Will the doctor laugh me out of her office?

[Wonkytrolley]

Hi Everyone

New mum-to-be here :)

I've had really bad nausea since we found out I was pregnant two weeks ago, although haven't actually been sick. Fortunately (you could say) I've been on holiday the last two weeks, so have been able to flop about on the sofa and sleep for England.

I'm supposed to go back to work on Monday, and hopefully I'll be feeling better, but if I feel like I do now, I just can't imagine even getting into the office, let alone being there all day pretending I'm fine. I manage a team of 11, so not the sort of job where I can just keep in the background.

If I go to the doctor on Monday, and ask to be signed off work for a week, is she likely to laugh at me? I know I'm lucky not to have actually been sick, and I'm sure many women have it worse than me, but I'm just so tired and nauseous.

Any advice on your experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks

Wonky

Not sure if they'd sign you off, but might be worth asking for something to help with the nausea? I had very bad nausea, like you no vomiting at all, and felt like death. I got prescribed something for the nausea (I think it was cyclizine) which made a big difference. It didn't take it away completely but it made life bearable.

I dont know - she might. I had a friend who was never actually sick - but felt like utter trip and on the worlds worst hangover - she was off for a few weeks until she got over the worst of it. It is certainly worth going, seeing and being frank about how you feel. It may also help to explain your commute to them, what you do, if you have any other kids etc. In my experience mostly docs will do what they can to help you out. Good luck!!!

I meant to say tripe... having a shocking day with spelling today. I spent ten minutes looking in fridge for cheese earlier, concluded cheese had been eaten, got very upset, made cup of tea to feel better, found said cheese at direct eyeline as you open fridge, to get milk for tea. oh dear....

No your GP shouldn't laugh at your request!

Lay it on thick about how bad you're feeling (I don't mean exaggerate - I just mean don't do the usual oh-it's-not-so-bad British thing). Be very clear that you don't feel you're able to work. And don't feel cheeky or bad.

You're pregnant - it affects everyone differently. Some women feel mainly ok. Others (like me) feel fucking exhausted throughout with a nice smattering of dizzy spells/room spinning moments. And some are really, really unwell.

Go and ask for some time off with every confidence because its your right.

You have my sympathy. I too suffered extreme nausea 24/7 for two months - but never threw up, sometimes I wished I would in case it relieved it! Felt and looked like death warmed up, struggled to function but felt I couldn't complain as it was "only" nausea.

Wish I had gone to the GP as I didn't realise there was actually anything they could have given me, I thought it was all for people with Hyperemesis!

Thanks everyone, I've made an appointment to see the doctor today, as if she can give me something for the nausea, hopefully it will have kicked in by Monday. I think I could cope at work with one or the other (sickness or fatigue) but dealing with both would be a nightmare.

Thanks again

Wonky

My doctor was really understanding, and said that if I felt like I couldn't go to work she would sign me off for a couple of weeks. I said I'd try going in on Monday and see how I feel - she said she'd arrange a sick note over the phone if I needed one, so didn't even need to go back to see her.

I feel better just knowing I have that as a safety net :)

Wonky

That's great news!!! - and honestly if you don't feel up to it, take the time and rest up.