help going back to work

[Dolly1233]

after 4 HA’s in march and 3 stents fitted I am finding it difficult to cope emotionally

I’m supposed to be going back to work in a weeks time but feel I’m not at all ready. My head is not in the right place

How long did you all have off work?

[Ageingfast]

Dear Dolly

I was so chuffed to get full recovery after three months of recovery. So, to answer your query, 3 months.

Luckily I don’t have any emotional after bites. But I can easily imagine just how horrid it can be. I got the full works after stroke and maybe that got a lot of emotionality out the system.

But returning to work might be a step too far at this stage.

I am long since retired. One of my jobs included being responsible for a number of staff. I really really did not welcome any staff returning to work whilst still not fit. Especially emotionally fit.

Thus I don’t think you should go back until you have recovered your composure as well as your physical wellness.

I do hope that you can overcome your issues and get back to enjoy your life again.

C.

[baly_2023]

Hi Dolly,

I was off for 3 months after my HA.

I was meant to return earlier but just wasn't up to it mentally and physically so I asked the doctor to extend my sick note.

When I did return I had asked for a phased return which helped massively in transitioning back to the work life routine.

A phases return is working less hours eg half days for a set amount of weeks, then building this up to 3/4 days for a few weeks then finally full hours.

I would speak to your GP ASAP and get an extension on your sick leave, I would also speak to your employers and ask about phased returns.

I do believe employers have an obligation to do this so please ask and try not to stress or worry about it .

there is always a solution.

[mits123]

Hi Dolly

Don't put pressure on yourself at this stage of your recovery. Ask to be signed off for another couple of weeks at least.

Then, as already mentioned, do a phased return. I did half days to start, with the provisos of leaving early even with reduced hours. This allows you mentally to reassure yourself that it is not compulsory or letting anyone down if you feel you cannot stay.

It is more beneficial for yourself and your employer to do it this way then for you to go back full time and then have to go off sick again.

It will work out in the end, don't worry, just do what you can do, what feels right for you and you will be fine

[filankijak]

Hi there, My husband had 3 months and is now only receiving Statutory Sick Pay two weeks over his 3 months. He is going back to work next week which I still believe is too soon. I would hope that any employer would provide a phased return for employees who have had such surgery but not everyone is that fortunate. Hope your recovery keeps going well

[Lowerfield_no_more]

We are all different plus the severity of heart attacks and the effects of an invasive stent procedure will mean there is no one size fits all for recovery times. So you have to listen to your body and mind and decide with your GP whether it is time to return to work. But be aware that both you and your employer are covered by the Equalities Act 2010 which basically means an employer must make reasonable steps to accommodate an employee's change of circumstances in situations as such as yours, although sometimes, particularly say for a small business, that may not always be possible, So it is certainly worth a chat with your employer to find out if there is any opportunity for you to return to work in a reduced capacity of some sort and slowly build up back, rather than jumping back into the deep end.