Been signed off sick.............having a few issues

LoopyLinz

Ok folks, will try to keep this short and sweet. Have been signed off work for at least 2 weeks. Approx 4 weeks ago I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, I am 24 and at the moment am completely devastated and terrified about what the future holds.

I have an urgent appointment with a Rheumatologist in 2 weeks, anyway, over the weekend my hands have been really bad, called in sick yesterday, had doctors appointment this morning and was advised that the doctor would like to sign me off until I see the rheumatologist.

Contacted my boss and told her, all ok...........except I was off for 6 months last year following pretty major surgery on my foot. Needless to say i feel completely terrible being off again but really have no choice. I was speaking to a friend from work who has told me that apparently two of my colleagues have basically been slagging me to just about everyone and anyone who will listen. Needless to say I have now spent the afternoon in tears, I really dont need this, Im terrified about what is happening to me and really cannot take anymore.

My question is this, what do I do? To be honest I cant really just say nothing as I know this will continue to play on my mind. Do I call my manager and tell her or do I approach the two individuals directly?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

L xoxox

daveyjp

Office gossip - ignore it. Your only contact should be with your manager.

Kaz2904

It's very hard to ignore something like this but TBH it's really none of their buisness whether or not you're off sick.
Try to just ignore it or if you feel that bad about it then maybe your friend would be able to say that you're off sick because of your diagnosis? It depends whether you want it to become public knowledge or not?

McKneff

Ignore them Linz, dont be downhearted about your arthritis. I remember being terrified too, worrying about not being able to go for a walk, shopping etc but eventually it will settle down or be kept damped down with treatment.
I know what you are going through. Mine started whn i was 39 and it took a while to settle down but i was in total agony at the onset of it. Neither of these two people would change places with you if they were asked.
I am 59, still have my arthritis, pernicious aenemia, osteoporosis and i still manage to work full time in a secretarial role. After the initial 4 months
i have lost only a few days due to any of these. After 20 years on tablets, gold injectiosn, blood tests i suddenly seem to have gone into remission and have not taken a painkiller or tablet for 3 years now
So life will get better, just keep taking the tablets and go with the flow.
Rest is good

Newtonlot

I'd be tempted to go into work and say something to them. But that is how I am.
I'd tell them that I am aware that they think I'm taking the mick, but they probably don't have the full story. I'd tell them what is worng with you and what the outcomes could be. I know it is none of their business, but I always find people don't realise how hurtful their comments on until they understand what is going on.
I've had RA since I was 2 (being told it was growing pains until I was diagnosed at 17). I am lucky in that I am in remission more times than I have pain, but as I have auto imune disease I've ended up with an over active thyroid as well. When I was working I found it easier to explain my illnesses and never felt that anyone was calling me due to doctors appointments or time off.
I hope that the rheumatologist goes ok.

LoopyLinz

Thank you all for your lovely comments. My initial reaction was to go in all guns blazing..............however the more I think about it the more I realise that to be honest as much as it hurts, what they think about me right now is bottom of my list of things to worry about!

As my DH rightfully said next week they will probably be moaning about someone or something else! They are aware of my diagnosis and to be honest I probably dont do myself any favours as Im pretty stubborn and up until now have refused any sort of help, so i suppose as far as they see it I was still doing my job right up until Friday so how could that possibly have changed?

Am hoping that after my rheumatology appointment I will perhaps be able to explain things better.........right now there is a lot I dont understand myself, never mind explain to someone else!

Anyway.............enough of my waffling! Just wanted to say a big thank you to you all

L xoxox

ailuro2

Concentrate on your appointment, make use of your time to make lists of your symptoms, anything you might need assistance with at work, whether you will need a parking space closer to the door, so you are armed with info when you go to the rheumatologist and also back to work.You might not have so much time once you're back at work?

Being the perosn I am I'd think of the look on the people's faces if you get given a prime parking space, or get to sit at a better workspace, whatever will annoy them, really -:p stooping so low to talk about you behind your back when you're going something so worrying isn't very nice, is it? you know who your friends are now, though!

And remember - indifference really is the best revenge;)

McKneff

if you have pain in your hands, i try a covered pack of frozen peas.
RA affects people in different ways, I cant stand the heat, my joints, when
i have a flare are hot so the heat just makes it worse so its a cold compress for me. Other people get relief from hot water bottles. You will learn what works for you. Like you say, they are the least of your worries at the moment and its only their ignorance of RA that fuels their opinions. So
let it all wash over you. Good luck with your appointment.

Savvy_Sue

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LoopyLinz

ailuro2 wrote: »

Concentrate on your appointment, make use of your time to make lists of your symptoms, anything you might need assistance with at work, whether you will need a parking space closer to the door, so you are armed with info when you go to the rheumatologist and also back to work.You might not have so much time once you're back at work?

Being the perosn I am I'd think of the look on the people's faces if you get given a prime parking space, or get to sit at a better workspace, whatever will annoy them, really -:p stooping so low to talk about you behind your back when you're going something so worrying isn't very nice, is it? you know who your friends are now, though!

And remember - indifference really is the best revenge;)

Awww thank you for some really great advice. I think I will make a list, of questions for the Rheumatologist and things for work.

The more I think about it the more I realise I just dont have the energy to worry.

Linz xoxoxox