Taking a Medical Leave

Updated on April 01, 2008
M.P. asks from Phoenix, AZ
9 answers

I am older than most of the women on here but I have a question that someone might be able to help me with.
in august I developed for the first time in my life a female problem-- I bled alot for months with very few breaks in between--- I eventually got that fixed with surgery. then I got a horrible cold that got me down for a month then I got somewhat better and then got the flu--- I never had the flu that bad in recent history. --- I am wndering what will happen next --- I am thinking that my life is effecting my health and my health is effecting my life so it is a vicious circle. I am feeling like I am on the verge of a break down and I certainly do not want that. I am thinking that maybe a short leave might help fix it. maybe not having the worries of going to work and just concentrating on me for a change might help

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So What Happened?

I decided to take a few days off and just do nothing and just not be busy or sick which is how I always spend my days off... I was able to have off friday til wednesday I went back to work on thursday because work was short handed and I did feel like I was ready to return. I am feeling great so far so good. when I got back my boss and I talked and he told me to keep in mind the many resources our business puts in place for our mental health. I told him I felt like I was not there yet. and thanks everyone for all saying this was a good idea. I spent part of the time in tempe at the arts festival walking around and listening to the music really cool place.

More Answers

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K.J.

answers from Phoenix on

If you are not taking vitamins, take a multi vitamin and an additional 1000mg of vitamin C to boost your immune system. Emergen-C is a powder that comes in packets and works immediately to boost the immune system, just mix with water.

1 mom found this helpful
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R.Z.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi M., looks like your body is trying to tell you to take time for yourself. Often when we've devoted our lives to raising kids we forget to do that and we feel guilty for it. DON'T! Take some time for yourself, but take that time to be active and eat healthy foods and sleep properly. Try to get outside and enjoy just being peaceful and reconnecting with who you are. Sounds to me like you just need some time to figure out where you are now and realize your value. Then when you've done that, remember to make yourself a priority. Take some time to pamper yourself, I'm sure after raising 4 kids you deserve it. BTW, I'm 42, have a 21 year old and an 11 year old and sometimes fall victim to not taking time for myself either. Trust me, fresh air, exercise, good food and sleep will go a long way to helping you feel renewed :) Have a great weekend!

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E.R.

answers from Phoenix on

Sounds pretty classic. I just turned 50, seems I may have a great decade. I think through the 40's were the hardest ever. Feel free to contact me at ____@____.com more thing. Humor, humor, humor, and holding on to God, or maybe Him hanging on to me helped me to the other side.

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D.A.

answers from Sacramento on

Hi M.,

I had a lot of problems for quite a little while. While stress can be a huge factor in weakening the immune system and the time it takes to get better, it can be done with or without the medical leave. If you feel that taking a medical leave from work would be beneficial without jeapordizing your job, I say go for it. In the mean time, get some suplements from a good source that can help boost your immune. I love the vitamin stores, they can be great when it comes to finding a natural answer to some of lifes problems. One of the best things I have found to help ease stress and muscle aches is a herb called Valerian root. This herb should never be taken by a pregnant woman as it could cause her to go into labor too early, other than that there really aren't any side affects to it. Good luck and God bless

1 mom found this helpful
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C.S.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi M.,
I can hear you hearing your body say that it needs a rest. You are well on your way to recovery by realizing that. There are other ways to help your body restore and heal itself, which is what it is always trying to do. So many times we thwart it by removing the symptoms but not getting to the cause. Then the body sends us another symptom, but if we keep eliminating the symptom without getting to the cause, it is like putting out the fire alarms without putting out the fire. Take the rest you need, and while you do, build your body back up with highly nutritious food. Take some of the time to also do some of the things you really enjoy. Our bodies heal while we sleep, so be sure to get enough! There are also herbs that will assist your body to rebuild. Sometime taking care of ourselves is the hardest job there is, but it is also very rewarding. Let me know how you are doing, M.. Blessings to you.

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R.W.

answers from Phoenix on

I had to take a medical leave while I was pregnant due to complications and I noticed immedietely a huge difference. I was able to just focus on myself and my pregnancy and I felt so much better! I would reccomend it for you. Take some time for yourself and recover slowly without worrying about work!

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B.C.

answers from Phoenix on

Good morning M.,

I am also up there in age....hehe! I have felt like you do many times and I have been through alot in my life and the only answer is our Lord Jesus...He has helped me through the roughest times..You need to slow down and take care of your body, mind and soul....I have 4 grown children, 9 grandchildren (and 10 on the way) and I work two jobs....sometimes I just take a week end and go somewhere by myself (single) and just meditate and relax..I will be praying for you.

B.

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P.B.

answers from Phoenix on

You deserve to take time out for you to rejuvinate and relax. It is time to take care of you. Who better for the job? Take a cruise, go somewhere you always wanted to go. Visit museums or parks. Grab a book and find a quiet spot to read. Go to the lake for the afternoon and just enjoy the quiet. Do something just for you. It does not have to be something exotic or expensive. Spend time on yourself.

Four years ago I went on a cruise with a friend. It was a relaxing 8 days away from the house, kids (all grown), no cell phone or tv (if I so chose). Eating wonderfully prepared food (I did not prepare it), taking walks in the ports of call. It was relaxing and fun.

Take my advice. Take time out for you. Even if it is just one afternoon a week or just for a weekend. You deserve it.

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S.S.

answers from Phoenix on

I know exactly how you feel. I went through the same cycle with the sickness, and I agree I have never been that sick in my life. I am still in the tail end of it all 2and 1/2 months later.
If you need a break and you can afford to do it ... YES!!!
I ask you to do one thing please while you are off. Get all of your tests done for your health, Mammogram, Pap, Exc. Then get all of your vitamins together and ask a nutritionist if they are doing you any good.

Excuse me if I am seeming too forward, but when I was reading your letter, I felt an overwhelming need to say this to you. I can't get over how your statement; "concentrating on me for a change." WoW that statement opened my eyes and sounded so familiar.
My mother has 5 children, the baby is 15. She has always been a woman who can do it all, fix it all, and knows it all. I can remember her being sick maybe 2 times growing up. When she got a boo-boo, she toughed it out and kept on. As I got to be an adult I noticed when she had a cold or seemed under the weather, or could use some rest. I told her about 3 years ago, "Mom, slow down and rest when your feeling sluggish and worn out. You need to concentrate more on yourself and take care of you!"
Well 1 year later she had started getting some major health problems. Finally she went to the doctor after she admitted that she couldn't tough it out anymore. She has been diagnosed with progressive MS. She has been suffering through this disease for aprox. 10-15 years. Had she taken a moment for herself and listened to her body back then this disease may have been slowed down and managed, and she wouldn't be suffering as much now. I have to face loosing my mother far earlier than i ever imagined, and I am having much trouble with that.
I guess I want to ask you to listen to your body and take care of you, because there is only one you. Enjoy your R&R and GOD Bless You.

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