Liver transplant

[Bonair]

Hi my husband has now had a liver transplant- it's a miracle and we're both grateful to the donor's family. I've obviously, had time off work to be here in Leeds with him. Does anyone know if I can get a sick note please?

[AyrshireK]

You could ask your GP for a sick note and perhaps they'd give you one or look into the various carers allowances that are available.

[Bonair in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks

[LAJ123]

Strictly speaking, unless you are actually ill its not really appropriate for your GP to give you a medical certificate. Although it could be argued that its an extremely stressful situation for you, therefore to keep you well it is necessary for you to have time from work..

However, I would hope that if a request was made, your employer would grant you either compassionate leave or allow you to take annual leave. My partner was able to have both so she was able to help me over the immediate recovery phase.

In the meantime, I'm pleased that he has had the transplant - welcome to our exclusive little club !

Take care,

Jim

[Bonair in reply to LAJ123]

Thank you for your reply Jim.

My employer has been very understanding. I work in a school office, term time only and have already dropped my working days from 5 a week to four to take Jeff to appointments. As I work term time I don't get annual leave, but I've swapped my day off to fit in with Jeff. I suppose I could ask for unpaid leave if the worst came to the worst.

As it's half term I have the next week off so I'll be able to visit Jeff in hospital without worrying.

How long did you need your wife to look after you if you don't mind me asking?

Jeff and I can't believe he's been given the liver transplant, it will change our lives as I'm sure it did yours.

Edith

[LAJ123 in reply to Bonair]

Edith,

Glad its half term - quite handy.

Lucy looked after me from when I was first diagnosed and put up with me being in hospital for 80 days in 2015 alone.

Her employer was very good as they knew me as well. As she only works three days a week it wasn't too difficult. They knew the transplant could be any time, so there was an understanding that she could drop everything and take the time she needed. She went back to work after two weeks. That was part days off / compassionate / annual leave. Then, believe it or not, one day after going back to work, she became ill and spent two weeks in hospital with pneumonia and sepsis and another two convalescing..

I say this because you need to take good care of yourself. Jeff had the easy bit - just lay back being looked after and coming out a new man !

I was discharged after 20 days, which is a bit longer than average. After that, I had a brilliant recovery and now feel like I did 20 years ago. I can't put into words the difference it makes. I was amazingly fortunate, went from terribly ill and probably not much time left, to being able to do just about anything I want. I was only listed for two weeks.

Take it easy at first and things will begin to get better quicker than you could ever imagine.

Jim and Lucy

[Bonair in reply to LAJ123]

Thank you Jim, that's really helpful.

Jeff was diagnosed in December 2015, but started deteriorating in May 2016. I, like Lucy have been running around taking Jeff to appointmentsand visiting him during his numerous admissions. My daughter's recently had a baby and had a problem so ended up in Wythenshawe hospital at the same time that Jeff was inStepping Hill. I nearly had a breakdown as I was working, visiting Jeff then travelling to see my daughter. The last few months have been terrible and I'm sure you were the same in that Jeff was deteriorating so badly I knew he didn't have much longer to live.

Your story gives me hope that we will be able to live a long and happy life together.

I wish you and Lucy much happiness

Edith

[jojokarak]

Hi edith fancy seeing you here xxx if Jeff gets pip payments you should be able to claim carer's allowance, but it won't be for long after transplant now, I received for a further 3 months after transplant so my husband was entitled to carers. If not I am sure your work will give you time off. Hope he still recovering well xxx