no, it's not good news as in "in your second trimester". it's bad news. or, more accurately, potentially bad news. i've been off work with a horrible case of the flu, but now have a new heart murmur and some "suspicious nodules" that need to be biopsied. so, i'm scheduled for biopsies and tests on my days off, and i'm still spewing green snot and coughing up if not a lung, at least a lobule or two every now and again. i've used up as much sick time as i can without going into fmla, and i'm afraid to do that now because i might need it more later, so i'll drag myself to work this weekend.
i guess i'm asking for two things. first, some virtual hugs from my friends here on allnurses -- assuming of course that my tendency toward blunt honesty doesn't mean i have no friends.
and second, what do i tell my boss and when? do i just tell her "i've had a bad case of the flu" and leave it at that unless or until either the cardiac work-up or the biopsies yield a real, fmla-inducing diagnosis? or do i prepare her for the idea that i'm possibly really sick and not only won't be able to do all the extras i'm currently doing for her, but won't be able to come to work at all?
{{{Big Texas-sized hugs}}}. I will echo the other posters to follow your gut instincts about sharing with your boss. Simply the fact that you felt the need to hear others opinions speaks volumes about your hesitancy to share all at this time.
Please know that many of us respect your no nonsense advice and perspective and your willingness to share some of your heartaches. It might only be a virtual community here but you are an essential part of it for many of us.
Big slobbery hug Ruby, you are my favorite poster. I usually get a head of steam on about one issue or another, but by the time I make it to the end of the thread you said what I wanted to say, plus a few more very good points. You're usually more tactful too.
As far as talking with your manager, you've been around the block, and you know how things can turn bad in nursing relationships. If your boss will even mention the possibility of you being ill on a long term basis to upper management, her secretary, or whoever, I think you should give her as little info as possible. Once the word gets out you can't take it back. But if your judgement says you can trust her I would go with what you think rather than my own very jaded advice.
Will you PM me your address so I can send you a card? I have the cutest cards :)
Gentle hugs, Ruby. I have often wished there was such a thing as Lysol Kool-Aid for getting rid of flus and other infections that just won't give up and go away. Just know that there are a bunch of us here who think very highly of you and will be praying for you to get a quick and easy diagnosis and be back to your old self quickly.
I just saw this thread ... don't know how I missed it. "Big Hugs," Ruby. I hope you (and your family) feel better real soon -- and the tests show nothing worth worrying about.
Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN
4 Articles; 7,907 Posts
I hope you get well soon!