So is it better to call in sick, or go to work when you're in so much pain and discomfort that you would be absolutely useless?

I think that if you push yourself too much, you'll end up missing more work and become even worse off. I know the feeling of letting your manger down, but going to work sick, you won't be of much help. 😞

As a former manager..... I can tell you that my personal approach to "sick time" was simply to accept it if it fell within the parameters of company policy. IE: you have 30 sick days on the books so if you need/want to call in sick you should...."mental health" days included.

However, if the # of days taken fell OUT of the company policy (IE 40 days), then we would have a conversation about it. Although it never happened to me or my team, I like to think that I am "compassionate" (the first time) and not so compassionate if it happens more than once.

If your company manual has no SICK/PERSONAL/VACATION policies...... shame on them because having it written in the company manual solves a lot of problems down the road...... My belief is that even small companies should have a written policy..... especially in RIGHT TO WORK states.

So what did you decide?

One thing - going to work sick or hurt is the worst. I mean work is already depressing, stressful, etc. As soon as we clock in, it is like any ailments suddenly amplify.
Missing work can make one feel like they are cheating but sometimes you just have to call in.

Don’t go into work if you’re sick, full stop. If you put yourself under strain you’ll only make yourself feel worse

That’s a tough one, at least your boss is a woman hopefully understands if you call in sick.
Mind you if your boss was a man he’d just be so uncomfortable about the topic he’d probably say take the whole week off! 😂

Call in and stay home.

I don’t think it’s normal to feel that badly when you have your period. Have you seen a doctor? Been checked for uterine polyps or fibroids or endometriosis?

call out why suffer and not be able to perform your best

I would go to work because otherwise I would have to go to a doctor.

Go, if the discomfort gets worse you can still come back.

I don't get paid unless i work so i schlep to work

Go to work

Health first.

Would Tylenol help?