Taking time off.

[Muddledmotherhood]

I work term time only but have spoken to my boss briefly (they’ve always got their head in the clouds and I don’t think they properly listen if I’m honest) about the fact that I suffer from extremely heavy periods, to the point where I leak through my clothes, bedding and sometimes on furniture. I work in a nursery so I am constantly on the move, which makes the bleeding heavier and it usually goes everywhere, during my heavy periods I normally have to take it really easy and not do much (this has been going 7 years and I’m still in the process of being diagnosed with endometriosis). Because I’m not officially diagnosed yet though can work refuse me time off during the heavy periods. I have explained to them about this issue when I first started, a month ago. But they have taken to mick with other things recently and even made me feel bad when I had to take a couple of days off because my child got a sickness bug, so I just feel like they aren’t going to take this seriously at all.

First of all nurseries are appalling at supporting staff absence/wellbeing. If you've worked in one before where they've been anything other than that then you're lucky. I have friends and family who have worked in various chains over the years who have all been treated horribly. Brush up on employment law so you know exactly where you stand and how to fight your corner.

If you are unwell with it and in lots of pain then yes take time off. If it's "just" the flow/heaviness then ask for reasonable adjustments, ie time to go to the toilet more frequently. I know this is hard with ratios. As a side note re this, ratios have currently been relaxed for the purpose of Covid and staffing issues. Regardless of whether of not you've been diagnosed, you are experiencing something you need support with.

What is your doctor doing? My sister has endo and I know what a gruelling process it is to get support. She ended up going private just to get the diagnosis and then went back to her GP for ongoing treatment. She was given tablets for the flow and also the huge pain that she experiences.

Nurseries are always struggling to take in staffing issues and personal problems, because they're often rushing off to cover in rooms, so I think your best succinctly telling them what's happening/the plan and what support you need.

Head on the clouds management.. sounds like all educational settings. Get Doctors certificate that’ll cover you. Not like you can help what you’re going through