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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Sick day for this??

38 replies

FuckParkdean · 09/05/2023 07:30

My bloody eyes. I'm certain it's conjunctivitis, full of green gunk, cleaning every 10 mins and still producing. Feels like they are full of grit. Vision is cloudy/Smokey, I assume from the layer of crap on my eyes. They're so so red and sore, as is the skin around them.

I work in an office and look at my computer screen from 8:30-5.

My plan is the call the doctors at 8am and try and get an appointment, perhaps needing antibiotics as the over the counter drops aren't helping at all.

AIBU to have a sick day for this? In times like this, unpaid sick days aren't ideal and riddle me with guilt but my god my eyes are killing me and I'm so miserable!

OP posts:
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Inkblue · 09/05/2023 19:11

Check you don’t have Covid too as conjunctivitis is one of the signs of the latest variant.

dexterslockedintheshedagain · 09/05/2023 19:04

Great news! Now, get some rest! X

Original poster
FuckParkdean · 09/05/2023 16:10

Successfully got some antibiotics! Already feeling less gritty thankfully. Thanks for everyone's help!

OP posts:
Original poster
FuckParkdean · 09/05/2023 10:44

Thanks everyone. I went to the pharmacist who had a look and said that because there has been a change to my vision (the cloudy/smokiness) that I need to see a GP. I've managed to get a phone appointment for this afternoon some time, and I also mentioned about attending surgery for my daughters boosters and they said this will be fine, just sanitise before I enter and avoid touching my eyes.

Hopefully the GP can prescribe something even though it's only a phone call appointment!

OP posts:
dexterslockedintheshedagain · 09/05/2023 10:41

@FuckParkdean

Slightly off topic, but my daughter has her 3 year booster jabs this afternoon, should I avoid taking her to this as it's within the surgery or would it be okay to still take her?

I'd phone the surgery and ask their advice, but I think they'd probably say not to.
Also, I didn't know it might be a symptom of a new Covid variant, might be worth testing if you can.

NurseCranesRolodex · 09/05/2023 09:44

Of course you need to be off sick. Are you not entitled to paid sick leave? Conjunctivitis spreads on paper and is very contagious so please get treatment! It's also really depressing and irritating so for your MH get sorted. You can get antibiotic cream in pharmacy.

duvetcovereddissident · 09/05/2023 09:36

RocketIceLollie · 09/05/2023 07:37

You might do well to get seen at the doctor's today. You might have more success at your local pharmacy. They usually have a consultant there and can give you something to treat it.

This, you can get antibiotic drops from a pharmacist for this - if you can't get a GP appointment.

Underthemagnificentbeechtree · 09/05/2023 09:35

Conjunctivitis is a symptom of the new Covid variant, so that’s something else to consider.

coffeecupsandwaxmelts · 09/05/2023 09:34

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 09/05/2023 09:05

The OP says over the counter drops aren't helping.

Over the counter drops are different from the ones that pharmacists can prescribe.

Snugglemonkey · 09/05/2023 09:32

Why is this a question? Rest those poor eyes! Get of Mn too!

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 09/05/2023 09:05

The OP says over the counter drops aren't helping.

VisionsOfSplendour · 09/05/2023 08:06

I certainly wouldn't go to the GP, they are under enough strain, when a pharmacist will be much quicker and easier

It sounds like you can't do you job so of course you have to call in sick

UnsolicitedOpinions · 09/05/2023 08:01

You may find that your area has a service where opticians do this rather than GP. My advice would be to give your local Boots Opticians a call. If there is a local scheme they will be on it, and you’ll be in the right place to buy the antibiotics if needed afterwards!

angelopal · 09/05/2023 08:00

Also you could try your opticians. They can prescribe for eye issues.

toothbrusher · 09/05/2023 08:00

The pharmacy can sell you antibiotic eye drops so I'd try that first. Lots of people with covid are also getting conjunctivitis at the mo so is bear that in mind if you know anyone vulnerable

Chlobo89 · 09/05/2023 07:59

You can buy chloramphenicol drops over the counter you just need to ask for them as they are normally kept in the fridge. You dont need a GP appointment.

BelindaBears · 09/05/2023 07:58

I wouldn’t bother with the GP as they’ll only prescribe you what you can buy from the pharmacist. But I wouldn’t go into the office. Sounds really painful, hope you feel better soon.

Alex Drake · 09/05/2023 07:57

I always have conjunctivitis at the moment, woke up with it yesterday morning. Went to the chemist and spoke to the pharmacist who prescribed me antibiotic drops to be taken every hour for two days then 4 times a day over the next week. It has started to work a treat already.

Lonecatwithkitten · 09/05/2023 07:56

Consider hay fever I get like this when my hay fever is really bad I need steroid spray and anti histamines as well as choloramphenicol to clear it up.

CLEO42 · 09/05/2023 07:56

My area has a 'red eye service' which rotates around a few local opticians. If you call your local optician and ask about this they'll be able to tell you if its in place where you are and where you can phone for an appointment (same day). It's better than just going to a pharmacist as they can clinically assess your eye and use their equipment and they can prescribe. Good luck OP it sounds very sore and you should definitely call in sick

SpringNotSprung · 09/05/2023 07:50

Absolutely you need a sick day for this.

I would phone at 8am for a GP appointment today. Meanwhile I'd go to the pharmacist and see what they say. If they say you need the Dr, you have the appointment. If not, you can cancel it.

From what you have said I think you do need an appointment. If you can't get one, I'd see how much a private consultation will be if you don't get sick pay. An appointment today may save you money if otherwise you will be off for three days.

Original poster
FuckParkdean · 09/05/2023 07:47

I'll try the pharmacist then, see where we get.

Slightly off topic, but my daughter has her 3 year booster jabs this afternoon, should I avoid taking her to this as it's within the surgery or would it be okay to still take her?

OP posts:
catgirl1976 · 09/05/2023 07:47

Totally - none of your colleagues will thank you when they get it which they likely will given how contagious it is and how many things in an office will be touched by you and then other people plus you can’t see, you’re in discomfort and you need to get it seen to.

Dont feel guilty it’s the right thing not to go to work today for you and those your work with

coffeecupsandwaxmelts · 09/05/2023 07:46

A pharmacist will be able to give you the correct treatment - no need to see a doctor.

But yes, take a day off!

ZoBo2023 · 09/05/2023 07:45

I wouldn't bother with the doctor on the Tuesday after a bank holiday weekend, you will wait ages. Go to the pharmacy. The pharmacist can give you antibiotic drops over the counter for conjunctivitis. You could also try an optician if there is one near you.

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