Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
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:
MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 09/05/2023 07:31

Yes of course. Hope you get an appt,ring 111 if you can't ,don't mess about with eyes.

dexterslockedintheshedagain · 09/05/2023 07:33

Absolutely. Conjunctivitis is HELL, and contagious, and staring at a screen all day will not help. You need those ABs and rest.
You're human, you're allowed to get ill! Hope it gets better soon for you x

Original poster
FuckParkdean · 09/05/2023 07:34

Thank you both. Isn't is insane that we live in a society where we prioritise work over our own health? I'll call in sick, and try my best to get a doctors appointment!

OP posts:
DeflatedAgain · 09/05/2023 07:35

Absolutely.

Your health and wellbeing comes first, always.

Bonnie90x · 09/05/2023 07:36

Sounds miserable, conjunctivitis in more severe forms can feel really debilitating!! Have you tried any chloramphenicol drops? It's likely the 1st thing the GP will prescribe but it's available over the counter.

As for work yes, it sounds miserable and if your vision is affected I'd take it off today.

readbooksdrinktea · 09/05/2023 07:36

You'd be unreasonable not to call in sick!

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.

RedRobin100 · 09/05/2023 07:38

You can’t see and you could be contagious.

of course call in sick

hope you get it sorted

Zingy123 · 09/05/2023 07:39

Just buy drops at the chemist.

90yomakeuproom · 09/05/2023 07:39

Yes call in sick. When you get the antibiotics drops in you'll start to feel better. They work pretty quick.

PiranhaTank · 09/05/2023 07:40

I would agree with going to pharmacy and getting an antibiotic. I was given a wee tube of cream at Boots. I also recommend cooled, boiled water with salt in. Wipe over each eye very regularly, it really works. If you're ill, stay off work.

Fleur405 · 09/05/2023 07:41

Not unreasonable at all to call in sick. But you don’t need a gp appointment- you can get antibiotic drops from a pharmacy.

AnImaginaryCat · 09/05/2023 07:43

Yes of course you should. You shouldn't attempt to work in an environment that'll strain your eyes more.

Also if it's contagious , it's a good idea that you don't go to work for the sake of your colleagues.

While you wait to get your appointment, cold tea bags might help relief the irritation in the intrum.

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.

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!

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

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:
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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

angelopal · 09/05/2023 08:00

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

Swipe left for the next trending thread