Back to work on Monday after 13 wks sick leave

slomo

Well folks, on Monday afternoon I start back at work on my phased return after 13 weeks of sick leave.
I can't believe I haven't been at work since the end of September and to be honest I feel it's gone in quite quickly, I never once felt bored or wished I was already back at work. I think that's probably a sign that I really needed the time off. My GP's 'prescription' was basically 'Rest'. Every time I said I should try to get up earlier or should try to walk a bit faster or further each day, he just said to rest and it would come. And I think he was right as I slept so much for the first few weeks in particular.
So Monday afternoon is the big day and I'm telling myself not to get anxious about it. I don't really mind my job and get on OK with other staff its just going to be a bit strange. There are some new staff members who aren't that new any more but I've yet to meet them and I daresay folk will ask if I'm better now. Not sure how to answer that one; I'm better than I was but am still a work in progress.
Have told OH to tell me if he thinks its getting too much for me as its often easier for someone else to notice than to realise it yourself. Will see how work gets on with making adjustments and workarounds for me. Fingers crossed it will all go OK. OH has a day off on Monday and is quite insistent that he will take me to and from work to save me getting the bus on my first day back.
If anyone has any spare time and/or energy and could send some positive and calming thoughts my way, it would be most welcome and appreciated.

All the best to everyone
slomo

Starburst

Hi slomo,

Returning to work after sick leave is always hard. I think the other half taking you and collecting you sounds a good way to reserve energy. I can't remember, have you been referred to Access to Work? If not, that is a must.

Just take it easy. It might be an emotional and physical roller coaster but they should ease you back in. The first few days will, hopefully, just be everyone welcoming you back. I was off for 6 weeks and went back full throttle which was hard, so don't rush to phased return.

Will be thinking of you and sending calming thoughts. Make sure you get an early night tomorrow and keep the day quiet and relaxing.

Do let us know how it goes. I'm sure you'll get back into the swing of things but remember you come first.

Sophie x

dibdab

Hope it all goes well....I'll be thinking about you and sending positive thoughts your way. It sounds like a good idea for the OH to ferry you there and back, one less stress and some one to encourage you enroute and unpick it with on the way home.

Deb xx

Slosh

I will be thinking of you, I had a phased return after my sick leave of about 6 months and it really helped, it was very tiring at first, not just physically which I was expecting but also mentally, from having to think, make decisions and also from being back around so many people.
I had weekly review meetings during the 6 weeks which was helpful as not only did it mean we could build things up in a way that suited me but there was someone else to make sure that I didn't overdo things

Take it steady, and rest in between, plus, unless you have to wear uniform get yourself something new to wear that you feel good in.

stickywicket

I hope it goes well, smoothly and not too painfully. It will feel a bit odd at first, especially with new fellow workers there but never doubt that your time off was essential and ease yourself back in as gently as possible.

slomo

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. I've been having a lazy time today and taking it easy.
I don't think I'd be entitled to anything from access to work, Sophie. I had a look at the eligibility last night. Work has already made some changes to the workspace for me and got me a lovely multi position chair. I'm OK with using the bus and the stops are less than 5 mins from work and home ( going at my pace). Also as I'm over 60 I have my bus pass so no cost. At the moment I'm saying I come before work so I just need to keep remembering that.
Slosh, yes I did treat myself to a new top for work and will wear my cardi that I got for Christmas. I also had my hair done last week so feeling OK about how I look which will help me feel better.
Hopefully things won't be too busy or at least be busy with quiet customers as I do find noise gets to me more these days.

Think I'm as ready as I can be, will let you know how it goes.
Thanks for the good wishes
slomo

dreamdaisy

I wasn't aware how much I was struggling with my work until I decided (after my double carpal tunnel op) to stop because I couldn't face starting up again. I was fortunate in that I was self-employed as a specialist tutor for dyslexics but, as I recuperated, I realised that I no longer had the ability to concentrate for as long as I needed and that I was getting short-tempered over nothing. Pain affects many areas of our lives including our ability to deal with others. I am fortunate in that I don't need to work and I don't miss it in the slightest - its lack has given me the time I need to cope with life as I have to live it.

Good luck for tomorrow, I have no doubt that it will feel very strange (even alien) at first but I hope it goes well, that you enjoy it and don't go overboard in trying to do what you used to do - softly softly catchee monkey (as my Pa used to say). Imagine it's a very hot bath and you have to ease yourself in bit by bit. DD

barbara12

Sorry I am late seething this slomo..I do hope it all went well for you today..little steps has they say..xx

dreamdaisy

How did it go? DD

Starburst

I hope it went well and that you're resting. x