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Post by angelas on Feb 7, 2007 11:21:44 GMT -5
I'm not sure whether there is another place for this or not... let me know if I should put this somewhere else. After a lot of thought I've decided to look into having a leave of absence from work for a while. I am part of HR Management for a Pharmacy and work on my feet all day long, 40 hours a week. I took this job in October, and have noticed a steady decline in not only my energy level, but also my ability to handle the pain I'm in. As most of you know, its been about 4 years since my last surgery for endo. When I started this job I was aware of the pain I was in, but coming from a desk job I never really thought about how much worse I would feel. Now that I also know that the disease has progressed beyond what I thought, and my periods become heavier and excruciating, I find that I need about 3 days off work just to make it through my period - nevermind the rest of the pain that at times is dibilitating to the point that on average I'm taking about 5 days a month off. The worst part is that when I call in sick, they have to have coverage for me for that shift and its getting very difficult for them to find that. So now that I am just waiting to find out about the date of my next surgery (it looks like it won't be until April) I've come to the conclusion that there is no point in pushing myself so hard, and yet still upsetting work. I am going to try and get a medical certificate so I can claim employment insurance for the 15 weeks I'm aloud. That will provide time to slow down and relax, as well as allow the time I need for all the upcoming appointments and recovery I'll need for the surgery. I was trying to do some research yesterday about what the results are from pushing yourself while in this much pain. Besides the obvious of course. Do any of you know forsure? Or have you gone this same path I'm seriously considering? Any input is ALWAYS appreciated!
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Post by camille on Feb 7, 2007 12:00:38 GMT -5
I know for me, after my lap I had the same instinct about taking better care of myself, including time off from work instead of pretending that I was fine. The diagnosis gave me "permission" to do that. If you are asking for a legal, medical reason for sick leave, I don't know for sure but my boss talked to me about the Family Medical Leave Act in case my sick time exceeded the allotted amount. I don't know if info on this would be helpful but you might try it. Here is a link: www.dol.gov/esa/whd/fmla/
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Post by angelas on Feb 7, 2007 13:52:39 GMT -5
Hi Camille,
Thanks for your response! I'm looking more for the medical reasons. I'm not sure that I need more proof that what I feel every day, but we all know how hard it may be to 'convince' doctors and others that I'm not just some woman over imbellishing for a reason to sob. Do you happen to know of any links or anything that state that the pain from endometriosis and connected illnesses can clearly inhibit our ability to functions daily? I'm just thinking of anything more I can use to proove it if I have to. The link you provided to me is for the U.S so unfortunately I cannot use that.
Also, have you been successful in obtaining sick leave? How long do you have?
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Post by angelas on Feb 7, 2007 13:56:22 GMT -5
Oh and I also wanted to mention that I don't believe that the pain meds that doctors can perscribe are something I would be willing to take. I don't want to live in a haze of pain killers. Feel free to include any comments in that regard as well. The more info I can get the better off I'll be!!
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Post by camille on Feb 7, 2007 16:47:41 GMT -5
I haven't used sick leave, just my sick time and personal days. My boss brought up FMLA (which I suppose is an American law, sorry) to let me know that my job is protected if I exceed the days off for which my job allows.
I agree with you on the pain killer/ snorting fake hormones up my nose thing. I refused it also so I was worried that I wouldn't be allowed time off for doing things without medical supervision, so to speak, but I have a truly wonderful boss so it hasn't been as issue.
I don't know off the top of my head of any sources for legitimizing our condition but I will look around. I think that a doctors "note" is sufficient for most legal things here in the states though Gd knows that can be hard to come by with this disease.
If I find anything, I'll post it here.
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Post by angelas on Feb 7, 2007 18:46:14 GMT -5
Oh I see now. You are lucky that you can use your sick time and personal days. At my job I don't have that coverage, so I have to go through the government. Your probably right though about the doctors note being enough. I just hope I don't have to spend a whole lot of time trying to 'convince' the doctor that in this condition, stress will only make things worse! I'm probably only being paranoid though..... If the doctor is any good there shouldn't be an argument.
Thanks for keeping your eyes open for me as well. I found a thread on here today where everyone was talking about trips to emerg because of their pain!
I guess its just hard sometimes to realize that I am not crazy and that this stuff is real.
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Post by angelas on Feb 8, 2007 9:29:10 GMT -5
So I am finally able to get in to see the doctor this afternoon at 3:30. Of course that means I'll be late for work, but I have to keep my priorities straight right? I have all my paperwork ready to show her... now I'm just praying I have the same strenght as I did in my last appointment to not walk out of there with a perscription. My nerves are shot too about having to tell my work if I can get accepted for sick leave.... I really hope that they understand....
I really shouldn't feel so guilty for being so sick. Does anyone else feel that way???
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Post by camille on Feb 8, 2007 9:54:37 GMT -5
yes, I have felt horribly guilty about calling in for my "period". Its been a huge challenge my whole life, in fact, I think my debilitating periods have been a major influencing factor in my life; I have had to tailor it to accommodate my pain in such a way that I don't have to explain to people about my period, how embarrassing, right? Since my surgery, I have become very open about what is going on with me and am sure to call it a disease rather than a condition (though I don't know how accurate that really is) because people understand that word. You might check out the thread (I don't know how to post threads) in Alternative Treatments (?) called "manage pain without drugs". Well, the whole thing is good, really. And yes, I too have had to rearrange my priorities. Since my lap, when I start to get cramps, I sit, or lie down, and don't move for anything. I have a lot of "making up" to do with my body. Fifteen years of ignoring it takes its toll!
Good luck at the doctor...(and if you get a prescription, you don't have to fill it!).
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apple
Full Member
Posts: 214
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Post by apple on Feb 8, 2007 10:08:55 GMT -5
A couple of year ago when I was quite sick after my surgery/treatment my doctor offered me to write a certificate because of the condition of my health, but since I was coming already from a short leave regarding the passing of my dad I did not want to do it. So it was VERY hard for me to work and be a 100%. Now I really regret that. I am not sure why usually women with endo push themselves over the limit, hard worker and work THROUGH the pain and even though our pain is really not allowing us to work, we still feel guilty. I guess if all that suffer with this disease are able to take leaves, we will be taken more seriously since this will affect the "economic world" but since we still function, it gives the impression that it is not too bad. On my case I have to missed work, usually a day a month at the moment. Since I made changes on my diet and trying different approach my health is improving but coping with stress at work, having to accommodate to work environment, sitting all day or standing all day, traveling on buses, etc makes the healing process slower. So my advise would be if you could take the leave that will be good for you as long as you use this time to work on healing yourself. You do not want to be home thinking all the time that you are sick and there is nothing you can do. You must focus on getting better and use this time wise, because worry and negativity can make you sicker so I suggest you to have a plan like: improve you eating habits, exercise, read a book, mediation-relaxation, etc. Hope this helps.
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Post by camille on Feb 8, 2007 10:12:09 GMT -5
really good point!
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Post by angelas on Feb 8, 2007 10:22:14 GMT -5
I actually finally had the chance to read up on the Alternative Treatments section. The kind of things that are mentioned there are not promoted where I am so it is all really new to me! What kinds of things have you tried Camille? I am now looking forward to making some more changes. You are so right about the fact that I cannot lay here and only think about being sick, and that if I just wait for the surgery then it will all be over. I think we all know too well that the surgery really isn't a fix for anything either. Chances are that it will all come back, and the pain I suffer from will never be totally illiminated. Latley I have just been feeling so helpless, like the only thing I can do to forget about the pain is sleep. Anything that I have been doing has not been working. Apple, with the meditation, have you tried that? I wouldn't even know how to start. I really have some more homework cut out for me! I'm under a lot of stress as it is, nevermind the stress of this disease. It's time to make some true life changes!!!!
Thank you both for your help!! You've helped me look into a direction I never knew was there! I truly appreciate that!
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Post by ouchy on Feb 8, 2007 10:39:55 GMT -5
I don't know much about laws in Canada regarding sick leave. I'm actually not that familiar with them here in the U.S. I do know that when I tried to explain to my current boss what endometriosis is, she suggested that I get a hysterectomy (and has suggested that several times since, and I've only had to leave work early 3 days in 6 months and have neither missed nor gone home early from it in the past 4 months). She still brings it up that it's "No way to run a business when you can't count on your employees!" That really irritates me, bc I have missed WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY less work than my co-worker, who misses a day-or-two seems like each pay cycle! I take my job seriously, and I only missed a few hours total, but apparently those few hours have stuck in my boss's head! GRRR. Sorry I can't give you more advice!
(Please keep this thread on topic--Sick Leave--and not asking about medicines/treatments others are on. You can do that in other threads or by private message. Thanks.)
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Post by angelas on Feb 8, 2007 10:51:42 GMT -5
sorry, I will continue to read the alternative treatment area and post any questions I have there....
I just have to say though that I can't believe the insensitivness of your boss!!! That is truly inappropriate! I know all too well what that is like though, I actually lost a job cause I had a doctors appointment during work hours..
I talked to my HR administrator at work and found out that they are more than willing to accept a doctors note for sick leave. Since they only offer benefits to full time employees (which I am considered full time at the moment) if I were to take the leave I would still be able to have my benefits, and once I have recovered I would assume the same position as when I leave! The government only pays about 60% of my wage while I'd be off, but thats better than nothing. Thank god my wonderful other half is in total agreement to help cover the bills and such. Some days I don't know what I'd do without him. So now I am just going to wait and hope that my doctor agrees.
I will keep you all posted!
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Post by camille on Feb 8, 2007 14:43:24 GMT -5
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Post by angelas on Feb 8, 2007 14:52:01 GMT -5
Oh WOW!! thanks for that Camille! I almost want to print that out and start distributing it everywhere! The only thing I don't like is how it said that if a woman is absent from endometriosis it will likley be no more than a few days. I wish all employers were ok with a few days missed every month! HA!
I'm getting ready to leave now and hopefully fight no battles! Thanks Camille! I'll be posting the results as soon as I can!
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