Long story short: I have a problem which causes recurrent miscarriages. I have had over 10 now.
With this comes not only the aftermath of each miscarriage, emotionally and medically but a lot of appointments in between, recurrent miscarriage clinics, genetics, antenatal, early scans etc...
I work 9-5 and have to have all of the above off. I would say I have at least a week off (not in one go) for various things mentioned above every few - couple of months.
I am now waiting in surgery to remove the products of my last miscarriage confirmed on Monday this week. Unfortunately as I have a fever and sore throat (complete coincidence) they wouldn't do this today and have rescheduled it for Wednesday or Friday next week depending how long my temp takes to come down. Therefore I have been off work this week and will likely be off for the majority if not all of next week (they have given me a note).
The last time I had a surgical management of miscarriage was in November last year and again I was off for about a week then waiting for and having the surgery.
I try not to take many 'emotional' days as possible but it's hard. I am depressed. When I have another miscarriage I spiral again for days afterwards. I've been off since Monday this week when it was confirmed again.
I know it's pregnancy related. I know I'm 'protected' in that respect. But I feel awful. I feel like I surely must be pissing them off now although they have been nothing but kind to be fair.
I'm not sure what the answer is because I can't and won't give up the fight for a child and this is what I have to go through in order to hopefully make it there so yes admittedly, work doesn't take priority right now. But should I be feeling bad? I feel like I'm desperately updating my managers all the time so they know I'm not lying/taking the mick.