So as the new year started I was full of positive thought intentions, but one of my colleagues came to work with flu as a wee festive bonus. So next day full flu symptoms begin no glad tidings or joy n that.
I’m over it and ready yo return to the gym but just at this I get a treat through the post, a witness citation from a former employers lawyer and also a former colleagues lawyer each to be a witness for them in an upcoming court hearing.
The thing is I don’t feel able to go this, reason is sometimes my memory just simply fails and the pressure of standing in court would make this worse. I have been in court professionally a number of times before but post stroke this is an overwhelming thought. So much so have written to both lawyers to advise them of this issue and feel any testimony that I could give may be inaccurate, I also intend to inform the court and speak with my GP and see if they can help. This really is causing stress it’s so annoying as I’m racking my brains for details that aren’t there and know I am not a reliable witness but have to hope the others see it my way too.
You are absolutely doing the right thing by not going ahead with this. If anything stroke has taught me is that you have to put yourself first!
This undue stress will undoubtedly knock you and hinder your recovery.
I imagine it is a battle in your head because you want to help your old friend/colleague but they need to understand your situation and why you simply can not do this.
Glad you’re feeling a bit better and let’s hope the flu has gone for the rest of the year for you.
You have done the right thing re the witness statements and I really hope they allow you to withdraw or at least provide a written statement instead. I have attended employment tribunals in the past and they are extremely stressful and you don’t need that pressure.
If they won’t allow you to withdraw then olease ask for reasonable adjustments. You are entitled to them.
Thank you @MrsG16@Mrs5K and @IreneFC I feel more positive about this as am sure my GP would rather ensure I was protected than return to them with other issues. The fear for me was not being able to be who I was before stroke, the nature of my job has meant being in court and questioned by lawyers a number of time and could cope with them having many barbed exchanges, but just now not just there in terms of focus and wit.
Ironically first to reach out was the defence counsel so tomorrow depending on my GP may speak with them as they cited me too. My thought is if they agree I cannot support their citation I cannot be asked to support the plaintiffs too. I was only cited by the plaintiff to attest to something 5 years ago was not public knowledge but is now.
Thank you @IreneFC spoke with my GP who will do the letter-Scot’s Law give it a fancy title but the crux is right side ischemic stroke has an impact on the memory, GP said and they can’t put them no matter what they think. Happy to wait on said paperwork and the case was 5 years ago.
