Return to work worries.

[SueMel12]

Hi everyone. I am due to start back to work next month after being off for a year. I had H/A at work last march.After being admitted to A and E in July with angina pain was sent for a stent. I still get breathless but am a lot better now the clopidogrel has been stopped. IT has suggested a phased return to work in April of 1night a week for 2weeks then 2 nights weekly. I'm nervous and a bit scared I won't be able to do my job( carer in dementia care home). Anyone got any advice please.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

How long are the shifts? Shorter shifts would be better initially. After HA or OHS people tend to tire more easy on the return to work so 2 x 7.5 hour shifts at least a day apart would be better than a single 10/11 hour night.

[Hidden in reply to MichaelJH]

I think her shifts are 12 hours as she spoke about night ? So night shifts in a care hike are normally 12 hours.

[SueMel12 in reply to Hidden]

Yes 12hr shift. My normal hrs are 36.OT said 1 shift a week because I can't leave at1am it' would be unworkable.

[Hidden]

Hi Sue,

When I first returned to work after the first HA I lasted about 2 months and resigned. I wasn't ready. So I would strongly suggest you take things at your own pace not that of others.

The good news is that after the 2nd HA, I returned to work as an IMCA after a couple of months and it's been fine. It really comes down to the job, the atmosphere and how you feel.

My best advice for you is try not to worry and don't be afraid to say no. The job is not the most important thing in your life. Do it at your pace! 😉😊

[SueMel12 in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou.

[Hidden]

Hi sue as them to put you on an early shift instead of nights for a wee while , that way when on the shift the manager and nurses are there with you to give you support

[Hidden]

Dear SueMel12

You do not sound ready to me to return to such a stressful job as much as you may love doing it.

Dementia is demanding.

You may have to have a good word with yourself about this and try not to be swayed by outside influences.

We are talking about your life, your needs and your wants.

When you are clear on all of these things and that your Dr has given you a good bill of health, physical and mental, then you can decide for yourself.

The simple fact that you have asked this forum, answers your own question.

Next week, next month, next year you may well feel different and then that is the time to make such an important decision.

Thinking of you

[SueMel12 in reply to Hidden]

Yes I do feel under pressure from my employer. If I'm not able to start back to work they are looking to finish me on I'll health grounds.

[Jules2021]

Hi SueMel12.I work in the laundry in a nursing home so i imagine as a carer you do 12hr shifts? This would be really long for u on return and i think u might be better looking at half shifts for phased return? At the end of the day u know ur own body and how ur feeling so go with that. I went back to work 6months after my STEMI and it look me a good 3 months to build back up to my 3 days.

Take it easy and best wishes. Julie x

[SueMel12 in reply to Jules2021]

Thankyou. I'm going to reduce my hrs to 24. You know how stressful this working environment can be.

[Jules2021 in reply to SueMel12]

Definitely. If u could do ur first few shifts as half ones would help break u in as i assure u,u will be knackered on ur feet all day plus thd mental strain. Good luck and let us know how u get on x

[SueMel12]

Thankyou. Everyone I will take your comments on board.

[Theramones13]

Hello can sympathise I am a hca I work12.5 shifts nights and days I had 6 months off due to hf I returned to work in dec 6 weeks phased return shifts started short 7.30 to 12 then longer7.30to 15.30 then normal length 7.30 to 20.00 all the way meetings with sister in charge & hr then for the next 6 weeks meeting up to still make sure I was ok and now I am it took a slow introduction back as it’s a very physical & mentally draining role first month i was hanging Your place of work should do a much longer phased return if you ring citizens advice they are really helpful you should have a phased return to work not go to full shifts and you should not be expected to again citizens advice are great please ring them for advice good luck

[SueMel12 in reply to Theramones13]

Thankyou.I will speak to GP see what she has to say.The OT said if I couldn't do it then my employer can look to finish me on health grounds. My husband isn't happy about it.

[SueMel12]

Return to work on phased return meeting with manager. I work in a dementia care home. My managers work plan is for me to do a 12he day shift for 2weeks, week 3 a 12he day shift plus a 12he night shift ,week 4 2 12hr night shifts if that goes well I can then go back on regular 2 nights weekly. I told her I wasn't happy with this plan, she won't budge. I thought we both had to agree to a work plan.Waiting for her letter with it all in writing. What do I do now.HELP.