Anxiety towards work or stomach illness

[aaz11]

I returned from an overseas trip last month with a bit of food poisoning which was bearable enough for me to soldier on and return to work as soon as possible. I love my job and colleagues. So despite how I was physically feeling, I wanted to get right back into it and go to work.

What I assumed to be food poisoning turned out to be a stomach bug that I was prescribed antibiotics to get rid of the bug. Initial signs of recovery were good and I was only expected to need one round of antibiotics. However, the day after completing the prescription I was extremely fatigued, so was prescribed a second round which I am currently getting through to make certain the bug is destroyed.

I know these antibiotics make me tired temporarily, but I was still able to bear it and perform my role at work. Yes, I was disappointed when I found out I'd need to go through another round of antibiotics because my stomach is already sensitive as it is which causes a bit of anxiety, let alone adding a stomach bug and antibiotics to my digestive system.

What is concerning to me is the fatigue and my mood. My energy levels have been so low for the past half-a-week, lower than what I would consider explainable by the antibiotics. Not just that, but I'm almost dreading returning to work and facing my work friends and managers etc. I wake up with no intention to dress for work, get the bus and telling my boss I can't come in again is making me feel like a weak team player. Even though he is the nicest boss in the world and says health is more important, I feel a burden to him. I am a genuinely bubbly, helpful employee that is talked to by many colleagues, so having such a down mood at the moment is really making it hard to convince myself I am able to return to the office.

Because of my stomach illness, I have anxious thoughts on what might happen if I'm locked in a meeting room and desperately need the bathroom or if I flat out puke at my desk.

The question really is: can symptoms such as extreme fatigue be attributed to an anxiety towards a job I love? Maybe I am overthinking these physical symptoms and attributing it to anxiety instead of the course of antibiotics, but like I said, this fatigue just seems different. There is a worrying feeling towards whatever this is, stomach bug or mental state, and gradual belief that this will never improve is scary.

[Doolhof]

Hi aaz11,

It may be advisable to return to the Dr and discuss all you a have mentioned here. If you don't feel like you can tell the Dr, than print out what you have written and hand that to your Dr.

You may also be able to go to the chemist and ask to speak to the pharmacist about the antibiotics. That person may be able to tell if what you are experiencing can be normal for some people. Did you receive an information sheet with the antibiotics?

Do you have any sick days available to take? It sounds like your boss is very understanding. We can not help it when we are ill and sometimes a day off work is beneficial.

You may have developed some anxiety, once again that is something you would need to discuss with your Dr so they can access you and make a diagnosis if that is the case.

Our minds are very powerful and can tell us all kinds of stories. We can offer you some suggestions and support here. I am certainly not a professional of any kind, best to chat with your Dr.

Hope you find some answers and start to feel better.

If you do think there is a chance you could vomit at work, go to the chemist and ask for some vomit bags and get some wet wipes suitable for your face just in case. Have some water handy too to rinse out your mouth and maybe some mints!

All the best from Dools