Returning to work

[Jamajo]

Hi everyone.

I had a brain infection and had to have a craniotomy in April. I have been quite lucky that the original balance disturbance and short term memory loss has calmed down. Ive returned to work this week after almost 7 months off and although I am doing a phased return and only did 4 hours, I am literally exhausted. I have to do another 4 hours today and dont know if im going to manage it. Will this get better or am I always going to be like this? Ill be returning to 8hr shifts next month and i am so worried I wont cope and ill lose my job.

[Hidden]

I was on a phased return for 10 months and then it was decided i would remain part time rather than going back full time. I'm afraid as is the same with head injuries in that no two are alike so is the same on returning back to work. It's very much an individual thing,,,, 3 years on, i still have residual effects and no two days at work are the same. Some days i leave work and i feel fine, other days i'm exhausted.

I think personally if you're struggling with 4 hour shifts then 8 hours is going to be worse. Could you ask for a more gradual phased return?

[Jamajo in reply to Hidden]

Hi Rachel, I went to work yesterday and managed my shift ok but I am feeling the aches and fatigue today. I just hope it does get better the more I do it. The thing Im debating is whether to tell my employer now or just keep pushing myself and build my stamina up. I just dont know. I dont want to let them or myself down.

[Hidden in reply to Jamajo]

I understand and empathise with the morning/day after fatigue. Even when i've left work feeling ok i can still be hit with fatigue the day after. It usually clears by lunchtime. I have a rest day in between working and most of the time it does work to help me manage the fatigue. As i said in my previous message everyone's situation is different you have to work out what suits you best. All i will say is no job is worth making yourself ill for. I know it's not easy when there's bills to be paid but health has to come first in my book. Good luck

[Jamajo in reply to Hidden]

Ok thanks for your help and advice.

[boxergirl777 in reply to Jamajo]

Hi Jamajo,

I totally understand, losing my job due to my bi has been life changing.....

The biggest problem was not accepting I could no longer perform my duties, this was so stressful and draining ....covering up and changing positions only to to discover it was no easier.....it was complete hell.

I hope you find you are okay and that things are as before, but if you are struggling my advice would be to speak up and say it