the types of pain and where), the day of your cycle you get it (mine is mid-cycle), and if you're thinking of trying for kids, it's worth doing digital ovulation tests (which measure both estrogen and LH) to tell you what your hormones are doing.

It's worth doing so you can understand what's going on in your body.

Is it the kind of work where you can work from home? Or can you have a heat pad under your desk?

[Demileighbo in reply to JellyKat]

Thanks for your reply - i work in a doctors surgery taking patients bloods and doing test etc so when the pain comes on quite difficult when I've got a needle in a patients arm- I've been off sick all week so far I feel so guilty but being in bed with a hot water bottle really helps walking about hurts. Luckily 'some' people sympathise and understand at work but you know what some work places are like. it's worrying because I can't let this be a regular occurance. I darent take strong pain killers at work because they make me sleepy. It may be a case of putting my foot down and seeing an endo specialist. The consultant doesn't want to operate again as he would need to take my bowels out whilst doing the op so he gave me amitriptyline instead- which make me super tired . It difficult to leave with this condition isn't it. It scares me knowing it can effect falling pregnant. What's your experiences with endo

Demi xx

[JellyKat in reply to Demileighbo]

Hmm. You'd have thought that if anyone would understand, it would be your workplace!! Can they change your duties (paperwork?).

The gynae was originally telling me it's likely to be endo, I had a laparoscopy last week & was told I had a cyst which couldn't be causing the pain (Hmm, really? I'm not convinced!) with condescending suggestions that it could be bowel related. So I'm still in limbo with no real answers yet and the prospect of continued pain to look forward to.

My sister in law has endo which didn't show on her first two laps.

[Demileighbo in reply to JellyKat]

It's deffo a whirl wind! It's nice knowing other people out there suffer as awful as that sounds you don't feel so alone with it. Many complications with it - it's just finding something that suits you

[JellyKat in reply to Demileighbo]

So... If anything, it's in your employers best interests to get you referred to the right people ASAP - surely they should be pushing for that on your behalf? Have they actually considered that it's more cost effective for the NHS to treat you than for you to keep missing work? Xx

[RainbowBeth]

If it helps I have been off work 5 times in the last year. The diagnosis has meant a bit more understanding. I unfortunately have been taken off the pill etc, so mine are pot luck periods, joyful to manage!

If work can be flexible that helps. Never feel guilty about taking sick leave, that's what it's there for. I know it's easier said that done, but your body is saying I need to rest, so let it rest.

Hope this helps

[Nikkilhew76]

I am currently on day two off sick with this flare up. I have been diagnosed and am waiting to see someone at a bsge centre next month. I am a primary teacher so we are the worst for not taking time off when we should. Luckily most of my colleagues are women and understand especially as it has been suggested I need a hysterectomy. I feel like I'm letting people down but when you can hardly walk from pain and you can't think straight it's very difficult to teach. I'm hoping to regain control of my pain today so tomorrow can be more normal. When I was diagnosed the consultant was surprised I hadn't been in more pain so maybe this is the curse for that. Rest up take the meds and don't feel guilty. "Normal" life will resume shortly. Take care x x Nikki