How to deal with my employer

[Joblack]

In struggling a lot with work at the moment. I've been exhausted an my doctor gave me two weeks of work and I've been so worried about how work will react that I haven't had a moment to just recuperate. Has anyone got any advice about what to say to my employer or a way of dealing with this?

[Bride2be]

Hi joblack, I am in a similar situation. I have been struggling with pain for over a year which in the last few months has got unbarable. I have been to and from the doctors and gynaecologist and I am currently waiting from an appointment for a lap. I was off work for about 3 weeks trying various different pain relief, went back to work for one day and then was in bed for a week. I am very lucky that I have a very understanding hr officer who I can talk to but it is really difficult with the people you work with.

My advice is to just be honest with your manager, team and colleagues. If you have suspected endo and the doctor is doing something about getting you a diagnosis then at least you are moving in the right direction. I am now doing a mixture of flexible hours as I have to get the tube everyday, and work from home.

It is tough but I think you'll be supprised how supportive people can be xx

[squidgy]

Hi. Sorry to hear you have had to be signed off work as struggling with the endo.

I agree with what Bride2be said.

It is hard to relax and recoup when signed off esp when worried about the work's reaction. Like Bride2be said, be honest with your works. Maybe Tell them what it is and what is being done about it. But please try not to worry about it as that will not help you (I know easier said than done). Just remember the dr hasn't given you a sick note for the sheer hell of it, there is a reason and works should recognise this too.

See how things go and if still not doing good or coping as still off or struggling at work then try see if anything can be done to help ie flexible hours.

I had no support from where I worked, but then they were rubbish people and not all work places are like that, as bride2be has shown.

Try doing something that you enjoy and helps take your mind off it all for a bit, even if it only for 20mins! Try a relaxing bath, with candles. Do u have a partner? If so get them to give you a massage. Listen to your body and rest, sleep if that is how you feel.

Hope you are feeling stronger soon and manage to take time to rest. Best wishes xx

[CurlyWurlyAmy]

Hi Joblack

The best thing to do is print off a fact sheet about endo that explains what it is, what the symptoms are and the various treatments available and give it to your manager to read.

it is also benefical to mention that it is something that you will most likely have for the rest of your life and there is currently a petition being presented to the government to have endo recognised as a disability (this will get your managers attention).

I am not sure how big an organisation you work for but if there is an Occupational Health service available through your HR department then ask for a referral - tell your manager that it would be benefical for you and the organisation to have medical advice and guidance on how best the organisation can support you whilst at work in relation to your medical condition.

If your symptoms really affect you going to work could you ask for a temporary reduction in hours due to health reasons? maybe you could utilise your annual leave provision to help you by using it to take regular long weekends as opposed to full weeks off?

Fingers crossed for you that you get the support that you need in the work place x