Mixed week back at work

[Valentina98]

Hey Everyone

First week back at work Monday was fine, I had a half day and it all went fine, I went in for working all day on Tuesday everything seemed to be going okay until near the end of the day I had to raise my voice I got breathless after then I noticed my chest getting tight. The teaching assistant took over the class and I sat outside for a bit. In the end a colleague who is a very good friend of mine came over and they called an ambulance as I'd also been sick, we were getting worried it was another heart attack.

After several hours in A&E (with Mum who had been called, before I sent her home after 4 hours) I was told I'd had a panic attack and angina. I got home on Wednesday morning around 6am and I went to sleep. I don't know many people who get a good nights sleep in A&E. I slept most of yesterday with the odd phone call from Mum to make sure I was okay.

I've gone into work today for a half day. The TA is in still and is fully briefed on what to do if I get ill. I was going to do a full day tomorrow but I've spoken to the head teacher and head of department and they are happy for me to have a half day tomorrow. We're thinking about me having Tuesday's off work.

V x

[HHH2017]

So sorry to hear you've had such a rough return to work. I hsd a v gradual return to the classroom and did indeed go v partime too. Have now been lucky enough to take pension early too. If you can drop a day for now and get an agreed phased return in place for the rest of term this might help with anxiety and natural tiredness, as its a BIG step for you. So glad school and colleagues are supportive 🫶🏽 Take care xxx

[Valentina98 in reply to HHH2017]

This was a phased return, I was happy to do a full day it was my decision, but obviously it was too much.

The school have been really good, and happy for me to change it again

[HHH2017 in reply to Valentina98]

Thats really good to hear. Id just suggest going a bit slower and agreeing phased return for the term. Xmas term v tiring one (aren't they all 😉) but it just will give you time and a buffer to really get your strength back and ease back into what can be a stressful but rewarding career.

[Valentina98 in reply to HHH2017]

Yes I am going to go a bit slower, I'm now having a day off and only 1 full day, the rest of week are mornings only, and I'm making sure I go home as quickly as I can other wise I'd end up staying.

The summer term is the most stressful I think, but yes this one isn't great in December they kids don't think of anything else apart from Christmas.

[Carlg]

I have only just returned to teaching myself after my bypass (so our time off/conditions maybe different). However our returns seem to be completely different.

I am on reduced hours only working 3/4 afternoons a week as part of a phased return. This has been agreed in working with the doctor and occupational health, then finally the schools HR. Other adjustments have been made to ensure I can return safely etc.

After an absence, you need to make sure you don't do too much too early. Your body will need to adapt on a both mental and physical level.

It maybe worth speaking to you doctor for a phased return for note or asking school to send you to occupational health.

[Carlg in reply to Carlg]

Also another thing I was asked to complete was a health passport. This is a little like a risk assessment with named people, lost of medications, things to look out for.It's another layer of protections for leaders to know what to look out for etc.

[Valentina98 in reply to Carlg]

Hey.

Thanks for the reply

Yes our time off and conditions are different. I saw my doctor on Monday afternoon and he was happy with my return and plan.

I had meetings with the school before I came back. I'm doing 3 mornings and I pushed for the full days, we've now re adjusted to 3 mornings, Tuesday off and 1 full day. That's one of the reasons I've got a TA in my class so I've got extra support.

I also had to fill in a few forms listing medications and stuff

V x

[Valentina98]

Hey.

As tempting as the rounders bat sounds I don't think I will 😂😂

The TA is going to take over if the class gets too rowdy and we need to raise our voices.

I honestly thought it was another heart attack, I've never had a panic attack before so it was completely new and very scary.

V x

[Hidden]

Yes I agree that anxiety cause weird feelings. That then causes more anxiety and the cycle continues. In our day the teachers threw a chalk Rubber to shut us up. Not allowed now I suppose. Going back to work is hard as deep down your mind is trying to protect you and you don't push as hard and you feel on edge. But it is a new way of learning. As they say every day is a school day.

[Hidden]

Hello

I am sorry you had a little bleep on your return to work

I think it was always going to me an anxious time for you and might be for a while till you regain your confidence back again

You could take your Mum with you to work from what you say she would sort them out and stop you having to shout

You have had some good replies that I cannot add more to but wanted to let you know I had read your post and tell you it will slowly get better x

[lisburb]

I am so sorry to hear you have had a hiccup in your return to work. Teaching is a stressful occupation and I am concerned, as I feel you have been thrown back in at the deep end straight away. I have been involved in many phased return to works over the years, my own included. Main thing is you go back in as an assistant, not the main person in charge. You are more than capable, you just need to let your body return to being used to it too. Children are known for their ability to play up. If I was your Head, I would have insisted when you came back, you were not in a front facing teaching role. That way you can ease back in gently and ensure you are capable of returning to the role. The hardest thing I had to learn was to let others do things for me and to take it easy. Not easy for me believe you me. Good luck