Phased return to work after long period of sickness/leave

I am actually looking forward to it. I really love my job and have kept in touch with the office whilst I have been off. Although I still won't be going back til January as I have 200 hours of annual leave to use up before 31 December. I haven't been given the all clear yet but I am expecting to be given the green light when I have my neuro review on 25th Sept. So I am trying to work out a realistic return to work to incorporate all my a/l! Easier said than done!!

My Dad is returning to work next week after being off for 5 months. He is initially doing 3 days a week for 4 hours a day. This is on the advice of his GP.

I was only off for two months and went back for three days the first two weeks, four days the next two weeks and then full time.

If you're looking forward to going back, can only be a good sign and if it's physical rather than depression (as mine was) then as much a you can do without overdoing it IYSWIM?

Good luck!

Hi Suds,

My sickness was due to a subarachnoid (brain) haemorrhage which I had in June. Totally unexpected and I have been very lucky to survive with minor long term problems (loss of smell and taste, right side weakness which I need a stick for).

I work for the NHS and they have been so supportive it is amazing really. My return is on my terms and my boss says he will bend every rule and policy in the book for me (it's good when your boss is the director of HR!). They actually don't want me back too soon but I am ready to begin to go back although I don't think I will be ready to work full-time for a while and in my line of work (assistant training manager) standing up delivering training might be a problem. But they have recruited someone in for 6 months to cover me who will be kept on in January to continue training delivery whilst I deal with everything else and hopefully gradually build up to full time return.

I'm just worried about planning to do x number of hours a week and then not being able to commit to them if I find the return too tiring.

whew, sounds like you've been through it, I'm glad you're on the mend. Sounds like your boss is determined to make it as easy as possible for you to come back, so I guess you do it by trial and error? Considering what you've been through I don't think there are any certainties - you do what you can do?

Can you make a provisional agreement and see how you get on? A friend of mine went back to work on light duties and they agreed before hand what she would and wouldn't tackle and went from there.

I would ask your consultant for their opinion re you returning to work and ask for their advice re hours / days. My dad has been wanting to go back to work for weeks but his GP & Consultant both refused (he had his bladded removed).

I have sent you an email I can't work out how to PM, although I've sent a PM before !

Thanks Cloudybay - got your message. I'm glad someone else was looked after working for them too - my OH's gran in Canada did think I only got a bed in intensive care because I worked for them!! lol She was most upset when OH had to explain to her that no, it was because I was so poorly - nothing to do with 'mates rates'!!! lol

Thanks EY. I've got a full MOT with both my consultants at the end of the month so will hopefully get their opinion on returning to work and driving and flying. They have refused so far but I am aiming for January so hopefully it won't be too unrealistic.