Hi ladies
I went back to work at 11.5 weeks on phased return. Unfortunately I was given a huge project to move the team from one part of London to another in a 4 week time frame and had to be met due to our lease expiring. Hence I ended up working more than the agreed hours and was totally exhausted at the end of 4 weeks and BP through the roof. GP signed me off for 3 weeks to recover. Have been having pain in pelvic /bowel region which is not subsiding. Had coccyx pain for 9 months
So frightened of returning to work
Sorry to hear that! But you absolutely must take it easy. You don't want to damage the repair
I have just gone back to work and I'm experiencing pain in lower abdomen on left side whenever I bend forward which is causing huge discomfort and pain. Unfortunately my job involves lots of bending and work aren't being very understanding. It's really hard returning to work after these ops. My boss would prefer me to go back sick rather than adjust my duties to help me adjust back at work. However she was forced to alter slightly but I have 2 wks to get myself sorted and back on full duties before she wants me to go back sick which I don't want. I hope your employer is a bit more supportive and understanding than mine. Take care of yourself. X
Hi Rita,
Unfortunately when employees return to work employers assume we are fit to return to normal duties, unless GPS say otherwise.
Even then unless they have experience of similar surgery they haven't got a clue, even occupational Health workers have no idea how long recovery takes.
Please be very very careful, deep tissues can take months to heal properly and your pelvic floor takes the weight of all the pelvic organs . So need to take care for up to a year or even 18 months in some cases.
So unrealistic telling us that recovery takes 6 to 12 weeks and employers assume when GP sign us off that we are able to resume as before!
Please take care,
Phyl x
It's not just me then thar has implied pressure from work to do more work than is possible in the reduced hours. Will walk out of the office bang on time when I return thanks for your comments.
Thanks Phyl. Verbally they were supportive at work and said watch your hours but then said the office move had to happen and no help available... implying I had to deal with it. Won't be so stupid when I go back this time. X
Glad to hear it Rita, it's your own long term health in the balance and when you think about it it's only really a few months in comparison to the rest of of life and at end of day we are just a number to our employers.
These days the balance seems to be in their favour, so it's up to us to put our foot down. Most of us have worked hard for most of our life's and we deserve a quality of life in our later years.
Look after yourself,
Phyl x
Just back from GP who has now signed me off until 17th October. X
Well take it easy and when you do go back get another phased return and stick to it this time. If I'm forced to go sick I'm getting Union involved as I know there are places within work that I could be placed that are less stressful for my recovery. The whole thing is stressing me out and exhausting me more than normal. Xx
So glad to hear you have a sensible GP.
Make the most of the time off and rest up and do plenty pelvic floor exercises.
Hope you get something sorted at work !
Phyllis x💖