Is it worth me asking for reasonable adjustments?

[Chefpig]

I have several gynae conditions- endometriosis, pcos, fibroids/polyps and endometrial hyperplasia. This means that at times I bleed vaginally for weeks, and sometimes months at a time. The bleeding is very heavy with blood clots. I.can easily bleeding though a maxi continence pad (I usually have three layered, one at thr front and two side by side at the back as that much blood often goes backwards and up my lower back).

I have two days a week written into my contract for wfh. I'm flexible with the days and times as other colleagues get one, but I negotiated two when I wanted to move further afield.

Today I'm not going anywhere. The bathroom this morning looked liked a murder scene with blood everywhere despite me taking medication (tranexamic acid) yesterday and then a dose in the early hours.

I am going to wfh today. As I book my train tickets in advance as it works out much cheaper than a season ticket, my tickets are non amendable.

Would it be wise for me to get it as a reasonable adjustment that I can wfh more than my allocated two days per week when I have a flare up?

That is a very reasonable reasonable adjustment. Yes you should ask for it.

You are entitled to ask. I would request a formal OH assessment so that everything is documented.

Absolutely yes. You should be protected under the equality act so they’ll have to really seriously consider it. is there any reason why you can’t complete your duties when wfh?
I would also explain to them that this is categorically NOT you trying to get FT WFH dispensation but it’s not possible or logistically practical for you to travel when bleeding like this. Assure them you’re pursuing it with your doctors too.

Yes, as PP said request an OH assessment first. Employers will struggle to decline RA if an OH has said they are needed.

Absolutely OP. Best of luck, that sounds really hard.

I think you should ask for a reasonable adjustment, I assume you are having what medical treatment is available (or will have).

I think by asking it should not be never going into the office, which whilst you should not have to frame it that way, probably means more likelihood of it being accepted.

Very reasonable

but wouldn’t need to be every week, just when you have your period

Yes absolutely

I chanced upon a segment on radio 4 womens hour about this very thing the other day: was really interesting https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002q38p

Featured someone with endo who had been to employment tribunal and won, re being dismissed

Definitely. You could also speak to your GP about getting a fit note to reflect this

Thank you all so much. I've made the request and will await the outcome. A few weeks ago I ended up going home and despite thick pads, the blood soaked my leggings through to my knees. Just knowing I'd have that time to wfh if things were bad would be such a reassurance.

For some people this can happen every week

Seems reasons me but also to be allowed more general flexibility eg wfh 3 days one week only one the next , flexibility going both ways can be the best way forward

Yes. I've been bleeding continuously for more than three weeks now. It's relentless. Changing my incontinence pads every 20 minutes or more because the blood goes whoooosh.

Even so, I've only worked from home because of my gynae issues (or any other health issue) outside of my usual allocated two days a week in my six years of working there two times so I hope they can see I'm not just trying to work from home more. I actually hate working from home. I thrive in the team environment. My uterus and ovaries don't want me to enjoy my working or personal life, however.