Sara_H
Guru
Many years ago I had a miscarriage. The evening I started bleeding, after speaking to my GP who basically said, bad luck and booked me into the EPU the following morning, I rang in sick for my shift the following day. The nurse in charge I spoke to asked me if I was sure I couldn't make it in as the unit was busy.There was a fella at the last place I worked who was off sick a lot. Almost everyone thought he was malingering. I knew he didn't like the job much. He was complaining about a mysterious back pain. After a couple of years I began to believe he was putting it on and using the system. Then came the diagnosis - a malignant tumour in his spine. He died, shortly after, a very painful death.
These days if someone rings in sick I say 'Get well soon.'
Of course, she didn't know I was in shock and losing my much longed for, planned for baby - but I'll never forget the additional kick in the ribs that I felt when she said that.
(ha ha! Fourteen years ago, I know how to hold a grudge).