Hi Ladies , I think I know what I have to do but I just don't really want to accept it.
So.... 12 years ago I was diagnosed with a degenerative hip condition, at best I have sciatica down both legs daily and at worst I have been unable to move and have paramedics out.
I was diagnosed with this condition as I left the army and service definatly made it worse as my bosses went against medical opinions and worked me to the ground 18-20 hour shifts on my feet not the 6 hours recommended by the doctor.
As a result of this I receive a substantial amount per month from the army ,more than my part time job in a school kitchen 27.5 hours I am the Catering supervisor. I absolutely love my job and feel the most settled in a work environment since leaving the forces. The part time hours gave me the best of both , working but not killing myself as I have good and bad days.
However, the past month my hip pain is getting worse. Yesterday was the first day back after half term within an hour of being home I could barely walk and my hips gave way several times whilst I was making tea.
I have called in sick today and said it is likely I'm going to be off for some time, I don't feel a kitchen is a safe environment for my condition for me or my staff right now as much as I hate to admit. I am booked in for an Mri on Friday to see how much my joints have deteriorated so what do I do? Do I go long term sick until surgery as this is likely . Or do I try and somehow get to a pain free level and go back next week. I really am not a shirker but I also know it's at a level it hasn't been before.
Thanks to my army sum financially we will be OK as my partner is on a decent wage, I just hate being at home all the time and as I said I absolutely love my job, please be honest and help me feel better about this :(