When to return to work?

[Bluerock7]

I know this is different for everyone but my work is supporting children and young people with additional learning needs, it can be quite full on and the young people I support are physically aggressive towards staff. I’m now 17 days post lap today and was signed off for 2 weeks by the consultant following the surgery so sick note has just ended and I’m due to go back tomorrow. Anyone else been in this situation? Do I just ask to be put on risk assessment or get my gp to sign me off for another week to be on the safe side? Really nervous about being punched or kicked in the stomach with it being only 17 days since I had the surgery. All suggestions welcome!! X

[Polina44]

Hi, I’ve not had this surgery but it’s clear to me reading your post you are not fit to return to work just yet. Your employer will understand and you will have no problem getting a further sick note. I’d ask for 2 weeks and hopefully by then you will feel much better. You can also request a phased return or reduced duties/different duties when you do go back.

Best wishes.

L x

[TheUntamed]

I’m at about the same point post lap. Incisions are fine but not fully healed. I can feel the muscle weakness underneath. I wouldn’t go back to any activity with a risk of being hit in the stomach for another couple of weeks.

[Purplerain12]

Hello, i work in education and I had a laparoscopy to remove my ovary removed amount others things. I didn’t go back until week 4 when my stitches were healed. He consultant signed me off for 3 weeks. I don’t think they take your job into account. My gp had no problem signing me off. I didn’t think it was sensible to go back before the external wounds were healed. I also didn’t feel strong enough because I’d been quite poorly before surgery. I’ve also done a phased return. I work in a primary school and even that’s very physical. My school have also bought me a little stool so I can sit down because my core strength has gone. Good luck with your return!

[Razina]

Hi,

I would recommend to take atleast a month of work as although you maybe healed on the outside, internally you are still healing. I work with SEN children too and they are very unpredictable especially those with challenging behaviour. You should have a phased return to work with reasonable adjustments in place until you are fully better to return back to your normal duties. With my work, they understand that this is condition can come and go at any time so my adjustments have somewhat been in place for about 6 months now.

You will also need your manager to do work place risk assessment for you and if possible have a OH referral made so they can support you with your adjustments made at work.

Any health review meeting, make sure you also have a union representative present to represent and support you through your journey.

I wish you the best

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