What to do when you're sick?

[C.Ann]

This is my second week out of work sick.. It started with a respiratory infection that quickly deteriorated into pnuemonia.. The first round of treatment included an antibiotic (the initial infection was in fact contagious); cough medicine; 2 inhalers; and a breathing treatment while they had me in the office..

Monday they had me come back for another x-ray and I'm still not responding, so they started a 5-day steroid treatment and took me out of work for another week.. Tomorrow I'm scheduled to see the doctor again..

The first week or so I was so weak and so sick I couldn't do anything.. Even had to have my DD come over to grocery shop, get my meds, clean the kitty litter box, tend to my DH's needs, etc.. It was actually scary - can't remember ever feeling quite that weak and wiped out..

This week has been somewhat better.. Although I'm still coughing, I'm not coughing all day and all night - but I'm STILL so weak I can't believe it!

I have a feeling that when I go back tomorrow the doctor is NOT going to let me return to work next week.. That will mean 3 weeks out of work and quite frankly, I'm afraid I'll get fired..

I'm not contagious anymore, so that's not a concern - but if I walk so much as 5 feet, I'm so out of breath (even without coughing) I have to lie down and rest..

The question is - do I try to force myself to go back to work (to save my job) - or just take it on the chin and stay home?

I do have notes from the doctor, but according to the labor laws here because I work part-time (only 3 days a week) I don't qualify for the family medical leave act and they can go ahead and fire me if they so choose..

I really don't know what to do.. The only thing I do know is that I'm exhausted and can't get through so much as even an hour of sitting here at the computer without having to go lie down and rest for awhile.. This thing has REALLY knocked me on my butt!!!!

 

[CEDmom]

I'm really sorry you're so sick. I wouldn't rush back to work until your doctor has cleared you. Pushing yourself when you are really ill can be very dangerous. I don't want to scare you too much but people have died from doing exactly that. The worst thing your company can do is fire you but that's a whole lot better than the other possibility.

Take care of yourself and allow your body to heal. It's been through a lot.

I forgot to add, is there anything workwise that you could do at home while you're recouperating? Could you office e-mail stuff? Sometimes even making an offer like that goes a long way to showing how committed you are. But only do it if you feel up to it.

 

[SeaSpray]

I agree with CEDmom. You NEED to stay in bed and recover from these illnesses. I don't know your entire situation but I know you care for your DH, so he needs you. It's got to be so hard to be so sick and worry about your job at the same time

Have your employers been understanding so far??

I hope you are feeling 100% soon!!

 

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by SeaSpray
Have your employers been understanding so far??

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I've made numerous phone calls to my employer (one of those lovely places where the only thing you ever get is voice mail) asking if they want me to send in the notes from the doctor, etc.; and not one single phone call has been returned..

I guess what's really scaring me is that another gal had been in the hospital severely ill with the flu and she was lead to believe it was "no problem".. She returned to work on a Friday and was greeted with the news that they were "letting her go.."

I need the money - but I guess I need my health MORE.. It's just a very tough situation to be in..

 

[DoeWDW]

If they let you go, you can probably collect unemployment, right? I say stay home and rest until the doc tells you it's safe for you to go home. If you push too hard to go back, you could further damage your immune system and get even MORE ill!! That would not help you, your DH OR your employer.

Please take good care of you - your health is worth more than $$.

I hope you're feeling better soon!