Returning to work with LVEF 30%

[Cinders123]

I worked full time prior to my heart event in Sep 21 and have struggled with fatigue since then. I am getting stronger from walking and not sleeping as much during the day so life is definitely getting more 'normal'. Does anyone have any advice on how I will know if I am ready to return to work as I am scared of doing any further damage to my heart. Thank you x

[Aishahb5364]

When you feel ready to return wait a few more weeks. The body needs more time to heal than your mind thinks. Pushing too hard can see you relapse with fatigue. You also need to contact access to work when you are ready to go back as they can support you back into work and identify any reasonable adjustments your employer may make to ensure a smooth transition.

[Hidden in reply to Aishahb5364]

Hi

Its an important step to get right for you both physically and mentally.

Speak to your employer and let them know how you're feeling and what your current condition status is. Ask them how they can help you but also have a good think about what you need/want. Its a 2 way conversation. The obvious one, is a tapered part time return where both you and they can assess how things are going. Gradually build back to full-time if that's the goal. Honesty from you and they about how anything tried works is so important. Adjust plans as necessary but give them a fair chance.

Getting back to normality or what is the new normality is a really important step in the recovery process and taking time to make the right choices is a key part in it.

Good luck when you make the decision to go for it.

[Cinders123 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for your advice and good luck.I feel ready emotionally and physically ready to try and return to work so I am going to hopefully speak to my employer and GP to start the process... 😊

[Cinders123 in reply to Aishahb5364]

Thank you so much for your advice. I am going to touch base with my GP and work today and see if I can start the return to work process 😊

[Aishahb5364 in reply to Cinders123]

gov.uk/access-to-work

[Cinders123 in reply to Aishahb5364]

Thanks for the link 😊

[Chriswood79]

Hi Cinders123. I returned to work in the middle of January 5 months after my HA. I felt myself getting stronger, no day sleeping and mentally I felt ready to take the next step. It took much longer than I expected and I had planned to go back earlier but couldn’t. My employers have been great and I am on a 6 week phased returned (now in week 4) to full time. It’s good to be back, surprisingly, although I am shattered by mid afternoon and have done too much some days so learning my limits. So my advice is take small steps like everything else, but do take them and learn as you go along. It’s another step on your journey. Mentally ready is as important as physically. Good luck. Chris

[Cinders123 in reply to Chriswood79]

Hi Chris, Thank you so much for your advice and good luck. I am feeling positive so fingers crossed my GP agrees to a phased return now. I wish you all the best in your return to work too 😊

[Aishahb5364]

gov.uk/definition-of-disabi... info to know.

[Cinders123 in reply to Aishahb5364]

Thank you so much for the links, great help 😀

[Jules2021]

Hi. As the others have said,listen to your body. After my heart attack in April last year it took me 6 months before i felt ready for work. Physically i was tired all the time and mentally i was worried about another attack. My boss was very understanding and i went back on a phased return starting with 1 day per week and gradually working back up every few weeks.

I have to say I still come home knackered in the afternoon but at 44 I'm not ready to retire jist yet lol

Good luck and take it slowly x

[Chriswood79 in reply to Jules2021]

I’m ready to retire. I just can’t afford to…!!!

[Aishahb5364]

You’re welcome

[Hidden]

Dear Cinders123

I can tell by the tone of your post that you are not ready to re-turn to work.

As for you being strong enough with the your Ejection fraction of 30% only your medical team can tell you.

I have a ejection fraction of 25% and I’m not ready physically at all as much as my mind says that I am.

It’s easy for me to say, rest more , but I know that it can be difficult if you have things to pay etc etc.

It would be so sad if you began to undo all the goood you have done for just a few weeks { or longer } more.

Take care and remind yourself , just how amazing you are, and how lucky your work is that you are even thinking of returning.

You are in my thoughts

[Maxyz3]

What does a LVEF of 30% mean ? In 2018 my LVEF was 80%