Return to work call tomorrow- angioplasty 2 weeks ago - advice

[LavenderBee]

Returning to work meeting - so I have a call with my line manager and HR tomorrow to discuss my return to work. Current note sees me due back 14th October. Any advice for the call? I’m keen to return but I know how full on the job is and it’s busyness is unavoidable really. Not been to cardiac rehab yet - that’s next week. Bit concerned they’ll expect me back to normal.

[Calliope153]

Try to negotiate a phased return. Mention the cardiac rehab and the need to attend it regularly and you may need to attend in work hours (include traveling time to rehab plus rehab time and how many weeks it is scheduled for). The major thing is how do you feel? What does the doctor say?

Good luck.

[LavenderBee in reply to Calliope153]

Hi thanks - I’m feeling ‘ok’ but I’m not really doing anything like I would if I was back at work. It’s lovely having time to sleep well, do some gentle exercise and make sure I eat well and keep stress down but the job I do is full on non stop and that worries me as I have definitely benefited from stepping back to recuperate. I had four month prior to diagnosis and procedure where I kept going at work but it was absolutely all I could do. I was coming home and going to bed.

[Calliope153 in reply to LavenderBee]

and that;s why you need a phased return to work - as there is an HR department I assume they've dealt with similar returnees before. They will have a policy. The danger is you try to go back full time and end up being so exhausted it takes you longer to fully recover. Most employers are really understanding as long as you make it clear what your needs are. The reverse of this is that they should discuss with you what they really need you to do each week. The key word here is discussion: with your line manager and HR. Take care and don't be too ambitious to start with.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

I agree with Calliope153's advice.

Ask for a phased return to work and time off to complete your Cardiac rehab.

Do you have an Occupational health department to assess your fitness to return?

It can be great to get back to work as it means claiming back some ' normality' However do pace yourself and don't expect too much of yourself at first.

Take it slow and steady.

Good luck!

[LavenderBee in reply to Milkfairy]

Feels so odd. Been working since early 1980s and bar the odd day off never experienced sick leave. Just feel unsure as to what they will consider fit for work really.

[Calliope153 in reply to LavenderBee]

They will tell you - it sounds like you work for a reasonable size employer. They also have to be certain you are ok for work (they usually use the end date of the sick note as the fit for return to work date). Their employee insurance probably doesn't cover you if you return and are on the premises before the end date. This is why some employers will not let you visit your work place if you are "signed off" . Of course you are unsure but management aren't - look on it as a negotiation rather than feeling you are vulnerable and feeling like trying to prove you;re back to normal immediately. You'll be surprised at how tired interacting with people will make you after a few weeks at home. But it passes. Best wishes.

[SpiritoftheFloyd]

Hi HighburyHill

As others have said, you need a phased return to work, and your employer needs to factor in you need to go to cardio rehab.

You need to call the shots here, it's your well being that is at stake. There's no point in agreeing to things that will leave you in a worse state (physically and mentally) in the months to come.

Do not feel guilty about your situation, these things happen, if your employer is half decent they will accept the way things are and help you.

[benjijen]

As others have said - gradual return to work and you really should take up all the rehab you're offered. It not only helps with your physical health but also psychological health as you're with others going through the same/similar things and that really helps.

[Sillyfroggy]

Do you have an occupational health department? Mine have advised cardiac rehab should be part of my phased return. Did you have a heart attack? If you don’t feel ready go back to gp. 2 weeks is a very short time to recover from a HA, if it was just an angioplasty then 2 weeks is standard.

[Alessa69]

What everyone says, you need to say how you are feeling , Also check out with your GP about a phased return to work plan. Our Surgery displays info about making a return to work plan , through discussion with your GP ,Employer & Occupational Health . Make sure that you get a phased return to work plan, so plenty of time for Cardiac rehab. Your well being is most important, you need time for all important Cardiac rehab . Good Luck with all

[HectorsDad]

A lot of people experience a ‘bounce back’ after heart work in the first couple of weeks, which is natural because your heart is suddenly working better. However they then have a few weeks with less energy etc : there is still healing going on for quite a few weeks which takes its toll.

It is much better to be cautious and then up the pace of return if it is comfortable, rather than push yourself and have to withdraw.

[Judy2208]

As others have said how do you feel if you have full on job

I would suggest you get at least 3 or 4 cardio classes in first so your cardio nurse can see how fit u are

As you may not realize how much stress you will be under on return to work

Take care and listen to your body