I returned back to work (desk job) 3 days ago at 5.5 weeks, working hours are from 9am till 6pm and I cant take more time off. The job is technical and requires thinking and interacting. I get comments from collegoues about me looking weak and gets asked about the limp all the time. In very short time my boss has noticed my inability to perform as he pleases and wouldnt care to understand. I thought i was doing great recovering till i started working... I feel very tired mentally and physically, i find it very hard to sit for long my bottom aches, my incision still hurts and am very stiff also due to leg lenthening also, i dont do my exercises as i used to before or walk, no time and am depressed. I started getting pain in my other leg and back. The bathroom is my favourite place because this is where i get to cry every now and then... I dont have a partner to support if i wanted to quit. I wrote this not expecting a solution but just to help lift some of the heavy weight on my chest....
I am 5 weeks and although getting a little frustrated by being at home I know I could not return to work. 26 mile drive, and not yet had the Ok. When I do go back I expect to be on a phased return to work for a few weeks, also there is the possibility of the desk part of my job from home. The other, laboratory based with microbes is another matter. Could you arrange a phased return or to work from home part of the time?
No, its not possible. I was looking forward to going back to work because i was getting bored at home and thought it would be easy but not at all
Soo sorry to hear this. As Maggie says can you organise a part time programmed return to work? Try to make time for some walking each day...exercise is key to healing.
Sending you lots of light
Mic
X
You poor thing - I read this with increasing disbelief. I'm appalled that you shld have to do 9-6 every day just 5.5 weeks after this major surgery. All your reactions are totally understandable. I hope you get masses of support on here and more importantly some practical help - perhaps your GP shld sign you off for a bit longer. Also it might be interesting to find the right YouTube video of a THR procedure for your boss to watch (not joking). Please ask trusted friends or colleagues to understand the situation and support you.you sound incredibly brave. All the best. Grace 🌺
Yes you should definitely see your gp. I couldn't imagine sitting for that time never mind working. I agree with all the other posts!
Can you not go to the GP and ask for a phased return to work? It really sounds like it's all too much and if you don't address it you could end up being off for longer. I do feel for you as I will need to go back about the same time in a couple of weeks but am hoping it will be phased to make it easier x
Wow that's still quite early to go back to work. I was advised between 6-8 weeks off then light duties. During my recovery I managed to sit in a chair that was at a reasonable height but stretched my leg out so as to nullify that 90 degree business. Everyone has different rates of recovery and listening to your predicament it sounds like you are worse off than myself.
I was driving after 3 weeks, first started walking unaided after 3 days. I've just gone a lil over 8 weeks now. Drove a couple weeks ago for about 7 hours in one day covering about 550kms during that time with rest stops to stretch.
im currently in between jobs at the moment but I have been keeping myself busy. Just listening to all the physio and stuff you guys do over there kinda makes me wonder why recovery takes so long.
i guess being off work that long, your body has to get back into that routine which is what I'm training my body to do now and also to accustom myself to brute physical force due to the nature of my work.
i think having an active lifestyle definitely helps with recovery especially when your tendons and ligaments need to re bond back together.
persnally tho I think you went back too early but I don't know if circumstances caused you to go back early. Hopefully you get better and stronger and all the best for the future
Hi believe me your not alone!! I too feel very emotional at the moment as Hubby's care package has come to an end! And my hip is still bruised and I am a full time carer! ! My hubby is very stubborn at the best of times! Poor you! It sounds as though your over doing things! You need to listen to your body! Have you ever tried reflexology? Its wonderful! Regards Amanda
I really think you need to go to your GP - it is too much, and you need to put yourself before work. I was signed off from hospital for 6 weeks, but when that time came round knew I wasn't fit enough to go back (desk job). I rang my GP and she signed me off for another 4 weeks. I actually went back 8 weeks post op - and still felt totally wiped out the first week and wished I'd done mornings only. You really need time to heal properly. xx
I think a discussion with you GP as to what is realistic for you to do would be a good idea. Then a talk to your boss with the involvement of the HR department. Show the video of the op to everyone especially your immediate colleagues, ask for their understanding and help. Is there somewhere to relax at lunchtime?
My manager was discussing my replacement even during the 5.5 weeks I was off, this is the kind of person he is and the ones above him and the company overall. I can imagine what would happen if I take more time off and to be honest might as well resign...even now I feel left out by my team, I dont know if it's my own feeling because am so consumed by my own pain or because they sense it.......am so you glad you people understand
Aww Babylon, can you not go part time for a while and do your excewrcises and walk a little more often.? you have to think of your own health as no-one else will. (((((big hug))))) we are right behind you on here. xx
Hi
Replying straight away as really feel for you. I am 9 weeks and could not cope with being back at work.
How long have you worked there? I'm surprised your consultant didn't supply a sick note for 12 weeks- mine did.
Please see your GP. You shouldn't be there and as for not being able to have time off ( or is it financial?) if you make yourself poorly you're not going to have any choice. Employees have rights too.
Best of luck
Barbara
If your company are so anti their employees, get your union rep on your case
Hi Babylon, You went back too soon it takes about 8 to 12 weeks for your body to recover major surgery. I know you had to go back to work , but maybe you should try half days , your body tekking you to slow down its not ready hang in there i hope you can work somthing out .
Take Care'Jackie
They sound incredibly unsympathetic. You should not be treated like that. You have certain rights and I m sure you are entitled to do a phased return. I feel for you, it must be very hard. I would go and see your GP. You don't want to damage the good you have done. It is such a major op and your body needs time, lots of it, to recover. I do hope your employer shows some compassion. Sending hugs x
That's why we are here to help and advise. I myself am going through a situation where I was told to keep the company updated on my progress which I did. Then two weeks before my surgery they asked for the company van, mobile and fuel card back which they are entitled to but that's normally a sign you are on your way out. I was advised by the operations manager at work that my boss at the time said that 2-3 weeks after my operation that I might have to re apply for my position as they were taking on new projects.
Low and behold I found out from others that my ex van was sitting at the yard for a month, and they took on extra workers and an extra contract but lost two other contracts. Before I left them they weren't that busy with work and I also found out that other staff are leaving due to the possibility of the company closing. It's sad but that's the predicament I'm in. Now in the process of looking for another job cos I have a mortgage I need to service. There are probably others that might have been caught in a similar situation to mine. No reassurance from the company you are working for and even worse was when I contacted them recently I didn't even get a reply, how pathetic but I guess the writing was on the wall. Sad but onwards and upwards for me.
Hi
yeah employees do have rights but like you touched on her circumstances are totally different to say yours or my situation. I admit she is back at work too early way too early but sounds like she kinda had no option due to her circumstances. I can sympathies with her as I am going through a rough patch now with finding a new job, trying to get income protection to payout from my insurer, trying to get funds together to pay or service the mortgage. It's a hell of a time all because I took time off work to get myself better. The price you pay sometimes or some might say what an inconsiderate employer who shows no sympathy or empathy thru tough times.
Hi Babylon
If you are in the UK you can contact a disability employment adviser at your local job centre and ask for work choice retention to have a third party talk to you and your employer to try to come to an arrangement that suits you both and hopefully helps you to stay in your job. It will cost your employer more to advertise, train and take on a new employer than to perhaps make a few changes to your current work pattern for a while until you are stronger.