Returning to work

[RainbowBrie]

I have spent the past few weeks going around in a circle.

I've been signed as 'ok' to return to work. I'm going back on a reduced duties certificate with a phased return over 6 weeks.

I think covid has definitely played a massive part in the slowing of my recovery and I have friends and colleagues telling me I am returning too soon. It has been 6 months since encephalitis. I see a psychotherapist once a week and she has voiced concern it could be too soon but with everything at the moment we just don't know.

I feel like there is some perks to returning to work in the current situation. I will be working from home so I won't have to put up with the noise and over stimulation of the busy office. I can work at my own pace in my own environment.

I am anxious though. I have a 7 year old home with me and the mornings are spent homeschooling.

I don't know if it's too soon and I should be pushing for GP to sign me off for longer. Or if I should just give it a go?

I'm hopefully holding out that I will have my neurology appointment in July which will shed some light maybe on long term issues etc.

[Marnie22]

Have a talk with the lovely people on the Headway helpline on 0808 800 2244. They will be able to help you to work out what's best for you. I can highly recommend them.

Best of luck. 🙂🌸

[cat3]

I'm guessing it could be too soon but only you can gauge whether it's do-able. Maybe give it a try for a couple of weeks and, if it's too soon, the fatigue will let you know.

It's possible the return to working will boost your confidence and create a feeling of optimism ; no bad thing for rehabilitation so long as it doesn't leave you over-tired and set your recovery back.

My daughter is working from home in lockdown with my grandson. She's healthy and capable but has been finding the interruptions and demands from a bored 11 year old, whilst trying to work, pretty exhausting.

If you really don't feel well enough then I think you need to give priority to your health and ask your GP for another month ; maybe 'til you've seen your neurologist in July.

Hope it'll be the right move m'dear, whichever you opt for. Cat x

[RainbowBrie in reply to cat3]

Thank you Cat. I will see how it goes. GP has written my return to work note as a 1 month trial. So if I struggle I go back off sick. So I will see how it goes.

Part of me is looking forward to normal. And working from home will be nice as I won't have to factor in noisy office environment. But I will definitely take each day and see how I cope.

[cat3 in reply to RainbowBrie]

Excellent Brie. Good to hear you have a decent trial run to see how you cope with the work and caring for/homeschooling your boy ! Really hope it works out well for you.

Let us know how it's going once you're underway. Good luck m'love…... x