Dilemma - advice please!

Fedup

Hi All,

I have just got back from my Gastro appointment, he has said that because I have only just started on meth, my joints are bad and im suffering so badly with fatigue that he dosnt think I should go to work next week. Ordinarily I wouldnt worry about this, but I have been on holiday this week and I have next week at work then another 2 weeks holiday, so he has suggested having next week off as sick then my 2 weeks holiday by which time the meth should have kicked in and I should be feeling better, I am a nurse and do work on a very heavy ward so this is another reason he suggests I take the time off. What would you do? I feel guilty for taking a week off sick for fatigue (I know its bad but to others im just tired and arnt we all) but at the same time think he wouldnt have told me if he didnt think I should.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

J x

liesa

i think if it were me i would take the time off, you have to think of yourself, you wont be any good to anyone if you dont take the break, you'll feel much better i imagine once the methotrexate starts working so everyone will benefit from a happier pain free you xx

mig

Take the advice offered,he knows what hes talking about,you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others.Mig

suzygirl

Hi< iw ould take the advice you have been given. Unfortunately these AI beasts are not something you can simply 'push through'. Give your body a rest so it has a chance to heal.

Take care

elnafinn

Hi J,

I would be feeling exactly the same as you in your position.It is easy for us to say what you should be doing. You should take the time off. It is most unfortunate with the timing of your holidays and this fatigue. I take it you have a certificate for this from the gp. It is what you will be thinking your work colleagues will be saying about you in a months time when you return and whilst you are away. :roll: Not an enviable position to be in at all. If you are not going away, perhaps you could cancel one of the week's holiday and take it some other time. Just a thought.

Eln a x

dreamdaisy

This is not a case of just being 'tired' and of all people your colleagues could be more aware of this than they probably are. Your health definitely comes first, but, sad to say, not many understand the impact arthritis has upon one: to them your joints hurt a bit and you might use a stick. If only they knew - and they should be damn thankful they don't. Illness is not a 9-5, Monday to Friday business either.

Meth itself is an unknown quantity for you at the moment too (at least I think I am right in saying that, you have not started yet?), you are properly poorly and you need this time to get yourself sorted. This is not an easy decision, I realise that, but I suspect yon chappie has already hinted (heavily) at the one you need to make. I wish you well. DD

julie47

Hi Fedup,
a hard decision to make, I too would feel guilty.
I would probably have the next week off and postpone my holidays (if possible)
Hope the meth works soon and good luck with your decision.

juliepf x

Fedup

Well ive been thinking about this problem and I am going to see my GP monday morning (or whenever I can get an appt) and speak to him because I really feel I need something from him for me to show work as evidence I am needing time off, also if I do need the 3 weeks off then I think I should get signed off for 3 weeks and not have to use 2 weeks of my holiday when im too ill to do anything - as has happened this week, then that way if i feel better I can go to work before the 3 weeks is up but still have my holiday to take at a later date when I feel better, does that make sense?

Hope your all feeling ok and having a good weekend :P

J x

skezier

Hi J,

Glad you have decided this one... better idea than gong to work with the fatigue etc just now.

Good luck with the gp and I do understand you might need something to show.

Hang in there and with luck the mtx will start to help soon. Cris x

woodbon

Hi, I can understand that you feel guilty, I was just the same when I went to work, but how well can you do your job if you are feeling ill and then you may make yourself worse and need a lot more time off. I think your idea about going to the doctor and asking for a certificate or letter, is a wise move.

I have been retired on ill health grounds for about a year and I still feel gulity if I see someone from work when I've out and about. Not logical at all, but the way we were brought up and the sense of values we have!
Love Sue xxx

barbara12

Hi J
Sorry your are feeling so tired, its a classic with both RA and OA, I do hope you can get the time off, I know its not easy, but your body is telling you to rest,
Please let us know how you get on.

Mat48

I would postpone your holiday until the mtx has had a chance to kick in or until you've found out how it will make you feel at least. If you keep your holiday then you may just not be well enough to enjoy it whereas you can always take more time off sick if you have to? I've just been away on holiday for a week and regret that I had a flare and felt rubbish now - wish I'd planned it better and taken steroids before going. Hope it goes well with your GP. Mat x