I want to make this more positive so I will avoid using words that are of a negative association. So instead of saying I am sick, I will say I am having health issues. Over the last 5 months I have had some wellness challenges. First, I had a flare up with a slipped disc on my lower back when I was working a weekend stint. Then a couple of months ago I had an issue with my wrist tendon, also when I was doing a weekend. Then over the last 3 weeks I have had abdominal pains at work. On a few occasions I was in so much pain all I could do was curl up into a ball and shake waiting, no praying for it to pass. Which eventually it does fade into a dull discomfort enough for me to resume work.
I chalked it up to work stress and came to the realisation that I was also depressed from missing out on time with my daughters. I made a choice then that I had to find a job that allows me to see my children instead of limiting it. I felt a weight lift off my shoulders as soon as I made this decision. So I tell my boss that though I'm not quitting yet, he should know that I am starting to look for a more family friendly roster kind of job. I wasn't feeling so stressed anymore.
I still ended up presenting at hospital emergency with severe abdominal pain - on my day off no less. After 3 days of being processed through the public health system, it seems I have gallstones as well as anaemia. I still need to see a specialist for additional exploratory procedures and treatment.
All my life I have never been ill enough to warrant going to hospital. Injuries yes, but never my body succumbing to sickness. I may be looking at an endoscopy and a colonoscopy. So far, these can be day procedures, so hopefully I never have to spend the night in hospital. For that I am grateful.
ps. I called my boss to update him and he was very supportive. He said "You look after you."
