Monday, May 14, 2007

Sick of Being Sick

I have been struggling with chronic IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) for the past couple of years and for the last few months it has really been debilitating. In fact, I am on FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) protection which means if I am sick and out of sick leave, I can be absent from work and my job and benefits are protected. This is truly a blessing to us... because although my paycheck suffers (big time... I normally take home $1900 per month and for April I took home $537. Gulp!) my job is safe and my benefits are still provided. However, it is very stressful to be sick - Take last week, I was out for 4 days... Yikes.

The hardest part is that stress and anxiety exacerbate the condition - so, it wasn't pleasant to come in to work this morning and have one of my co-workers give me the silent treatment. Apparently, she thinks I get sick just to make her life hard... Which is hurtful to me because I try so hard to be a team player and to leave work on my desk with thorough and complete notes or instructions... Oh well, what doesn't kill me makes me stronger... Right?

1 comment:

Margo Clift said...

I am very sorry to hear that you have been so ill. Andrea also has had IBS most of her life. It is very difficult.
I do hope that your job remains secure. And that your co-workers can be a little kinder.
People that never get ill just do not understand how really hard it is, on the individual as well as family members and the whole dynamics of a relationship, whether at home or at work.
I am sure that you are a very conscientious employee. You always have been.
It is true that trials will either make us stronger or weaker.
I pray that you become stronger and that you can have relief from this condition.
Good grief, isn't the silent treatment a little "high school"? Sounds like you work with a very imature
person.
Feelings are very tender. They need nurturing, not damaging.
Sometimes it is hard to just "kill them with kindness" but it usually makes you feel better.
Our prayers are always with you.
Love Mom