How to Handle Work?

[Mareski]

Many of us, if not all of us, work outside the home for a living. I am finding it difficult to come up with reasons for going for bloodwork and other appointments. I have chosen not to tell anyone at work that we are trying to conceive. The place I work is pretty strict about using vacation time for only half days or full days, so taking 2 hours there or 2 hours there doesn't work. During the summer they had flex time where you could use 2 hours and make up the time.

How do many of you handle work and all your appointments? By the way, my manager is male, so it is difficult to talk with him.

Thanks.

[scienceteacher79]

I am pretty lucky. My principal had been trying for many, many years with his wife to concieve so he is very understanding. I still feel awful having to ask for time off because I feel guilty and I feel like everyone is "all up in my business". I finally told people close to me. It doesn't bother me for people to know about this. I am not ashamed of it. I just need a bit more help to get preggo and people have been generally understanding. (I tell myself to just ignore the other idiots!) If you work with a male boss, the best thing to tell him is that you are having "female issues". No man will EVER ask you to clarify (trust me). Be sure to bring in doctor excuses so he can see you aren't trying to be a lazy butt. Just keep the appt notes and if he asks, you have them all waiting. If you feel you can talk to him (ex: he is married and has kids) he will probably understand. Explain it is only for a little while and then things will calm down. Just reinterate that these are very important doctors appts you MUST go to for your health. Good luck!

[hoysal]

PS: Just to add I have been on Provera all week and am due for more blood tests and an HSG... fingers crossed!

Cheers!

[hoysal]

Hiya!

I have been in a similar situation all month! I have been diagonised with PCOS and am currently undergoing all the initial tests and scans. And to top it all I work in an all-male construction site!! I know how difficult it can be to come in late or leave early every other day and tried to mask the appointments with reasons earlier, but now I have just decided I will tell them the truth> I have definitely not told them we are tryin gto conceive but just 'gynec / woman problems' has sufficed and even my strict manager has not bothered to ask for details! I have told him I am undergoing some procedures and investigations and have to go to the doc as and when they want me to! And just as a courtesy I make sure I have shorter lunch and coffee breaks and put in an additional 10-15 mins at work as and when possible! Half-truth is definitely working for me! :)