Taking sick days for periods

[Stotar]

I had a long post written here but it got lost.

I work in the care industry and it can be so abusive and demoralising. The hours can be long and often overworked with long hours and just general abuse from bosses.

The first day or two of my period can be heavy and my issue is that sometimes I am not even allowed a toilet break. Down on paper it says I am but in practice I am not. Or sometimes I might only get a small opportunity in the morning to change a pad and then I might be kept late working and I can be wearing the same pad for 6/7/8/9 hours and it can be so uncomfortable then.

I hate how I have to look after everyone else's needs but i am not afforded the same courtesy and respect to carry out my own sanitary needs and to freshen up.

I am thinking from now on when I get my periods especially for the first day or two or three when it's the most heaviest to take sick days.

I hate soaking through pads.

I rely on my bosses to come and relive me of my day and of my duties but I have been reminded there that the place will be run on skelton staff while they party it up for the summer and go on golf trips.

Does anyone here take sick days for periods?

No. And before my Mirena, my periods were horrific.

The issue is being allowed breaks to change tampons etc. You need to raise this.

If you took time off for each of 3 months where I work, you’d be heading for disciplinary action.

My friend is a nurse and she often struggles as well, despite all procedures in place, she just doesn't get the time.

She invested in 24hr period pants. At least she isn't worried about leaks anymore, not that it really helps with the fact that they aren't able to take the necessary breaks.

Do raise it though with HR, your boss, union (if you are in one).

I would raise it as a grievance.. Your sickness record is going to trash otherwise .

one of the reasons I gave up care was so many years but I needed some care myself .