Working if at all...

[Cuddlymum72]

Sorry guys second post but also how many of you have gone back to work? My work won’t take me back till doc says I’m 100% 😕 but now I’m thinking since too much stimulation like crowds, noise and lights destroy my head..how will I ever get back to work, I mean a trip to the shops can leave me in bits ☹️

[sealiphone]

It's essential not to set yourself up to fail by returning too early.

The generic advice is at least 12 months before a return and then it needs to be supported by both your employer and ideally the Neuro-rehab team.

When it is appropriate a phased return is often advisable, as it can allow you to assess the workplace and any accommodations to the workplace, which are possible, to enable you to perform your role.

It's important to consider the competence of your GP in assessing your ability to return to work, if you tell them "I'm good to go", will they just believe you.

[cat3]

If a trip to the shops leaves you 'in bits' then you're obviously not fit for a return to work. It sounds like your GP has your best interests at heart ; people returning too soon and finding the pace intolerable is a common story on Headway.

Take your time, and when you're feeling less fragile you might consider a phased return, perhaps with help from Remploy.

Cat x

[bexx87]

Read my article sorry I'm not in a state to make a long helping post

headway.org.uk/about-brain-...

If you want I can give you my linkin profile

And read my previous posts as I'm having issues currently to guide you

LinkedIn profile:

linkedin.com/in/rebecca-gra...

[trelfy1]

I had a phased return and my workplace let me go to a quiet room when things started getting too much. I also tried to nap on my breaks. I found returning to work helped me as it gave me something to focus on. My GP was useless, didn’t understand at all what I was going through.

[daveeb in reply to trelfy1]

No one does fully understand until it happens to them. Workwise I lost my job as a fireman. It broke me as I loved the job. The things that made it a little better was, I wouldn't want any of my very brave workmates injured because of me. Dave

[magdolna]

You will learn coping strategies. There is no pill for a BI.

May have to put old life behind you.

[lcd8]

I'm not sure if anyone is ever 100% again after a BI so please don't beat yourself up if you aren't. I am working full-time now but wouldn't class myself as 100%. BIs always leave you little reminders. I think its important that workplaces understand this and try to make allowances, however small.

[steve55]

im noise intolerant, hate crowds, my wife does the shopping and i stay at home.

the only time i leave the house is when my wife or my good friend suzy takes me to the monthly headway group.

[steve55]

sorry forgot to say, had my stroke which resulted in my brain injury 7 years ago.

[ErinSAH]

My advice mirrors other replies but please try not to rush back to work. If you try anything, do it slowly and take your time. Build up your tolerance to the stimulations you talk about and have plenty of patience with yourself.