Called in sick...a continuation

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-22-2005
Called in sick...a continuation
6
Thu, 10-19-2006 - 12:25pm

took the meds last night and I slept great except fort he fact that my work called me 2 or 3 times because the person I spoke to the night before never put me down on the sick log. I woke up and felt so groggy (but it was a good feeling) like I slept so good that I wanted more sleep. It took me a few minutes to get adjusted and walking upstairs was kind of hard lol
Anyway, I felt good until about an hour ago when my old department manager called me and kind of gave me a hard time about calling in calling me a sissy (but not in such nice terms). He then told me that I was going to get employee of the month until this happened. I told him that it was kidney stones and that I had to take percocet which is why I couldn't come in last night. I will take my Xanax in tomorrow and show them that too and explain that the percocet is for night and the Xanax (since it is the time released kind) is for the day to help me deal with my "kidney stone" pains.
The thin is I want to move up to work but being the way I am makes me thin it will be impossible and I will be stuck being a pee-on forever. So now I am feeling totally guilty about calling out that I even offered to work 6 days next week to make up for today and hope that they won't count it as a sick call.
Oh and get this. While I am talking to the manager he tells me that the store manager wants to talk tome but it is really the girl that I have been having the whole flirting thing with!!! It was weird and felt uncomfortable.
Now I feel bad hat I called out and know that I should have just went in and waited until today to start my meds/ I did have to pull my daughters tooth and that happened around 10:30 but still. I feel like a bad employee. And I wouldn't mind FMLA just for the days when I feel that I can't get to work but won't my employer than know what is actually wrong with me? I am too ashamed and embarassed to allow that to happen. So while I dson't feel panic and/or anxiety right now I do feel guilt for calling in sick when they depend on me so much.

Take care,
Rob

P.S. Made a new thread for this too.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-22-2005
Thu, 10-19-2006 - 1:17pm
Hi Rob. I don't know you but wanted to reassure you that you're not alone. You are not a 'sissy' for being unable to go to work while suffering with this disorder.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-22-2005
Thu, 10-19-2006 - 1:25pm

Thanks...in my post I stated that I was going to use the excuse of kidney stones as why I called out and was going to use the Xanax. However, my wife informed me that it would be a bad idea because Xanax is not used for pain relief but rather for depression. Guess I am not too bright but thankfully my wife is. I can only imagine going to work and looking like an idiot :)

Yeah, I feel real good right now and hopefully through the meds, therapy, and any behavioral modifications I can finally feel like me again.

Take care,
Rob

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Thu, 10-19-2006 - 1:36pm

I know the pressure you must feel, Rob. It is worse for men who are the sole providers for their families. I missed alot of time from work near the end of my marriage. I was being physically abused & simply couldn't show up looking as I did. I can feel the guilt as I type this, because I did leave my co-workers in the lurch. It was an embarrassing situation & I wouldn't have told anyone for the world. I finally did take a leave.


That being said, I am not sure of the in's & out's of this FMLA. I do know that it

 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 11-22-2005
Thu, 10-19-2006 - 2:00pm
Xanax is used more for anxiety than depression because it's a tranquilizer. It's also a controlled substance.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-22-2005
Thu, 10-19-2006 - 2:28pm

The EAP is confidential. My employer has no idea that I am using it. However, the FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) may be an entirely different story. Basically it is a note from a doctor (I assume) stating that you are permitted to miss work for an indisclosed period of time without repercussion. Now I know someone at work whose wife suffers from anxiety/depression (or something in that nature) and he is permitted 180 days out of the year where he can call in sick and not have it held against him. Of course he only gets paid for those days if he uses sick time or vacation. I do know that my employer hates the fact thata he has the FMLA and they always make nasty comments about him and think he is simply abusing it. But, I know what it is like to have this as you all do and I know that there are plenty of days where I have to force myself to work out of fear of getting in trouble or losing my job over this. Plus I have called out many times in my career with this company and it is ususally always due to my anxiety/depression. If I knew that I could get enrolled in EAP and my employer did not need to know why than I would certainly look into it.

Take care,
Rob

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Thu, 10-19-2006 - 5:03pm

I've been in your situation, too, Rob & I know how hard it is.

Sheri Ann