recovery from pneumonia and going back to work

[Shorty_89]

Hi, little back story

Roughly, 10 days ago I went to work, had a bit of a cold but feeling ok after an hour of being at work I had an asthma attack. Lucky for me I work in the hospital so went straight to a&e when it wouldn’t settle. Had nebulisers, steroids and blood tests and was sent home once it settled.

3 days later sat at home on the sofa after doing as I was told and resting I had another asthma attack but was having a really tight chest long story short my partner rang an ambulance and I was again taken to a&e there they stated I’d had another asthma attack but also diagnosed me with pneumonia, I was admitted in to the hospital where I was given regular nebs, Iv fluids and Iv antibiotics.

I stayed in hospital only for 3 days as I couldn’t take it, I had no sleep, it was so noisy and my anxiety was going crazy so they let me home admittedly earlier than they wanted I just wanted to be at home where I could rest in my own comforts.

2 days later I wasn’t getting any better so I spoke to my GP who again wanted me to be admitted but I wasn’t keen so we agreed on trying stronger antibiotics, more steroids and going from there.

Flash forward to now I am beginning to feel better I have just finished my antibiotics and I don’t feel “poorly” as such as in my chest and breathing feel better (I still have a cough as expected) but it’s like my body is way behind in terms of getting over this. I feel constantly exhausted, no energy at all and my whole body just hurts. I am trying to keep moving but it is completely taking any energy I have and then I just end up sleeping.

So to the point I am supposed to return to work next week and as I stated I work in the hospital doing 12 and half hour shifts, would you say it is too soon to return and is it acceptable to maybe ask for a sick note to give me longer to recover or will they think I’m just taking advantage? I know I still have a few days before I am due to return but as I feel now I can barely get through the morning without a nap never mind a 12 and half hour shift.

Any help/advice appreciated x

[Homely2 Administrator]

If you go straight back to work there is a good chance of you having another attack.

I personally would be looking to have another period of time off, and then go back to work for half a shift initially, before getting back to full time.

I would send a version of your account above to your line manager or personnel department, with your suggestions and ask if you can ring to chat it through, so you understand the rules re sick notes and sick leave and what they think is reasonable.

I would think your work place are not expecting you back for quite a while. From a safety perspective they do not want you having asthma attacks at their premises.

[Myarabella888 in reply to Homely2]

Honestly Homely your leg has to be hanging off to be excused from work, considering I work in a hospital its a joke.

[Bevvy]

Having had pneumonia several times I can assure you that how you are feeling is not unexpected. Even once original infection has gone it has taken me quite sometime to recover enough for work. I strongly suggest you should contact gp and get your sick note extended. If you rush back too quickly you run the very real risk of needing more and more time off. Certainly as a former manager I would much prefer someone remained off sick until they were reasonably well enough to return. Rather than someone rushing back to work and then having to be signed off sick again a week later!

[CallysMum]

Hi,I too have had pneumonia, and it takes a long time for the body to completely recover. Listen to your body, if you are not well enough, take more time to convalesce. Let yourself heal, and don't stress.

[Poobah]

Definitely ask for another sick note from your GP and repeat request, if necessary. Your shift is exacting for someone physically fit, so make sure you're properly recovered. If necessary, talk to HR about a phased return to work when you're feeling much better, just so you're not going from zero to full capacity in one step.

[Caspiana]

If you are unwell you will hardly be up to doing your job. Stay home, get better and then start again refreshed. I hope you feel better very soon. 🌱🌼🌱

[Myarabella888]

I feel for you, I'm exactly the same, work in a hospital as not alot of support. I am not nearly approaching stage 3, I'm not well enough to go to work but I will have to. A 13 hour shift is brutal