Off sick

[Gemma1986]

Has anyone had problems with 'sickness' in the last 6 months I've had 4 times off sick, my boss has been ok, but I feel if it happens anymore he won't be so nice, has anyone come across this what did they do???

Thanks 😊

[FN75]

I've been given a reasonable adjustment which takes into account that I may have lots of little absences because of the cyclic nature of the illness. My workplace has the standard policy about more then three absences in six months/ten days in a year and I was triggering it all the time, so Occupational Health made a recommendation. Hope that helps.

[Hidden]

sad to say that yes it has been a huge issue in my life I am currently on ESA and in the support group due to illness (more mental health than physical) and have been for coming up 2 years, as I simply cannot predict my various illnesses, Endo included.

does your boss know fully about your condition? It may be worth having a big chat if not and seeing if there is any way to make provisions for when you're ill, such as working from home if it's that kind of job.

I really do feel for you, hope you cab work out a way to sort something xxx

[Marcia71]

If you can, get yourself referred to occupational health as they can help explain to your boss and come up with a plan of what is reasonable going forward. They can also advise that endo is classed as a disability at work so that should mean days off sick don't count in the usual way as they are days off due to disability. It gets pretty complicated as endo isn't a disability in general way (or to dwp) but as a disability at work.

Good luck

[Caveo in reply to Marcia71]

I have an occupational health department where I work and I was worried about getting them involved but if they do recognise endometriosis & are sympathetic I might just as to be referred. It's extremely hard holding down a full time job when you're exhausted & in pain - I even dream about work worrying if I've made any mistakes x

[TAnd71]

I think worry and emotional strain increases my chances of endo pains. Try not to get too consumed by sick days and how it will affect your work . I understand it's difficult , I work as a nanny and when I'm sick the family is really stuck. I'm fortunate in the way that one of my bosses also had endo before the birth of her kids and my other boss is a doctor . I took a few days off in Sept when it was just too painful to walk , so I really couldn't work. But mostly I work with pain and wear an endo pad. It's a pelvic heated belt that helps a lot. I take tea breaks and rest times during work when I just try to meditate or something relaxing. I encourage you to share your concerns with your boss when you are feeling better . Good luck

[Gemma1986]

Thanks everyone I'm a carer so working from home is not an option, I have fully explained to my boss everything, he mainly says can I get stronger pain killers it doesn't help that my work is very strenuous xxx

[Natv]

Me!!!! Had my lap 4 days after starting a new job in May. Excision surgery that found severe deep infiltrating endo on my bowels and urethra. Explained the horrible stomach attacks I've suffered from for my whole life but always dismissed as ibs. My employers knew about the surgery and were wonderful -it's also a health company. Anyway i let 3 mos pass bc i was hoping to see improvement which never happened. I started getting utis and nausea and constant diarrhea and oh god the pain. I had to work from home more and more frequently bc it is so unpredictable. Drs appts take all day. I'm exhausted. I've probably taken 1-4 days wfh a week in the past few mos. I feel gulty but why? This is a real disease and I've spoken to my boss and hr and offered any documents they need. I've decided to stop stressing bc it makes my flares worse. Ughhhhhhh

[JessIsobelEllis]

Being honest about your endo is the best thing I've found. When you open up to them they understand a lot more 😊