Returning to Work

[JulesCurrie]

I have had RA since 2000 current meds include MTX 20mg weekly. Condition relatively stable with occasional flare ups. Have been lucky enough that I have been able to work from hone so have felt safe. Today I have had a call to say to return to work tomorrow but finding I am feeling anxious at the thought. Workplace is a small office where we can’t keep current 2m social distance and other staff live with family in high risk work environments paramedic care home and nursing roles. Just feeling anxious any thoughts or am I just overreacting?

[Masosa]

Hi, JC.

No,I don’t think that you are overreacting at all. In the present situation you do need to be cautious.

Does your employer have a risk assessment in place?

Also, because you can’t keep 2m apart, are they supplying ppe for protection?

You may observe all the rules, but it’s others you need to be aware of.

Your employer has a duty of care to protect their employees.

If there is union or some sort of employee representation in your office it would be worth asking advice.

[JulesCurrie in reply to Masosa]

The difficulty is It’s a small family business . . I am told we are taking all appropriate precautions. But I know where I sit nobody will be able to use the kitchen because door is right next to me

Guidelines are going to relaxed slightly with 1 meter plus rule being introduced so suppose we will have to get used to this change shortly anyway.

Whilst I haven’t received a shielding at risk letter my employee thinks I have no reason not to return to the my workplace . Just wondered has anybody obtained a letter from the doctors?

I am able to work from home so will try and see if I can just reduced my days in the office.

Anybody else find themselves in my situation?

[Hoggy59 in reply to JulesCurrie]

Please get in touch with your doctor I am on the same medication and have been shielding, since it started also I've just received the latest government letter say I should not return to work until the 31st july if possible.

[helixhelix in reply to Hoggy59]

Do you have other conditions or reasons to shield? Seems very odd if just on MTX?

[JulesCurrie in reply to helixhelix]

Hydroxy, omeprazole, naproxen folic acid Cocodamol when needed . I have been told to temporarily stop hydroxy because of constant whistling in ears it’s so annoying

[Hoggy59 in reply to helixhelix]

Odd! Was told by my GP and Consultant sorry you find it Odd.

[helixhelix in reply to Hoggy59]

Just sorry for you. I couldn’t have done it for one month let alone 4!! I think everyone is remarkable for managing and I do get how unsettling it must be to stop.

[AgedCrone in reply to helixhelix]

Over here hh every one involved in deciding who should shield has a different criteria.

My rheumy said self isolate....my GP Practice apparently decided shield....but didn’t find it necessary to tell me...not surprising really as they always sound surprised when I mention I have RA. One had never heard of Leflunomide...another asked if I had Rtx infusions every month.

I just smile benignly & move on.

Thank goodness my Rheumy is on the ball...or Lord knows what condition I would be in!

[Denise64 in reply to JulesCurrie]

Hi

Yes I'm going to have to go back beginning of August , although they are letting people go in a few weeks time, I may be one of them.

But they have put safety measures in place, but then I'm relying on the other staff doing what they are supposed to do.

So at this point , if I get to keep my job I'll have to go in.

And my anxiety through the roof so much so I'm facing taking tablets.

But I agree with a few other comments that we have to try some normality in our lives..

But by this time I will have been locked up for 4 months.

Given the choice I'd stay locked up and never go out again .

But at 56 that Is no future.

So I get exactly how you feel.

We are between the devil and the deep blue sea.

I'd have a word though as we are not allowed to return to work until after 1st August, ring your doctors and check.

Good luck xxx

[helixhelix]

I haven’t been in your position because I’ve not been shielding, I’m only on MTX and a biologic. But I have thought a lot about it as going out and about makes me realise how awful it is to be fearful of other people. I back away from people who are just being friendly and stopping for a chat.

And I can imagine that if you’ve not been out for months the thought of doing so is really scary. This virus isn’t going away, so unless we all want to become hermits for the rest of our lives then we need to adapt. Can you talk to your employer about moving your desk, maybe swapping it for someone else’s that is in a more isolated position?

[JulesCurrie in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you I suppose I need to adapt this virus isn’t going away for a while . Have been working at home in a safe bubble and suppose this first step is a big one... Rest of family at home and husband has or is living with Myeloma so I still need to be extremely careful for them too.

[Linshug in reply to helixhelix]

Hi helixhelix

I am on 15mg methotrexate and cimzia(biologic) and I have been told by consultant and GP to shield as I am on the vulnerable list. I have been out very little for fourteen weeks😱 I wish they would all make their mind up 😬😂

[helixhelix in reply to Linshug]

It’s all very variable....

[K3-2]

Hello Jules

I returned to work half days 3 weeks ago after 17 weeks at home. The first 5 weeks I was very ill with pneumonia and then advised to stay home for 12 weeks.

I’m on Hydroxychloroquine 200mg and Leflunomide 15mg. The time at home affected my mental health when I started having panic attacks which I’ve never had before. So after discussing with my doctor, I decided to return to work after 12 weeks of Covid leave.

I work in a primary school for children with Autism and Communication difficulties. Children are not super spreaders according to data. All staff chose not to wear PPE i.e. gloves & masks unless having to deal with bodily fluids. The children need to see our faces to learn to recognise feelings/ expressions and mouth movements so masks are not useful.

There are risk assessments and guidelines in place to keep everyone safe.

I feel so much better mentally and physically since returning to work. Colleagues have been kind and understanding and the children are happy that I’m back.

I am NOT advising you to return to work, just sharing my experience.

Keep safe and well 💐💐💐

[Redrooster]

I’ve been shielding also and work has done risk assessment and our office is Covid secure. However our HR wants a letter from my GP to say they are having for me to return. Think they are worried I might sue if no letter. Shielding finishes August 1st anyway so only a few weeks left.