Endometriosis Support Group

Endometriosis is a common medical condition where the tissue lining the uterus is found outside of the uterus, typically affecting other organs in the pelvis. The condition can lead to serious health problems, primarily pain and infertility. A major symptom of endometriosis is pain, mostly in the lower abdomen, lower back, and pelvic area.

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Is your workplace understanding? Mine isn't!

Jaydee28
Jaydee28
I've had endo pains for a few years now and they've recently come back beginning of this year. The pain is so intense that it literally knocks the wind out of me. Unfortunately my workplace is being really cruel about it. They are complaining about my lack of attendance at work despite the fact that I get all my work done with great quality. A fact they even admitted to me "We really like your work, everyone thinks what you produce is great and you get all your tasks done on time but you're not here all the time"... Well duh! I'm sick!

I feel like shouldn't you be thankful and recognize me for my commitment that I've gotten all my work done on time DESPITE the fact that I have a debilitating condition!

I told them that, and they kept talking around in circles about attendance with no consideration to my condition at all. Actually, they didn't even want to talk about it. It's ridiculous and it's discrimination to the core! I'm so pissed.

Have any of you had trouble at work? How did you guys deal with it and help them understand the condition?
deleted_user
deleted_user
Did you give them a letter from your doctor about making flexible work hours or arrangements? I would send an email and keep a copy of all related correspondances and about your work quality. That way if they let you go you can sue them. Maybe let them know something to the effect that you are trying the very best you can while living with chronic daily pain. Just some thoughts - you have to look out for number 1 and that's you!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Or a note from your doc saying you have debilitating pain. Something to that effect....
Jaydee28
Jaydee28
I've sent through all the proper documentation about my illness and told them it was chronic, they even had to call my husband one day to pick me because it was so bad. So you would think they would know. I guess they just don't care. But I'm definitely going to go through all my emails now, just in case they do try something dodgy. It just sucks, my last workplace was so understanding when I first found out I had endo.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Most people just don't quite get it. They think we are just complaining about some little period pain. Just CYA at all times and do your best like you already are.
hotchocolate
hotchocolate
Every job is different, so it is really hard to compare. I'm a teacher so attendance is really important. I told my principal a bit about endo...enough for him to know he doesn't really want to know all the details! ;) I work really, really hard whenever possible. My principal knows I come in when I am not feeling well and it takes a lot for me to stay home. When I am feeling well, I give 110%. When I am not feeling well, I do what I can.

Do you feel your attendance really affects your work? Is there a way you could work from home when you aren't feeling well?

Many people just don't get it. If you don't have chronic pain, you don't understand it. Hope your situation gets better!
Alana3
Alana3
I work for my dad and he even gets weird with it but when I went nuts a few weeks ago I took some time off just as long as I dont take advantage of the situation
deleted_user
deleted_user
I know your feeling. I just starting working and it's so hard to get out of bed in the mornings. I am always in constant back and abdominal pain. I was up all night last night with excruciating pain but am here today. Why?!? I don't know. And then, I have this other person coming by my desk saying "good morning" but with a look. WTF!!! Will def get my doctors note for my 6 months evaluations.