Called in sick to work today (CW: menstrual issues)

Not happy about it. I like my job and I respect my manager and I don't want to let her down. But my periods are getting worse as I age, and today it is just too heavy and painful to even think about going to work.

I wish people really understood how much 'invisible' illnesses affect the lives of those who are afflicted. I have polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis, and combined, they make my life miserable. I have extremely heavy periods with cramps that make me lose my breath and nearly pass out. I can't sneeze, cough, laugh, or lift anything without an intense pressure in my uterus followed by a waterfall of bleeding which causes me to have to immediately find the nearest restroom and do a 5-7 minute cleanup job.

It is absolutely debilitating. I just pray I don't eventually lose my job over this.