Hi
I don't know very much about endometriosis but have been told it could be what's causing my pain.
I started my periods age 11 and they have always been painful and heavy from day one. My mum was worried so repeatedly took me to see my GP but we were told the same old thing it's "normal" you're just unlucky and there's nothing that can be done.
Im now 28 yrs old and have been in pain most of my life but 2 years ago I started getting pain in my rectum when on my period. I thought maybe this is normal too so did nothing. 11 weeks ago I started getting symptoms of a UTI which I get monthly and usually settles after a few days. After 3 weeks of pain and no sleep I made a doctors appointment and was put on antibiotics. The pain continued to get worse and is so bad I'm doubled over crying in pain day and night. I then started to bleed from my rectum and found bowel movements excruciatingly painful when on my period. I was signed off work for 4 weeks and sent for scans and blood tests. My new GP referred me to a gynaecologist who confirmed endometriosis could be the cause. My operation is scheduled for the 26th April 2018 (laparoscopy +/- ureterolysis, cystoscopy and fitting a mirena coil). I'm on reduced hours at work taking Naproxen and codeine everyday but it's a constant struggle. I'm trying to go back to working full time hours but there's only 1 week out of the whole month the pain is bearable and I'm really struggling to cope. I put in a request to work from home twice with the full support of my manager but it was rejected both times.
I now feel unsupported and constantly under scrutiny from judgmental co-workers. My manager is never around anymore and I'm getting put under unnecessary pressure by unsympathetic co-workers.
Has anyone been in a similar situation with an employer? Do I have any rights even though I haven't been diagnosed yet?
Really appreciate any advice or tips to help manage my symptoms.
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