Right decision?

kp90

Not that this is a huge deal but some people make me feel like it is... I'll try giving you the short version.

Over the weekend I had a really bad headache that lasted almost 2 days on and off. It subsided but on Tuesday I started getting very dizzy at work and into the evening at home which has not subsided. On top of that I have swelling in my hands/feet and a lady at work today even thought slightly in my face. I am 27 wks 3 days. My blood pressure this afternoon is 107/67 but my OB clinic thought maybe it was best to come in and be seen tomorrow morning. My dilemma is my co-worker is out so there's no one to cover patient care while I'm gone and I'm afraid my boss will get mad/upset. My question is do those symptoms make a legit reason to go in and be seen or am I worrying too much? I know some of those are normal pregnancy symptoms and my OB will probably say the same but the nurse said she wanted them to put eyes on me and check everything out to make sure. Do I take the few hours of leave tomorrow morning and risk the wrath of my boss or do I cancel the apt and assume this is just normal?

KidShrink

I'd say your boss is probably not even allowed to complain or say anything given the fact that you're pregnant (at least, that's the case here in Canada). 

dsmith211

Personally if your doctor feels you should go in I probably would. It could be nothing but I'd rather risk dealing with my boss than the potential something actually might be wrong that could sacrifice the baby.

finnybooboo

The health of you and your baby (while inside and out) should always come first over work. As a working mom, I know it's a hard decision and doesn't get easier when baby is here. Take the time to get checked out. If your boss doesn't understand that, then it's too bad. 

michellabanana

Go to the doctor.  You don't seem like the type to complain about minor things, so it seems your mommy intuition is kicking in.  It is better to be safe than sorry, if you're boss is mad well than they are jerks.  

Bluejay3030

Every time I go to the OB they ask me if I've noticed dizziness or swelling in my face, hands, or feet.  It could be nothing, but those symptoms are sometimes associated with something more serious. I'd definitely take your OB's advice and go to the appointment.  I know those decisions are super tough and you feel guilty, but your employer really has no business giving you a hard time about it. 

FX that all is well and that your employer doesn't make a big deal about it.

kp90

Thanks ladies. My boss is out of the building right now but should be back in 30 minutes and I sent him an email as a heads up. Hoping this goes over well.

dshannah

Echoing other posters: it sounds like pre-eclampsia, which you need to get checked for and treated for ASAP.

It is serious business, and a real medical emergency that you should not feel the slightest twinge of guilt for taking care of.

Good luck, and hopefully it's nothing!!!!

LadySamLady

Just want to say that I'm so glad you are making the uncomfortable decision to go to the appointment. I can sense that putting yourself first doesn't come easy to you and I commend you for doing just that. It hopefully is nothing serious but the only way to be sure is to see your doctor, so that is what you must do! I hope you are feeling better now and please keep us posted.

durbie92

Go to the doctor and ask for a work excuse note just in case. Your boss shouldn't complain about it or retaliate against you but the excuse should help. You and your baby are number one priority!! Good luck!

kp90

LadySamLady said:

Just want to say that I'm so glad you are making the uncomfortable decision to go to the appointment. I can sense that putting yourself first doesn't come easy to you and I commend you for doing just that. It hopefully is nothing serious but the only way to be sure is to see your doctor, so that is what you must do! I hope you are feeling better now and please keep us posted.

@ladysamlady Thank you! I talked to him and his response was "Let me see what I can work out..." so I'll have to go bug him again in a few minutes. But yeah my health and my baby come first. Trying to do the right thing even if it feels like pulling teeth here at work

mrstmoose

@kp90 go to the doctor! If it's for your health, there's not much he can say (other than bitch). Get a note from your OB excusing your from work. It sounds like you have a lot of various stressors going on in your life and you need to make sure to take care of yourself. Keep us updated.

wsgjmw1

I am in very similar situation with you with work. It is like pulling teeth trying to get time off even for doc appointments. My boss is a single, jaded older women with no kids or past relationships. She is not sensitive in the least bit to anything. All that matters to her is if I am at work. I had to have a very uncomfortable chat with her last week about needing the day off for my 3 hours glucose test. Legally she cannot say no to me, but she does get super passive aggressive. At the end of the day this is just a job and my LO comes first 100%. ALWAYS choose your child. I really do understand the situation you're in and its tough. Hang in there!

lbachran

You really need to go the doctor. High BP readings don't always occur with Pre Eclampsia, it can show entirely different symptoms, including headaches and facial swelling. If you start feeling worse (have any vision changes, nausea/vomiting, impending sense of doom), please just leave. Your boss really may not understand how serious these symptoms can be. 

kbrands7

This is definitely a do first, ask for forgiveness later sort of thing. You gave him a heads up already. It could be normal, but could also be very serious. If your doctor recommends being seen immediately,  follow that advice. I understand the feeling of being stuck at work and feeling obligated to stay, but I'll also tell you that that has burned me in the past. Stick with your gut feeling that you need to go!

(The last time I tried to push through something at work was last year and, I ended up having to pull over on my way home to call DH to get me and passed out because my bp had fallen so low and needed an ER trip, IVs and could have compromised my milk supply because I was so severely dehydrated and still nursing DS. Really, it could have been even worse had I not pulled over. It's the last time that work won between a personal health vs work battle.)

jenashawn

I agree with everyone above. I would want to be double checked to rule out pre-eclampsia. It's likely not, but just in case, I'd rather be safe than sorry.

folamij

Go to the Dr and get a Dr.'s note. Your boss cannot do anything reprimanding towards you of it you needed medical care. You and your baby come first. I'm sure he/she can figure something out. That's why he/she gets paid more

kp90

Thanks ladies. I am going to my appointment in the morning. Work will figure something out. Will update you after I see the doctor tomorrow. Thanks for the support! 

kp90

Update: Went to see my doctor this morning. They checked my urine and BP and both were normal. My doc checked me out and we talked about what was going on. He told me I'm probably lacking protein in my diet which I knew I wasn't eat the best so I need to modify my diet and that should help with my dizzy spells. He stated my headaches are stress induced and some sinus headaches also. As for my swelling its nothing severe - prop my feet up when I can and he recommended swimming but that isn't super obtainable seeing as I don't have a pool or tons of money for a gym membership, lol... but all in all he said I'm healthy and baby girls heart beat was 132 and we are measuring perfectly so all is good! I feel better now. Thanks again ladies.