Back To Work: So after over six months... - British Heart Fou...

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Back To Work

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star
16 Replies

So after over six months I returned to my job this week. As I work part-time I managed to fit my hours into the last three days of this week plus a cardiology appointment (more later or tomorrow).

Until today I did not feel tired at all despite nursing a cold since New Year's Day. I took my Man Flu mug in. I think part of the tiredness was the frustration of software updates. Two packages I use regularly broke! I managed to fix one but had to revert to the previous issue with the other.

Did any others start back this week? I remember Julia2412 was returning.

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MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJH
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16 Replies
Pommel profile image
Pommel

That's a fantastic milestone Michael, a step back to normality (even the software frustrations)! I hope it all goes smoothly for you! I think that when I returned to work after 6 months I saw all the petty problems at work with a new perspective!!

I hope you have a good weekend rest and another good week next!! Best wishes!

Sususulio profile image
Sususulio

Pleased all went well and that you’ve found it good to be back. I’m considering my return and I must admit to feeling apprehensive in terms of both my ability and commitment, my priorities feel very changed.

That said I can see the benefits and progress in returning so great to read your update

Chappychap profile image
Chappychap

Congratulations on achieving such a significant step! I hope the cold ends soon as that's the last thing you need when you're just starting back at work.

I'm interested in the reaction of your colleagues. Did they wrap you in cotton wool or just shrug their shoulders?

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star in reply to Chappychap

See below. I did have quite a few cups of coffee/tea made for me though. The guard dog was happy to see me! :)

isobelhannah18 profile image
isobelhannah18

I've been on the forum for 10 weeks and have found your posts really helpful so I'm pleased you've taken another step in the right direction.

I survived my first week unscathed. More hours next week and back to normal hours the following week. I’m just a little tired.

Malgail profile image
Malgail

I returned this week ( also with a cold ) after no contact from my work for two months, it was a very odd feeling. Just got a call ‘ hope your feeling better, got some work for you ‘ & away I go. Not sure I want to be doing what I do & considering what my alternatives are, but at least it will be good to test myself again.

thetidders profile image
thetidders

Congratulations on returning to work, Michael, another step forward in your recovery. You & I have both had bypasses & electrolyte imbalances in 2018 so it’s been good to see how we’ve progressed. I’m retired so I haven’t had to think about returning to work though but hopefully it’s onwards & upwards now for us both.

Jean

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61

Hi Michael

Well done mate good you got through your first week with only software issues and no heart issues . Normality is definitely happening . I was fortunate enough to be offered redundancy at the same time my operation happened and I officially finished on October 17th. Because of the operation it’s felt line I was off sick but now I’m feeling good it’s hit me I’m not going back to work so that’s why I’m picking up my puppy this morning and once she is settled in I’m probably gonna do a bit of voluntary work for a few days a week.

Good luck going forward pal and remember the job will still be there long after you’ve left so make sure you put yourself first

Pete x

Jinky07 profile image
Jinky07 in reply to Ticktock61

Mind we want pictures of your gorgeous girl xxx

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply to Jinky07

Don’t worry I will and I’ll probably bore people with them lol😂😂

Pete xx

Fredders profile image
Fredders in reply to Ticktock61

I can never be bored of animal photos xx 😺

Ticktock61 profile image
Ticktock61 in reply to Fredders

Great 😀😀

Fredders profile image
Fredders

Congratulations Michael, always a big step going back to work. I was allowed to go back part time - short days, and increased my hours until back to full time after three weeks, although they said I could take longer if I needed to. Just don’t overdo it. As you’ve probably found out, it can be very tiring at first. This is another time when you need to listen to your body.

Hope it continues to go well and all the best for 2019.

Wendy xx

wiltsgirl profile image
wiltsgirl

Well done in returning back to work, great that you can work part time. I no longer work so think that it would still have been challenging to anyone going back full time after a bypass and your other issues. I am renovating a house at the moment and the work starts in the next couple of months, plus moving house. I will have to see how that will turn out both mentally and physically. Take care xxx

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star

Apologies for not responding to everyone yesterday - I was totally shattered. It was not work but on Friday my cold started drying up and I developed a tickly cough. Although I do not suffer the *april cough if I get one for another reason it seems to drag on. I ended up sleeping in an armchair on Friday night but it seemed every time I dropped off I started coughing again.

I work for a small company and had kept them updated on developments over the months. In addition I popped in before Christmas to say Hello and hand out cards, etc. So it gave me a chance to answer any questions. A colleague's father is forty years post bypass and doing pretty well in his nineties so the others probably had a understanding of what I had been through.

Because of excessive tiredness I drew a small pension and went part-time over two years ago. I think what I put down to ageing was in fact the CVD which presented itself as angina six months later. It's unlikely that I will up my hours at this stage although I might do a few more for a one off project, etc.

Off to take my girlfriend's dog for a walk. He is a Jack Russel/Yorkshire/King Charles - totally loveable but totally daft!

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