Nervous about Monday

[designgyrl]

I'm going back to work tomorrow after being off for approximately four weeks with the hernia, kidney stone, and hyperthyroidism. I'm very nervous to go back to work due to I'm still getting sick off the medication on a regular basis.  My primary doctor gave me phenergen but of course I can't take that at work as it makes me go to sleep.  I'm not sure how I'm going to handle the nausea feeling, my nerves at going back to work, and just the everyday stressers of the job. Anyone have any suggestions?

[designgyrl]

Melissa,

Thanks for the advice.  I may try it.  The doctor gave me phenergren which I can't take during the day at all.  It makes me fall asleep.  Can you just see me as a claims adjuster, asleep on the phone while trying to deal with a car accident.  It would be terrible.  

[melissaky]

I too  have nausea from my meds .I found that ginger tea helps w./o making you drowsy.The brand I use is Tulsi tea .The flavor is lemon- ginger. Hope this helps...Best of luck to you    Melissa

[designgyrl]

I do have more sick time that I could use.  I've got about another month until I would run out.  It's frustrating, the job I do is that I work in claims and am on the phone all day and tied to a desk.  It tends to bother my neck pretty bad, and I don't have a sympathetic boss, he's kind of a jerk. Last year I was off, they sent me a card and flowers to my hospital room (another supervisor) this year he has only talked to me once in the four weeks that I've been gone.  Thankfully, I work 1/4 mile from where I live, a lot of times I just walk to work except that I work at 5:30am to 2:15pm cst.  Thanks everyone for your thoughts.  I'm going to go in and leave if I have to.  I'm not going to be throwing up at my desk trying to handle insurance claims. It just won't work.  

[namnam46]

Karen,

I can't imagine how nervous and apprehensive you must feel about your return to work after such an extended break.

Both Sara and Jamie had EXCELLENT suggestions, as usual!! You might pack a little bag to take with you called your "EMERGENCY KIT" and have everything that Sara suggested for helping to relieve your nausea. Jamie's question about being able to break back in on a part time basis is also a REALLY great idea. I don't know if your Company would allow you to do that. We never thought to ask, what type of work do you do? How strenuous or stressful is it?

We'll be here thinking about you all day and waiting anxiously for you to get home and fill us in on how it went and HOW YOU ARE FEELING!!!

PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY, tomorrow......Sherry

[jamlws]

I am off right now on medical leave and I don't think I could handle going back to work right now, my husband just got a part time job to make up for the money I am not making. I agree with Sara to try Emetrol and soda crackers. All you can do is try and do what you can do and dont over do it. If it don't work out can you stay off longer? If your like me the money is a problem and I really need to go back to work but right now can't. I wish you the best of luck and let us know how it goes when you go back. Just make sure you take it easy and don't over do it. Can you try to go back part time and see how that goes?
Hang in there,
Jamie

[Sarajmt]

Oh sweetie, I don't blame you.  I cannot imagine having to work a full day.  For the nausea, you could try Emetrol.  You can find it at any pharmacy.  Soda crackers help sometimes as well.  When I was flying, we used to give air sick passengers a lime to suck on.  It had some good results.

Remember to breathe tomorrow and do relaxation exercises.  Jaybay knows some good ones.  I'm sure she'd be glad to share with you.  

If it gets to be too much, you may have to go home and try again later.  Can you get more sick leave if needed?

I really do feel for you.  And we'll be around tomorrow if you need us.  I'm sure that someone else will come on and give you some better suggestions.

Take it easy and don't push too hard.

Sara