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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not go to work for this embarrassing reason..

34 replies

warriornotworrier · 21/07/2023 02:36

I'm due in work at 9am. I've suffered with painful piles for years, recently had them banded to no avail.
It's 2.30am and I'm in agony with them. Anusol, hot water bottle, paracetamol and I still can't sleep. I'm on my feet all day at work, and standing makes it worse.
AIBU if I call in sick tomorrow?

OP posts:
coxesorangepippin · 21/07/2023 02:37

Yanbu

Do it

Eileen101 · 21/07/2023 02:38

Yanbu! Call in sick and get thee to the drs!

lemmein · 21/07/2023 02:39

Of course you should call in sick, you are in extreme pain. Sickness doesn't just mean contagious.

I hope you get sorted soon, it sounds really painful.

Original poster
warriornotworrier · 21/07/2023 02:43

I've had them for years but the birth of my 2 children (and maybe jobs in recent years where I'm on my feet) have made them worse. The banding was so painful and I thought it had helped, but I had an upset stomach on Wednesday meaning I spent a lot of time on the toilet and it's obviously made then flare up. I can't hardly stand and even turning over in bed must make me clench or something and it causes it to hurt Blush I'm not exactly sure whether to be honest or not about the reason why I can't make it in!

OP posts:
Carryonkeepinggoing · 21/07/2023 02:45

Call it gastrointestinal issues if you feel you need to give a reason and get yourself checked out by your dr asap.

BettySpencer2023 · 21/07/2023 02:56

Definitely call in sick you poor thing. You dont have to explain yourself surely. Just say you're sick or you have a few personal lady problems or something. I hope you get it resolved. I really feel for you x

LadyJ2023 · 21/07/2023 02:58

Not sure why your suffering all this time when they can be surgically removed and fixed also

Changethetoner · 21/07/2023 04:35

LadyJ2023 · 21/07/2023 02:58

Not sure why your suffering all this time when they can be surgically removed and fixed also

Maybe because the surgical procedure is one of the most painful and horrific to recover from. It is not a simple decision. LadyJ have you personal experience of it?

TortolaParadise · 21/07/2023 05:00

Carryonkeepinggoing · 21/07/2023 02:45

Call it gastrointestinal issues if you feel you need to give a reason and get yourself checked out by your dr asap.

This. The reason also gives room for it to last as long as needed for you to feel comfortable.

oviraptor21 · 21/07/2023 05:04

Changethetoner · 21/07/2023 04:35

Maybe because the surgical procedure is one of the most painful and horrific to recover from. It is not a simple decision. LadyJ have you personal experience of it?

Show quote history

Yes the procedure is horrific to recover from. But agonising piles are also horrific.
Best op I ever had despite the recovery period. Would do it all again in a flash if needed. Fortunately not looking necessary yet, six years down the line.

Summerslimtime · 21/07/2023 05:11

Have you tried frozen veg in a freezer bag, rolled up like a sausage?

Also doubles as a healthy snack for later.

MrsMonkeyBear · 21/07/2023 05:13

Call in sick and go to the doctors.

I so feel your pain. I too suffer from piles and they recently got so bad that only the prescription strength suppositories from the GP sorted them (Scheriproct) as even the steroid Anusol didn't work. The nurse visibly winced when she took a look.

I had to take 2 days off work in the end as I'm on my feet for 95% of my day. I used cold rather than heat to ease the pain and found ibuprofen better than paracetamol.

DimeStoreHooker · 21/07/2023 05:13

Don't go in, you're in pain

queenatom · 21/07/2023 05:15

warriornotworrier · 21/07/2023 02:43

I've had them for years but the birth of my 2 children (and maybe jobs in recent years where I'm on my feet) have made them worse. The banding was so painful and I thought it had helped, but I had an upset stomach on Wednesday meaning I spent a lot of time on the toilet and it's obviously made then flare up. I can't hardly stand and even turning over in bed must make me clench or something and it causes it to hurt Blush I'm not exactly sure whether to be honest or not about the reason why I can't make it in!

This is definitely a legitimate reason to call in unwell - it sounds like you are in too much pain to be able to work effectively. I don't think you need to go into details, I think you can frame it as having a flare up of a chronic pain condition that you haven't been able to get under control using your usual tactics.

LoveSick64 · 21/07/2023 05:21

Hope you feel better soon OP.

Fraaahnces · 21/07/2023 06:27

Don’t put hot water bottles on it… it will increase circulation to the area and potentially increase bleeding and swelling. You need ice packs asap.

Fairyliz · 21/07/2023 06:55

Eileen101 · 21/07/2023 02:38

Yanbu! Call in sick and get thee to the drs!

I think the op will have got to retirement age before she can get an appointment where I live.

noglow · 21/07/2023 06:57

BettySpencer2023 · 21/07/2023 02:56

Definitely call in sick you poor thing. You dont have to explain yourself surely. Just say you're sick or you have a few personal lady problems or something. I hope you get it resolved. I really feel for you x

Don't call it "lady problems" if its isn't

Mayhem3 · 21/07/2023 06:59

LadyJ2023 · 21/07/2023 02:58

Not sure why your suffering all this time when they can be surgically removed and fixed also

I think getting them removed is almost impossible these days.

Even getting an actual gp appointment is a rare occurrence.

Definitely call in sick and I’d say you’ve vomited which gives you 2 days off.

Sugarfree23 · 21/07/2023 07:10

Definitely call in sick, just don't say its piles, be vague in what you say.

I still remember someone giggling that someone else was off sick because "their piles had dropped" . I still have no idea what that actually means.

HairMb · 21/07/2023 07:14

Sugarfree23 · 21/07/2023 07:10

Definitely call in sick, just don't say its piles, be vague in what you say.

I still remember someone giggling that someone else was off sick because "their piles had dropped" . I still have no idea what that actually means.

Unable to push back into rectum.

LlynTegid · 21/07/2023 07:15

Get to the doctors after calling in sick. Hope you can get treatment and get better soon.

Dreamsarereal · 21/07/2023 07:32

Horrendous pain, of course you can’t work. I use the suppositories you can buy over the counter and they work almost immediately. I always keep one in my bag!

ChrisPPancake · 21/07/2023 07:55

Definitely call in sick, if you're in that much pain there's no way you'll be able to work effectively. Agree with pps about ice not heat as well. And contact your GP as there may be more they can do for you. You probably already know this but take stool softeners if you need opiate based painkillers.
Also I'd suggest you speak with occupational health at work. I've no idea what job you do but they can help with reasonable adjustments and support with long term conditions.

tealady · 21/07/2023 07:58

Definitely yanbu. Call in sick - gastro bug to save details. Piles treatment plus painkillers then try and rest prefrably feet up position . Lie down on the bed pillows under your legs to try and relieve any downward pressure. Maybe a call to the drs especially if you think something worse might be going on after your recent treatment?
The creams/sprays with steroids are good for relieving pain - but I can't remember if they are prescription only. Do not try and go to work as that is just going to make things worse. Poor you