Sick note with laparoscopy?: Did anyone get... - Endometriosis UK

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Sick note with laparoscopy?

Samii12x profile image
29 Replies

Did anyone get a sick note after their operation? I’m not meant to have holiday from work and I’m worried that if I have two weeks off I will loose a lot of money and I’m wondering whether to ask for a sick note so I get some sort of pay, any advice?

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Samii12x profile image
Samii12x
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29 Replies
helen87 profile image
helen87

I was asked if I needed one but said no as I can self-certify for up to a week. Personally I felt well enough to go back after a week but everyone is different. I would just ask for one for two weeks to cover you. They should be happy to provide you with one. If not I would’ve thought your GP could maybe? Good luck x

Samii12x profile image
Samii12x in reply to helen87

Thank you for the advice! I was going to just take a couple of days but after reading what people have said and the way they work at my work I would loose money so I think I will ask for a sick note.

I work in childcare with lots of three year olds so I want to make sure I feel well enough!

helen87 profile image
helen87 in reply to Samii12x

Oh yes definitely get a sick note then and don’t go back too soon if you work with children. I sit at a desk hence why I’m ok after a week but I definitely wouldn’t be up to three year olds as still quite sore when I move about. Take it easy and don’t rush yourself.

Samii12x profile image
Samii12x in reply to helen87

Thank you

in reply to Samii12x

I had my lap 3 weeks ago and I went back to work after 1 and a half weeks, also working with young children, and honestly, I'd have waited til at least this coming week to go back!

Samii12x profile image
Samii12x in reply to

Thank you. I think I was being optimistic thinking I could go back the following week!

in reply to Samii12x

Yeah definitely not with the younger ones, the amount of times I've been ran into or they've hit me to get my attention! I went in to do christmas crafts so I sat in a big chair and didn't have to move much and then went home at lunch, which benefited everyone bc work go their jobs done and I got cash!

Samii12x profile image
Samii12x in reply to

I will probably just do short hours when I go back! Knowing the children I’ll definitely get jumped on haha!

Lizzielizzielizzie profile image
Lizzielizzielizzie in reply to Samii12x

Yes your wounds will be at their head height!

cmbxm profile image
cmbxm

I got mine from my GP not sure how some work places work, mine was fine with one from my GP but some demand them from the hospital, I assume you just ask before or after your lap, good luck with your op!!! X

Samii12x profile image
Samii12x in reply to cmbxm

I think mine would be fine with it from the go.

Thank you!

Soaps profile image
Soaps

Definitely get a sick note. If you’re off work for 4 days+ you should qualify for statutory sick pay. Have a look online for info. It’s not a lot but better than nothing! I took the full 2 weeks off and I’m glad I did.

Samii12x profile image
Samii12x in reply to Soaps

Thank you!! X

SW91 profile image
SW91

Definitely get a sick note to cover you. Unfortunately I’ve struggled with my recovery and been off for 6 weeks due to infection and pain from coil! Wish you a speedy recovery. X

Samii12x profile image
Samii12x in reply to SW91

Oh no. Hope your feeling better! Thanks for the advice x

Dee11 profile image
Dee11

You’ll definitely be entitled to at least statutory sick pay, although some companies do offer enhanced sick pay so it’s worh checking out. In order to qualify for either you will definitely need a sick line though.

The hospital didn’t give me one even when I asked, they told me to go see my GP instead to get one. Either will be fine for your work - if they say otherwise then they’re just trying to be awkward but with no leg to stand on.

If you’re working with children then definitely speak with your GP as well before going back, as going back to work could affect your recovery if you go too early. They might also suggest a phased return once you’re ready for it. I work in an office but due to a few incidences in my recovery, I was off for 6 weeks; I tried to go back after 2 weeks and lasted 4 hours! So don’t push yourself xx

Samii12x profile image
Samii12x in reply to Dee11

Brilliant. I’ll make sure I get one then! Thanks for the advice! X

Katie22x profile image
Katie22x

I was asked at hospital if I needed a sick note. The one they gave me was only for a week but I did not feel no where near ready to go back, so my GP gave me another for two weeks. I also work with children, two year olds, but I still don't feel well enough to return (it'll be 3 weeks next week since lap) mainly because I'm struggling to bend and walk any distance, but everyone's recovery is different. Wishing you a speedy recovery :)

Samii12x profile image
Samii12x in reply to Katie22x

Thank you for your advice. I will definitely ask the hospital for at least a two week sick note! X

vicks131 profile image
vicks131

I didn’t get one and was told to self cert for a week and to go to GP to get one after if needed. My doctor tried to sign me off for 3 weeks in total but ive only had 2 off and due back to work this week. Everyone recovers differently though and only you know your body and how up to you feel :) sick note does cover for sick pay though I think so may be worth getting one anyway even if for just for a week

Samii12x profile image
Samii12x in reply to vicks131

Yeah, I think that’s why I need it more otherwise I will end up loosing a lot of money! I also don’t want to rush back if I’m not feeling too good!

Becki75 profile image
Becki75

I worked with people who needed personal care. My first I took 2 weeks. My sencind 3 weeks.

Samii12x profile image
Samii12x in reply to Becki75

How was your recovery? It’s my first one so hopefully I’ll be okay but don’t know what they will find!

SarahMia227 profile image
SarahMia227

I didn't get one as you can self-certify up to a week... in the end though, I needed two weeks off work to recover. My local GP was happy to talk through my surgery with me and give me a sick note though, so no problems there! I think it's better to have the sick note in advance though, then you don't need to worry about it after the operation.

Samii12x profile image
Samii12x in reply to SarahMia227

That’s what I’m thinking! My doctors are very hard to get appointments with aswell!

Lou887 profile image
Lou887

Hi ya

When I had mine done in November they removed endo, I self certified for a week and then my doctor signed me off for another week so had 2 weeks off in total. I work from home as a property manager but I was shattered after my first week back and I didn’t even do a full week. It took a good couple of weeks after going back where I fully felt myself again, if your job is physically demanding I would take at least a week off just depends on how well your body recovers. X

Ask your GP to provide one if you’re not well enough to go in. But remember you’re allowed to self certify for five days x

VictoriaaPlum profile image
VictoriaaPlum

I only got one week from my surgeon... however I reacted badly after the op i was quite poorly! I rang and spoke to my gp and explained and he gave me one for 3 weeks.

Ninibopp profile image
Ninibopp

I got a doctors note for two weeks. Everyone is different and some are ok to return to work after a few days. I had 4 incisions on my abdomen and a dye test carried out at the same time so I was very tender.

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