re: sick/family support/co-workers

Ownmeny(AT)aol.com
Wed, 9 Dec 1998 13:14:31 EST

O.K. I am on day 12 of the bronchitis and sinus infection. I have already
been to the doctor 2x and am going again today. I'm having some "virbrating"
in my torso (feels like stomach growling but is in all sorts of places) and
I'm not sure if it is my lungs or new TM problems or what. It happens all day
off and on but of course it won't happen when I am at the doctor's office!

I missed 1 1/2 days last week. Well, I worked 1 1/2 days. I was scheduled
off 2 days, left early 1 and took another unscheduled day. My mother asked if
I was going to get fired! She makes me so angry. I feel like crap, worry all
the time about the hours I miss and then she has to say something like that!
I have FMLA and am a top performer at work but you know how people in the work
place can be. I'm sure they think 1/2 of what I miss is for fun. It really
never is. THe only fun I have when I'm out sick is an hour or 2 on the
computer. I usually sleep the other time. How do you get that across to
family and co-workers? I know it has been asked before. It is just that
since I don't look sick (usually - now I look like hell because of so many
days of meds and cough, etc) people tend to not understand. Should I discuss
it in a unit meeting? Should I just say, "forget what other's think?"

Sorry, just sick of being sick. I rarely take time to feel sorry for myself.
I remind myself often that I have it easy compared to others. THen I feel
guilty because I even bothered to feel bad for myself!! LOL!!! Boy, I need to
up my Prozac dose, huh?

Thanks everyone!!!! Just writing to ya'll makes me feel better!!

Annie in S TX where it is about 45 at noon (bought a new leather jacket today,
though!!)