Return to work after HA

[BaronFrankenstein]

Hi

Im worried about returning to work. Ive seen a few other posts on here recently from people who have gone back.

Itll be 8 weeks on the 14th since I had my HA and stent fitted. I only started to feel physically better about 3 weeks ago. Ive said to work I may return to work at the end of this month.

Im starting to think for me personally this could be too soon. Ive only been doing cardio rehab for 3 weeks and whilst im coping with that and doing some of the exercises at home at least once a week with long walks inbetween, ive felt a bit panicked this past couple of weeks about if im going back too soon. I know some people get back quicker than me but ive got a job thats physically demanding as well as mentally stressful a lot of the time.

Ive got this thing were i kinda want to go back as being off is getting a bit boring now but i dont want to go back too soon and end up getting ill again.

I know they will need to make adjustments light duties but it doesnt feel right to me yet. I suppose i should stop.worrying right now maybe and see how i feel at the end of the month perhaps? I dunno.

[yellow731]

Take your time dont rush i had my HA in july went back in december working 7pm to 2am ( yes was on perm nights) thought i be ok still doing it ,first full shift last week its completely wiped me out ,sleep has gone to pot put my rehab back a few months going on days 6th march cant come quick enough ,but wish i never rushed back but was bored just take your time listen to your body

[Comfycousin1]

Don't rush.

I had a HA in December and I've been off work ever since on the advice of my Cardiac Team. I work I'm an office (it's a demanding and responsible role however) and I'm aiming to go back on a phased return (a couple of hours a morning) from 7th March.

Take care of yourself.

C

[Lowerfield_no_more]

As well as your employer I suggest you should be talking to the health professional who is signing you off work about your anticipated return and who understands your current state of health and it's impact on you working. Your rehab group may be able to input to or advise on this. When you are nearly there you might be able to return to work under a fit note with restrictions on what you can and cannot do, which will be of benefit to you will give clarity to your employer, especially, as other have said, you don't want to return to full duties too soon.

[BaronFrankenstein in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Trouble with my place i known from experience that whilst you may return under restrictions when the poo hits the fan on nights they will quite happily pressure you to do more than youre supposed to just so they dont have to tell days they didnt do something on nights. Theyre terrified of handing over unfinished tasks. Even though fornyears we have been told from upper management and H&S that if we have a reason why we cant do.something rhen we shouldn't worry.

Its always been contradictory. The powers that be tell you H&S cones first, then they pressure the shift managers to deliver which encourages them to cut corners and push people so theyre not seen to fail.

[Lowerfield_no_more in reply to BaronFrankenstein]

I can fully understand your position, but in view of what you have said perhaps you should not be returning to shift work,and especially on a night shift, until you are fully fit? Something to talk about with your GP.

[yellow731 in reply to BaronFrankenstein]

Dont go back on nights see your doctor to sign your fit nite no night work its your health

[Hidden]

Hey dude,

My job isn't physical but I took an extra few weeks off because I wasn't far enough into cardio rehab and irrespective of cardio rehab felt it was too soon.

Your job is physical, I've actually seen it mentioned on the BHF website that physically demanding jobs may require a longer time to recover before going back.

Forget about how other people are recovering, forget about what people at work expect and just do what your mind says, it's usually correct.

Do more cardio rehabilitation, get an understanding of how that physical exercise effects you and ask the GP for extra time.

[trafar]

I think it’s far too soon after only 8 weeks exsorcially as your job is physical. Your heart needs time to recover and you need to have completed cardiac rehab. I stayed off for 5 months but I was lucky as I get 6 months full pay sick pay. When you do go back it needs to be on a phased return and they will have to make some reasonable adjustments for you. Good luck with your recovery.

[princesspeachuk]

Hey I had a HA end of October and am still of sick due to it being a stressful job and having the HA while at work.

I think you know the answer to your question.

Go with your gut !

If you rush it could set your recovery back. Take your time !