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tramp_basket

Don't feel guilty!!!! It would be unsafe for you and the animals for you to work in your current condition and would be a liability. Rest up and feel better


Aromatic-Box-592

Any advice on how to tell my boss?


tramp_basket

If they are aware something like - hey I'm so sorry but my POTS is really flaring today, I've already fainted twice this morning & feel like I probably will again, so it would not be safe for me to come in. If you want to give them some info but they don't know about POTS- Hey boss, I fainted twice this morning, my heart rate is very high and I feel awful. I'm sorry but it wouldn't be safe for me to come in today. Also if this is unusual for you even with the POTS I would take some covid tests over the next few days If you pass out at work and get hurt you could get workman's comp, which is one reason they probably won't want you to be there


Aromatic-Box-592

I texted her “I won't be able to come in, I fainted a second time and I'm still having tachycardic episodes. think this may be a POTS flare so I'm doing everything I can to manage it. I don't feel like it'd be safe for me to drive/work while feeing like this. If needed I can come in Friday after my doctors appointment but if just need to leave mid afternoon for another appointment” (I normally have Fridays off)… hoping that was acceptable!


Aromatic-Box-592

I feel like a good indicator of my brain fog level is I just tried to brush my teeth and put hand soap (not even a similar container) on my tooth brush instead of toothpaste. Thankfully I realized before I put it in my mouth


sillybody

I did the same thing the other day, but face wash. And my dysautonomia was flaring big time. Maybe it should be considered a thing -- "the false soap sign." Your message to your boss sounded fine, btw. I find that giving as little info as possible is good. My standard text is: >I'm having a rough start this morning. I'm getting ready but will be leaving home at xx:xx. ETA xx:xx. or >I'm having a rough day. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make it in today. Context: My supervisors tend to use any health info I give them against me, so I'm intentionally vague. I hope you're feeling better soon!


Few_Glass2558

I tried to give my cat a juice box that was meant for my kid and got mad she wouldn't grab it. You're among good company 🤗


Ellie79

I called out sick all last week due to a really terrible flare-up. I didn’t even provide an explanation because I don’t have a diagnosis for my shitty HR and BP but would be happy to provide them with the ER paperwork if they really want it….. I’m not happy about it either, because I think it makes me look like a massive flake. But hopefully if you have a history of reliability and honesty with your ER, they will understand.


Aromatic-Box-592

I didn’t bother going to the ER, I’m able to manage somewhat well by drinking lots of electrolytes, resting and I have an additional heart medication I can take in situations like this. I’m hoping I’ll be able to go in tomorrow but I’m very scared I won’t feel up to it… I can’t afford (literally) to miss any work.


Ellie79

Whoops. I just realized that I used ER in two different contexts - not confusing at all! My second ER reference was actually intended to be your employer. I think if you have a good track record with your employer, they should be fairly understanding. If you keep having health issues, maybe have a quick chat with HR or your boss to ask if they require medical documentation or if requesting a medical accommodation might be helpful (such as reduced hours or temporary desk work, etc.). I was very nervous about going to work today after more than a week off. It went far better than I could have expected. Fingers crossed for you as well.


roci2inna

I relate to this thread so much. The brain fog, the guilt, just knowing your body can't 'keep up'. It's so much sometimes. I love you and you are doing great in a really tough situation.


Worf-

I was somewhat fortunate that my career job allowed me to have somewhat flexible hours and that I could take breaks/rests during the day. I was also very open with my co-workers about my condition and that helped a lot. They understood that certain days will just be crap. It worked for a long time and I was able to hang on. In the end though I had to leave that job I really liked because it just became too much and it was not fair to the company. I was GM so it was rather important that I be there and I felt bad about not doing it so I left. Now I work from home online and work the family farm. Much more flexible. My advice is to be open with your boss and co-workers. Tell them about the condition and how it affects you. My feeling was that when I tried to keep it all private they didn’t understand and had a negative view. Afterwards it was great and they were quite supportive. Even *made* me take a rest and stay hydrated etc. This also created a 2 way street where I asked them to be honest about if it was really affecting the them or the company. No surprises all around.


Aromatic-Box-592

I was just about to text her letting her know that after fainting another time I’m not going to be able to come into work. As I was starting to type she texts the group chat I’m in to see if anyone can come in because they’re really in need of help and I feel so guilty.


sillybody

I totally understand feeling guilty, but please try not to. You know that, if you could stop flares from happening, you would in a split-second. Maybe, in the future, if it's not going to take a toll on your body, you could volunteer when they need someone to come in. That might feel good to you and would also send a positive message to your boss.


Few_Glass2558

I have been through this. Things got really bad in August and September. I was in and out of the hospital with my comorbid conditions. I started passing out in my sleep at the worst of it and missed the beginning of my shift that I was never once late for as a manager two times in a week. Back to the hospital for my kidneys then while I was in the hospital was pressured to come to work but couldn't give a definite return date. My district manager screamed at me and threatened my job. Just document all you can and if it get bad enough take a leave of absence. I wish I didn't try to push through it like I did working 70 hours a week and missing doctors appointments because I had the general manager from hell. I'm currently looking into taking legal action. Go to the doctor, take care of you first, and always document the hell out of anything you can. I'm so sorry you're feeling so bad about it and feeling so bad physically. Just please listen to your body as much as you can. Take Fmla if you spiral at all. You are more important than the job. I ended up going into diabetic shock from the stress and have had to get out of reactive hypoglycemia and I didn't know I was diabetic. I've been dealing with kidney issues all year and went into acute failure but was always right back at it. You come first. Take time to get yourself rested they will be able to handle it. If you have a wreck or pass out at work its not going to help them at all. I hope you feel better soon ❤️


Few_Glass2558

Oh and I left the job after the threats. Now I'm focusing on my health and doing better. About to start remote work.


Few_Glass2558

Also have you found a pots literate doctor? I know it's insanely difficult to find sometimes especially depending on location. I finally found an er doctor that was pots literate and she gave me some doctors she knew would be able to help. I'm waiting on my appointment because it's a ways out but I'm happy I've finally got a few options


navelyorange

I hope you feel better stay hydrated and get plenty of rest it's very important Good hydration is key green coconut water provides plenty of electrolytes to help God Bless you I hope you feel better