More time off than two weeks?

[harrietkatie]

The surgeon gave me a note for two weeks off work. I’m due back Tuesday.

I have a feeling I won’t be ready to go back then, especially if I do have an infection in my belly button.

I work at a behavioural school, so getting punched and kicked is very likely. And there is no such thing as ‘light duty’ there. I just worry I might get hit in the stomach whilst my incisions are still healing, especially my belly button one as it’s really weeping and sore still.

Do I ask my GP for more time off??? I am really unsure how this works. Thank you xx

[Lizzielizzielizzie]

Yes if you need more time off then see your GP, but I think you need to see him/her when your current sick note wears off rather than in advance... other ladies on here will know better though x

[luthien]

Can you have a look at an appointment with your specialist / surgeon? I had mine on the last day I was signed off (to check how I was getting on). UK doctors have a back to work / fit for work policy that means you can book an appointment for the last day you're signed off to discuss how you're feeling and if you need a sick note.

Work says self certify (for the period your work allows then get a note) but I've known others that have tried that; and getting the sick note reissued is difficult as gp's will say you'll need to see your specialist as they wont know if you're fit for work. Also work can take ages to process it.

It's easier for you, your records, your recovery and work if you have your sick notes back to back, as it shows you're really not well enough to be back. Considering your type of work it may be an idea to discuss this with your specialist or at a push your gp. If you can't get hold of either for appointments go to the out of hours access - UK call 111 for advice saying what's happening and how you can't get a normal appt and they'll book you through.

[Hidden]

Yes I would - recovery is such an individual thing. If you are not ready the GP will support you and provide you with a sick note 📝 Especially as your job is physical. You need to put yourself first 😊 Good luck xoxo

[Abi_97]

You will have to go to your doctors to get a note for more time off I would my mum works at a primary school and when she had her lap for gallstones she took 4 weeks off 😮 Xx

[harrietkatie in reply to Abi_97]

Just finished st doctors. I have an infection so she’s given me a topical antibiotics cream. She can’t give me tablets because I’ve had really bad thrush since taking the antibiotics for the catheter I had for 6 days after lap. She’s also given me a treatment for that too. I have a temp, and she’s told me to rest and stop running around doing things. My body is trying to heal. She’s also signed me off work so I start a week next monday instead of next Tuesday. Xx

[Abi_97 in reply to harrietkatie]

Thats good you sound like you do need to rest 😮Xx

[harrietkatie in reply to Abi_97]

I know, I feel really silly. My partner works from home and my son is obviously off for half term... I feel like I’ve kinda been pressured into feeling better as I think my partner has been stressed out with working and sorting out my son. So I think I’ve kinda pushed myself into getting up and doing dinner etc and cleaning so he’s not so stressed out. Which is bad I know!! Xx

[Abi_97 in reply to harrietkatie]

Is there anyone that can help you out? 😮 I was lucky enough to go home to recover and have my gran to help 😮 But you need to rest 😉 Xx

[Hawko1989]

Take as much time as you need, your health is paramount and you only get one body!

[Starry]

Take as much time as you need and don't feel embarrassed silly or ashamed. Much of the healing inside is invisible but it is taking up a lot of your energy. It takes typically 3 months to heal internally but the pace varies considerably depending on a lot of factors this article explains it well

centerforendo.com/is-my-end...

It has taken me 7 months and thats probably longer than it should have been as I tried to go back too soon and relapsed. Don't be afraid to go back to the GP and ask for a whole month if you are feeling weak still. Several times I did so because actually it helped work to know and meant they could plan Cover betterand took pressure off me. I also tended to get anxious in the run up to the next sick not expiry so used to go a day or two early but they always sorted it that the cover was continuous so no need to worry about that xx

[Hidden]

I work with preschool children and staged returns were a lifesaver. I went back a week and a half later for a few hours a day to build strength back up but the amount of times I got sat on on one of them poked me in the stomach to get my attention was insane! In hindsight I'd have left it longer but I was bored out of my mind at home! x

[lallyloo]

Hi there, I had the same note for 2 weeks but I needed 5 to feel nearly better! Don't go back until you're well I know the pressure (I'm a primary teacher and really couldn't have coped with 30 5 year olds!) Good luck!

[Shisacralhealing]

I have my first lap in October and was also signed off work for 2 weeks. I wasn’t ready so I went to my GP, who had signed me off a further 2 weeks. I returned to work 3 weeks after. So yes, just go to GP to request it. You can also get someone else to obtain it for you if you can’t go x