I just wondered when others returned to work following a HA. I had my HA on 28th August and a stent few days later, I have then had another pre planned stent on 11th November.
I was hoping to return first week of december on a phased return as I can work reduced hours and at home. I have an extremely stressful job dealing with domestic abuse and homicide, so people are concerned I'm returning too quick.
I am struggling emotionally and feel that by returning would help me try to get some normality back.
Any thoughts?
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Debee28
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Hi Debee, I took the advice of the health professionals and didnt return to work until I really felt like it. The phased return sounds good why not even try some "stay in touch" days where you can go in for a half day once or twice a week. My job was stressful and i have now left it for something else. I didnt think it was worth it, I was unable to keep work at the workplace due to the management misunderstanding of my condition. In conclusion you need to do what you feel is right with the help of your health professionals but remember its just a job!
We all know the feelings that you are having. i am the most impatient person ever so I was tearing my hair out. I got into a routine after a while and with the cardiac rehab I had I was soon out walking on the beach every day. Its all about time and making sure you give it to yourself so you can make a full recovery. Just set yourself small achievable targets. There is life after a HA.
Hi Debee. I had a heart attack and stent and could have gone back after 4 weeks but went back after 6 because of Christmas. I then started on a gradual phased return over the next couple of months based on a referral to occupational health. I can’t remember the details now - but probably 3 shirt days to start off with and then building up. HR were really good and I could have slowed it down if I’d wanted. It’s a large organisation and they said it’s much better to get the return right than to come back too soon then go off I’ll and then come back etc etc. My job isn’t stressful in the way that yours is - but it has its own stresses as I manage a large team with a significant budget.
Starting back on a phased basis at the start of December following a planned stent on 11/11 sounds OK to me (provided everything’s OK). When you say people are concerned - do you mean family and friends? Or is your boss saying that? I only ask as my experience is that my family wanted to protect me so much that they didn’t want me to do anything. I was quite relieved to get back and have some normality and it wasn’t long before people at work forgot (you have to watch out at that point). My longer term relationship with work/life balance is a lot more focused towards me and I’m a lot more chilled about work so the HA has definitely made a difference - but mainly a good one.
In terms of the emotional toll it’s also taking - do think about asking your ask Doc for a counselling referral. It does help. Good luck.
Thanks your reply is really helpful. Friends/family as they are concerned that I will take on too much and my boss just wants to make sure I'm ok and not rushing.
I've spoken to HR today and they have said to go with what GP says and I will speak to occ health beforehand.
I was thinking of doing 3 mornings a week and slowly building up, which will then include some time off over Christmas.
I'm walking every day and although the second stent has put me back somewhat, I feel for my sanity it would help. I have no enthusiasm to fo anything and can feel myself getting down.
I can relate to your last para. Going back to work certainly helped me. I’d definitely suggest you do what you feel but don’t overdo it. 3 mornings as a starter sounds perfect. Sounds like you’ve got a supportive workplace which is brilliant.
Good morning Debee28. Listen to your body is the best I can offer. I was relatively fit before I had my HA back in March and was insistent that I would go back to work quickly. Unfortunately my body had a different idea. I found, despite being mentally ready I suffered from extreme bouts of fatigue. I returned (phased) 12 weeks later. Now I'm only working three days a week (ok I'm 68 and could possibly retire but I love my job in a special needs school) and still get periods of tiredness and at these times I slow down a bit. As I say, Listen to your body, it's always guiding you down the right path. Initially I ignored it because I was bored and frustrated but it quickly let me know. Take care and good luck.
Sorry forgot to add: you should be offered Cardiac Rehabilitation. Please do attend. They have more knowledge/expertise than GP's and even after my 6 week session I still popped back when I had a down period.
Thank you for your email. Cardiac nurse and gp both agree I can return as I'm going back on phased return and working from home. I will take it easy doing a couple of morning for a few hours.
Hi I'm sort of in the same boat I had a HA 20th August, Had an angiogram no stents now being treated medicall Ticagrelor.
However I had a HA and quadruple bypass in 2017.
Im only 53 years old and worked 24 hours a week.
I do not intend to return to work on phased return until I have completed rehab (I'm on week 4) of 8.My job can be stressful but only if I let it. My main reason for not returning to work is anxiety and loss of confidence. I did not expect to have another HA once I was fixed. But having genetic heart disease is the issue.
Rehab is a must, honestly you think you are OK physically but I've gone from strength to strength.
I also walk once or twice daily. But it's a different way of slowly building up your heart muscle. I find that I am like a duracell bunny now I start the day energetic but my batteries run out by tea time!
I hope to return to work once I've seen my consultant next month on phased return. But work is just work.
I've been off since the end of Easter and currently am being stopped from returning by the OHS doctor due to unstable angina.
I had a out of hospital cardiac arrest almost 5 years and had a stent in my LAD, was saved by 2 off duty Doctors with CPR. I took 4 months off work, came into the office twice week for 1st month on 5th month then 4 times 2 month 6 months, then back to full time ever since. Only go back when your ready and have been advised by your health professional. I started to commute on bike to work after 6 months, now ride every day to/from work. Depends on the individual and their circumstances. Best.
Never really understood people who are dying to get back to work.
All I would say is don't feel you have to get back to full time straightaway. I don't know if you feel guilty or like you're not pulling your weight about not doing a full week's work ASAP.
When I went back to work after weeks of recovering from HA & cardiac arrest (2 stents), I drew up a timetable to say I'll do one day the first week, two the second etc. I made sure I was always able to attend my weekly rehab class at the local hospital too.
Believe me, the people at work will be amazed that you're back and doing anything at all. You should set the pace at which you return. No one will argue with you. I'm not saying take unnecessary advantage of time off but you will gain absolutely nothing by rushing back to full time work before you are ready. Pace yourself.
As regards the emotional aspects, you don't need me to tell you HA's are life changing events. Give yourself time to recover mentally as well.
Thanks. My work is applying no pressure at all and given me so much support. I can work a couple of hours a couple if days a week or work from home. It's up to me
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