I’m now 7 months on from my cardiac event. Heart attack, arrested, stented, AFib which after cardio version is now infrequent episodes. I’ll be 60 next month. No risk factors for any of this now have reduced ejection fraction and the apex of my heart hardly moves. So as a lot of people here loads of medications.
I can now say out loud and have just informed management I will not be able to return to my old role on a busy maternity unit as it will unavoidablely involve stress, running for emergency’s, dealing with shortage of staff, running the place on a shoestring, dehydration and tiredness. Everything us hearties need to avoid. I’ve asked for a none acute or none clinical role 2 days a week. No shift work. I know that they may not come back with a suitable package and I may have to walk away from the NHS after working for it since 1980. I’ve accepted this and saying it out loud is a big achievement. I will have the occasional wobble wondering as I’ve never not worked since I was 17yrs old If they’ll come up with anything that’ll be right for me and my health . But if they don’t I’ll find something where I can use my skills.
Having this community has helped me along this acceptance journey. And knowing your there I can come back to will help when a doubt or negative thoughts creep in, which I’m sure they will. I’ve accepted I’m not the same person with the same energy after my cardiac event as I was before. But I’m still me, a bit different than before maybe but me. This second version still has a lot to offer and can cope with what’s ahead.
Thank you X
Written by
Ewloe
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It would be somewhat ironic wouldn't it if the NHS couldn't help one of its own in their hour of need.At the end of the day, your own health is the most important thing and after serving them for over 40 years, I'd say you've done your bit.
Believe me, I've come across it.As a 24/7 carer for my partner, I've had to deal with some very uncaring people within the NHS over the years, and I'm sure I once heard "oh no, not him again". But as my OH is totally dependant, I have to act on her behalf, and I want what is best for her, not what is easiest for them.
Having said that, I've encountered some who go above and beyond, extremely helpful people within the NHS.
Its your turn now, you have done more than your bit.
The only sad part of your post is the guilt that you feel about this, { reading between the lines } well that must stop.
How much struggle and death have you witnessed in your impressive work life?
Take this chance, maybe early retirement? To think about you now, you will thank yourself for it and so will all your loved ones.
I thank you for your service to this country and if I had the power I would make the rest of your life comfortable for you, but sadly only you can do that.
Find the strength you had when you helped so many over the years and concentrate it on your self,
selfish? It would take a heartless person to call you that, so don’t you do it to yourself.
Take care, I wish you all the luck that you deserve.
You have played a huge part in bringing life into the world and now it is time to look after yours
I always try and think everything happens for a reason , we cannot always see it straight away and sometimes we never see why certain things happen and why changes have to be made but you obviously are wise enough to know changes have to be made to adapt the new you and I believe whoever that new you is will be just as good as the one before if not better
Well done in accepting this something I need to do so you have shown a great example to all of us that are struggling with accepting life has changed but it can be just as good with a few adaption's
I think your plan for the future is absolutely the right one I do think the stress involved working in the NHS as in your particular role plays havoc with your well-being it’s time to take time out if they come up with a package for you that’s suitable then fine but don’t beat yourself up about it if it’s not the case let’s face it women have had to work longer than they originally anticipated because of the shoddy way we were treated regarding our state pensions you have to put yourself first now - I’m at a leaving get together for a colleague of mine soon she has battled about whether to retire (NHS) but her health was not great so she made the final decision to finish she says she actually feels better now as she feels the pressure has been taken off her shoulders I wish you the very best of health and a very happy future take care ❤️Xxx
All the best in retirement this is an opertunity for a new adventures and wonderful time just for you. I work in Healthcare in Canada for a private company no retirement package similar work load and cannot retire due to high cost of living. Please enjoy it now take the time off.
After all you have given throughout your career, now is undoubtedly time for you. If you are able and want to do some part time work, then naturally that is your choice, However, it is time to put you first, and thank you for everything you have given to all those mums and no doubt many others over a long period of time. Take care, Judi
I was a teacher and semi-retired at 60, ‘worked’ part time until I was 65 and then fully retired I enjoyed the part-time as my role changed completely and was much less demanding.
Dear Ewloe. So pleased to read your positive post and that you have made the decision to put yourself and your health first. I had a major cardiac event in July 2021 ( at work) with ongoing complications. I worked for a wellbeing charity and was shocked to realise that I was going to get little or no support when I started the conversation about return to work. I loved my busy and somewhat stressful job but when I started to receive emails about not being able to return to the job I was doing ( no reason that I shouldn't) , uncomfortable meetings on my first day back at work and concerns that my team were voicing about working with someone who had a life changing event I realised that I had to walk away, very difficult decision and one I have found so difficult. We were lucky enough to come through our cardiac events and deserve to put ourselves first. Good luck for whatever road you take next.
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