Need advice: Taking time off from work and health issues.

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

I brought this up in another thread (http://www.ronfez.net/forums/showthread.php?t=69253&highlight=gynecologist+studio+54). I will keep the details at a minimum so the guys don't get queasy.

I FINALLY got to see the gynecologist. During the exam she took out my IUD. I thought that was the problem, but it turns out it wasn't. Had trouble doing my work last night since I had to go to the ladies' room every half hour or so. Today I took the day off b/c it's no better.

It's NEVER affected my work before. I took next Wednesday off b/c I'm going to get a biopsy and I will be in NO shape for work.

That's two days off in a week's time. I work for a company that frowns upon too many absences. The thing is, I don't know what the prognosis is (other than NEGATIVE, for the Seinfeld fans). I don't want to look like the last proofreader who called out with insomnia (http://www.ronfez.net/forums/showthread.php?t=67035&highlight=called+insomnia).

My question: should I talk to Human Resources about it? I have no idea what the problem is and until the biopsy results are back I'm not sure how my work days will go. This company just laid off about 1/3 of the employees (summer is the slow season). I'm sure my doctor could write me a letter.

And YES. This is the FIRST time I've ever called out sick due to female problems.

[Tall_James]

Yes, definitely talk to HR about this. This is a serious medical issue and should be viewed as such by your employer.

Plus, if they give you shit about it you can call them sexist and sue them for gender discrimination.

And most of all, I hope everything is OK and you get better soon.

[jauble]

What T_J said. Is there a possibility that while you are waiting you could work from home?

[Ritalin]

If you want to give your immediate superior a heads up that you're having a medical issue that you're trying to resolve, I don't see the harm in that, but I don't think you have to get into a whole lot of detail.

I mean, if you're sick, you're sick.

And good luck with it. I hope everything is fine for you.

[El Mudo]

I personally ALWAYS keep my supervisor/boss up to date on whats going on with me and how it could potentially affect my job performance or something that could cause me to miss time...I would definitely let HR know as soon as possible that you have some health problems and could need to take some time off..

If they give you problems you could always invoke your FMLA rights (http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/fmla/)

[DarkHippie]

You should tell HR so that they can't fire you for it.

Hope your cooter gets better :)

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

Thanks guys! I'll talk to HR manana. I'm so glad the head of HR is a woman!

My immediate supervisor is like a child most times... but I think he'll understand this.

Hope your cooter gets better

I know that came from your heart. ::wipes away tears::

[Hottub]

You definitly made the right decision.
The .net community came through again.
Nothing more to add except my positive thoughts and well wishes.
For you, and Fuzzybox.:tongue:

[FUNKMAN]

Good Luck P

[Tall_James]

The .net community came through again.


Sincere concern with just a touch of creepiness. Yup, that about sums us up.

[DarkHippie]

Thanks guys! I'll talk to HR manana. I'm so glad the head of HR is a woman!

My immediate supervisor is like a child most times... but I think he'll understand this.



I know that came from your heart. ::wipes away tears::

A vagina is a terrible thing to waste.

Seriously though, if there's anything I can do to help, let me know.

[donnie_darko]

its called fmla baby, its there for a reason

http://www.afscme.org/issues/1764.cfm

see if it might be a good option for you, have no idea of your employer or your field of work, but its always good to protect yourself.

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

I KNOW what to do.

So funny no chicks replied.

I give KUDOS (and then some) to the guys who replied!

Girls?

[LaBoob]

I have no advice on talking to HR or what rights you have, but I can definitely feel for you in your situation. Something being wrong physically can be an extremely scary situation...

My only advice is to call upon your support system, whether it be parents, siblings, or friends (including internet friends)... whoever makes you feel better (in my case it's my dog... nobody makes me feel better like she does), and try to stay focused on the positive. If you start dwelling and obsessing over worst-case scenarios you can actually make yourself sicker and hurt your body's ability to heal and recover.

I'll be beaming you some positive thoughts!

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

I e-mailed the head of HR (instead of talking to her, so I'd have a paper trail) and she said I should take care of my health first and foremost. I also added that I could get a letter from my doctor and she told me that it wouldn't be a bad idea.

I don't work for a very good company when it comes to its employees. One of the people they just laid off had JUST been cleared of cancer. Through the grapevine, I heard he was a loud mouth (Well, that I knew!) but he confronted management regularly.

I know I'm JUST a proofreader, but I do joke around with my co-workers. I have no idea who thought a joke was serious.

Yes, I'm going to look into FMLA.

Ironically, although this is one of the WORST companies I've EVER worked for, I like my job and I get along very well with my co-workers. I'm thinking since it's not easy to find a proofreader for second shift (3pm-11pm) I might have a chance here. Just this past week, I caught two MAJOR errors that were on press. I hope that counts.