So, got sent to Accident and Emergency today...

...thought I was having a reaction to some antibiotics I've been taking, but they couldn't find anything wrong and concluded I was actually having a panic attack. Fortunately the doctor was sympathetic and reassuring, but I'm now worried whether I'll ever get believed if I have to go back to A&E for any reason, or if they'll think I'm just wasting their time again.

Same with my work, they seemed fine with me taking the morning off to deal with this but my boss has already asked me if I think I'm "highly strung" and this isn't exactly going to persuade him otherwise. I've already had to take time off for medical appointments (I had a melanoma removed in January, and I get regular hospital checkups to make sure it hasn't come back) and I'm only five months into the job...what if they decide I'm too much hassle to keep on once my probation period has finished? I really wish I was normal sometimes.

I don't think you were wasting their time today--you had real physical symptoms and needed to know the cause. Good for you for checking on it and taking care of yourself!! That's what the doctors are there for. Glad yours was kind to you.

It's scary to be working during your probation period, not being able to predict what your boss might do. I can understand why you'd be worried. Doesn't sound like you've had a lot of absences, though. Your surgery and checkups were planned in advance, right? Usually that's ok; everyone needs medical care sometimes!

Hope they really are okay with it and they keep you on. It's tough enough to deal with a new job without extra issues! I wonder if the leftover adrenaline from the panic attack is still kind of running through your system? Take it easy on yourself today! Sounds like you did everything you could under the circumstances.

I doubt that they will think you are wasting their time. You weren't wasting their time today, either.

As far as your boss thinking you are high strung, do you have to tell him what they said??? Here in the states, medical issues are private unless you choose to share them.

Thanks, OrangeMoira. You're right, the other medical appointments were all planned, and I haven't taken a full day off sick yet. Work have been great about the melanoma stuff, but not sure how they are on mental health. There's a line in my contract that says if I'm ever of "unsound mind" my contract can be terminated, which does concern me.

Thanks, Honey Bee Sunrise. I probably didn't have to tell him, but he asked what was wrong when I came back into the office and I couldn't think of anything to say other than the truth. Work doesn't know about any of the therapy I've had, though, one of the reasons I never signed up for private medical insurance at work is that I would have had to disclose all that stuff to get cover.