Scared I will lose my job...

[Hannah27]

I am awaiting an official diagnosis as I haven't had any internal tests... but every month I am off work for at least a day unless my period falls on a weekend day.

I cant stand up straight, walk or keep food down. The fatigue is as bad as the pain and I am in bed for most of the days whilst on my period. The weeks either side of it I have constant pain but usually managed with just walking or paracetamol. I took up running last year, but have had to stop as this sets off my period pain even when I am not on. It is now affecting my sex life as I get a lot of pain after climaxing. When I come on I am on codiene, paracetamol, tranexamic acid and mefenamic acid. The pain starts just below my knees and goes up my back to between my shoulder blades, usually feels like I have been sat on a red hot poker. I don't know what to do. I went on the pill but it sent me a bit nuts, I dont want any long term contraceptive as I hope to start a family next year.

I started my dream job a year ago and have just had my appraisal, my probation has been extended by 3 months due to my sickness. I have been told I am not a team player and that my continuous absences are affecting the team - this is true, due to the nature of my job.

I have no idea what to do. Seeing my GP on friday and have a gynae appointment in 6 weeks time.

I have just cut out dairy as an experiment, does anyone have any advice? I am getting desperate, I don't want to lose my job.

Please, if anyone can advise anything I would really appreciate it.

[Bexstar74]

See you if you can an earlier gynaecologist appointment, explain how much pain you're in. You need to press for the laparoscopy which will give you the diagnosis. Big hugs x

[Hannah27 in reply to Bexstar74]

Thank you, I gave my work number as I work in the hospital where the tests would be. Just hoping there will be a cancellation or something sooner. Thanks so much xxx

[rhia0901]

I know it's really difficult to discuss these things, especially with your employer, but have you explained to them what the problem is? They may be more understanding if they knew what was going on and that, hopefully soon, your condition will improve. I would also try and push them for an earlier appointment, if you possibly can.

Hope you get it sorted soon!

[Hannah27 in reply to rhia0901]

My manager is a senior nurse so I was hoping she would have some understanding. She just aid that it is affecting my reliability at work, which makes sense, but said that I can't just keep going off with " a bit of period pain" and I can't plan work depending on my menstural cycle so I'm not sure I will pass my probation period now? Thank you so much for your message, I have been feeling pretty pathetic about all this lately x

[Hobnobbing in reply to Hannah27]

"A bit of period pain"! The woman is clueless. Maybe roll in and let her see how I'll you are. Are there any leaflets you could get to inform her better?

I am so sorry I am no actual help to you but this nurse's attitude is infuriating. I was so relieved when I finally got a gynaecologist who actually understood what I was experiencing. I've been on Cerazette for a couple of months - it takes a bit of getting used to but is nowhere near as difficult as dealing with the pain I got every month.

I hope you get the support you need - from your employers and also from your medical team. You will get through this.