Feel to unwell to go to London tomorrow but no idea how to get out of it

[unsureaboutmyheart]

I have been working with a start-up brand and have organised their first photoshoot for tomorrow, for which I need to attend. However the past couple of days I’ve been really struggling and really don’t feel like I will cope with an 8 hour day in London and a two hour commute each way.
I need to be there because I am supposed to be managing it and have asked all of my team if they can cover but nobody can.

For the last couple of days I’ve been feeling really weak and breathless even walking to the kitchen. I have consistent tachycardia which is making my breathlessness harder to deal with. I’ve also had explosive diarrhoea however today feel so constipated despite having the urge to go and am bleeding from my rectum whenever I try and fail to go. I’m just passing blood and some stool but not emptying my bowels completely. It’s just sort of falling out with the blood.

I have Crohn’s but it’s been okay recently up until this week, but I’m not sure it’s a flare because it doesn’t feel ‘normal’ for me, and I never struggle with constipation.

I don’t know how I will cope getting breathless so easily and feeling how I do. But it’s my business and I would be so embarrassed to let them down.

I was wondering if anyone has any solutions on how to deal with this, it feels like I’m 100% going to have to go.

Please help!

I was about to come on and suggest asking the photographer to step in and director and shoot, depending on their experience level, as suggested above they could send you shots, keep you on FaceTime etc.

I understand bringing in freelance support wouldn't work as all of the profits would be zapped.

Or could you maybe do a half day? Make sure it's running smoothly and excuse yourself.

Do you think some of the symptoms could be stress? I'm in the same industry as you and the pressure is huge on these days, I always got flare ups prior to shoots and long travel.

Sending you big hugs whichever way you decide I'm sure it will be fab and work out well.

Could you join the meeting by teams ?

I had read the OPs replies. Their reasons for not covering were around childcare. They did write a non-specific post about offering £ but to be honest, it would need to be significant. If they pay 40%+ tax and/or have childcare costs to cover, it’s not much of an incentive. I would not inconvenience myself for what I see take home, hence why I suggested different types of bonus, like time off, cover childcare costs, etc.

Tachycardia and breathless. You need medical help. Could be anaemic.

Unless you are the photographer, you do not have to go. You can manage the situation over the phone.
Tell them your stomach is sick and you can’t be there but will be on zoom instead today. Nobody will mind and the stress is making you worse I would say.

(I get breathless when short of iron)

And go to the doctor!!!!!!!!!

Agh. Remember in 3 years this won't matter.

Hope you are ok.X

How did you get on today OP?