Advice return to work

[Charlie90]

It will be 2 years post abi for me in September

But due to return to work in September I have been on a years career break. I was previously a district nurse which I know already that will be something I am not able to do anymore unable to drive due to hemianopea, lost the use of my left side, have relearned to walk with a crutch, physically I know I would not be able to do that job anymore I managers have mentioned tele health working from home and returning on a very part time basis and down banding has been discussed also. occupational health appointment in a few weeks and have support of vocational OT my psychologist physio consultant etc.

Guess I am just apprehensive snd looking for people who have been through a similar process

I am under no illusion how difficult a return to work will be.

It is frustrating as following my first brain injury I returned full time with no problems but this time my injuries where a lot more severe.

My absolute priority is my own health in my life. But the thought of returning to work excites me and makes me feel optimistic about my future. We do not live to work but I loved my job and I personally thrive when I have structure snd routine in my life.

Can any one offer any insight or tips?

Many thanks as always.

[Hidden]

Have you thought of retraining within the NHS system to help deal with people with brain injuries etc.

[Charlie90 in reply to Hidden]

Hi there, thank you for your reply. Definitely something I have considered and think I would enjoy, my physiotherapist has encouraged me to do this as well

I would consider doing this abit further down the line I think yes.

[Hidden in reply to Charlie90]

Yes, think it's important. You now have real time knowledge of brain injury. We see many posts on here where there is an issue with many health professionals that have trouble understanding the reality of brain injuries, especially when the scans are negative. Because of your knowledge and insight you would be in an incredibly important position and may make a huge difference to the outcome of patient. Why not be an educator of staff too. Good luck, wish you every success.

[Hidden]

Morning. My advice would be to request a staggered return. You don’t know how many hours a day/ days a week will be appropriate yet. I would do half days too. A full day maybe too much. Maybe Mon, Wed, Fri morning (or afternoon) to start with for a few weeks and see how you go. That will give you plenty of rest time.

Also see if you can request ‘term-time only’ so you know you have really good breaks coming up. I used to work P/T at a university, and it was the holidays which made it manageable.

Don’t try and take on the world. See work as another kind of therapy, and do it to suit yourself. Good luck & take care xx

[moo196]

Remploy were great at helping my return to work. Definitely worth a chat with them 👌

[New_beginning]

Phase return should happen.

Write up what hours, days be best suited to you some places offer 4-6wk phase return to help, but your line manager should check in with you 1st week, 3rd week and nearer to phase return coming to end prior to setting draft days working after that period coming to end, dont be put off if days set permanent dont happen straight away, as phase return monitors that.

Good luck and enjoy this moment before that working life kicks in x

[Lulu_Lollipop]

Gosh, all the very best to you. I fully understand your feelings on your return to work. I returned to my job (I loved my job and did it for 34 years) after 2 years off sick following brain surgery for very large aneurysm. I wasn't fit for work, but I needed something solid in my life and I needed the money as my husband of 30 years b*ggered off the very week my aneurysm was discovered so I had a rather upside down couple of years.

I was phased in over 5 weeks, which was great as I was given an office upstairs, nice and quiet and undisturbed as I caught up on everything. Then I was put back where I used to work, which was full-on "front-line" and I was expected to be just how I used to be, dealing with everything at once and with barely a chance to slip away for a wee let alone have the breaks as suggested by neuro-psychologist. My big issues are cognitive function issues and fatigue. My colleagues simply didn't understand my issues. I'd been off for 2 years, looked OK, they thought I was just as I used to be.

I ended up having a stroke at work on a very busy Saturday morning. They noticed I wasn't myself, but it was so busy no-one had the time to check me out, no-one suggested I take a break or go home or called an ambulance. My son called an ambulance when he saw the state of me once I got home. To cut a long story short, I was dismissed from work last December as they were unable to make appropriate adjustments to help me back. After my third application I was finally accepted for medical retirement and my first pension payment arrived yesterday. I'm still waiting for the back-pay from December.

You sound very much on-the-ball and clued with regards to your situation and I wish you all the very best. Please make sure that your health issues are fully understood and adjustments/help are put in place. And please let us know how you get on.

[Hidden in reply to Lulu_Lollipop]

Oh dear Lulu, That’s terrible. Glad you have medically retired for your own sake. It’s terrible they made that a battle too. People don’t seem to have the first clue how upsetting all this is to us. I medically retired 18 months ago, and it was only last week that I realised I was a ‘retired person’. It will take some processing. Just take it easy xxxx

[Lulu_Lollipop in reply to Hidden]

You take it easy too xx