Phased return fail

[MrsG16]

Haven’t posted in a while just been trying to keep my head focussed on recovery. I was 6 month post stroke on Tuesday gone and following a meeting on the Monday (I am a secondary school design technology teacher) I thought I would try a phased return after my head kept saying ‘you don’t know if you don’t try’ and at the end of the day she is paying my salary.

I suggested I might be able to do a couple of hours this week. I agreed to do Tuesday and Thursday to finish no later than 1 as that is when I always hit the dreaded fatigue/shut down. I was then sent a 4 week phased return plan and was requested I do 8.30-1pm this week working up to full time in 4 weeks. I thought I’d just try. Oh my goodness how stupid I was! I have been completely exhausted ever since Tuesday afternoon, have had a constant headache and brain fog and my tinnitus is worse than ever. They weird thing was though on Monday I felt like I might actually be ready but no I just feel it’s knocked my confidence and I feel a little embarrassed that I was unable to do it.

They are trying to still get me in next week even though I have sent an email explaining why I can no longer do the phased return. I have had to now get my teaching union involved as I don’t know where else to turn.

I don’t really know if I am asking for support but just venting to others that may have been in my shoes

[Mrs5K]

@MrsG16 firstly well done for giving it a try. Please don’t beat yourself up for not managing it. 6 months is very early in stroke recovery & I would suggest too soon to return. It took me 18 months to get back and then I started on just a couple hours a day every other day building up over 16 weeks but still never made it back full time. I remain part time 3 years on.

I would suggest getting a fit note from your GP and send that in. Your union will help too. Before any future return I would recommend an Occupational Health assessment as that will advise on any adjustments that may help ypur return. It isn’t just about a phased return.

Please don’t be embarrassed. Be proud that you tried. You just need to allow time for your recovery to progress further.

Sending you a big hug​

Ann xxx

[Gnasher]

@MrsG16

Please don’t be embarrassed at the outcome of the phased return. I went back on a phased return around Christmas just gone. It was a couple of hours 1st week and increase it to my normal hours. After doing Tuesday and Thursday 1st week 2 hours each day I was so tired anxious and stressed. By the 4 week. Yes I got there but not to full time I’d managed max 15 hours in that last week. The following month requested a further month’s phased return and they agreed. And by the end of that month my decision was made. I can give you 20 hours max over 4 days. They agreed to that. Mon Tues Wed off and I need it and Thur and Fri in. And I am still struggling now some days to do 5 hours a day. But I’ve the support of a great company. We don’t alll have that

[ManjiB]

@MrsG16 - I echo everything the previous respondents have said. @Mrs5K and @Gnasher have offered excellent feedback and advice based on their personal experiences.

Do listen to your body and do what is right for you.

@MrsG16

at the end of the day she is paying my salary.

I don’t believe your head is paying your salary, but she was right to suggest

@MrsG16

‘you don’t know if you don’t try’

You’ve tried it and now you know.

Get the help and backing from your union, GP etc.

Wishing you all the best.

[EmeraldEyes]

Very well done for trying

The first year is the hardest for recovering from any major health issue. And fatigue is the hardest part to have to bow out of work for, because it is such an invisible disability. Clearly your brain is still limping severely, it just can’t work to full capacity yet.

You are in teaching environment, lots of people, lots of sights and sounds, tonnes of information taken in as well as putting out, planning and organising, as well as getting to and from your workplace. Your brain is overwhelmed, it’s burning out from over use, it’s overworked. It’s clearly not ready yet!

But you can try again in another 6 months when you have recovered some more. It is still possible for you, so don’t give up hope of ever returning.

6 months is just a little too soon to return to work. Your brain is working overtime as it is. Repairing and developing new pathways for signals to circumvent any damaged/dead areas from the stroke. And that takes time to become ingrained, to become an automatic signal once again.

In the meantime, work on building up your stamina gradually. Join some fitness classes to build up the physical stamina, brain exercises for your mental stamina.

Mine was a minor stroke 5yrs ago, I’m 64 now, I about 2hrs a day physical exercise as well as the everyday things like housework, shopping, gardening, driving, etc. But I have learnt to pace myself over the years to manage the fatigue. Also learnt how delegate more, particularly now that my hubby’s retired

And don’t waste your energy on embarrassment, your health andfitness are more important than that. The last thing you want is another stroke!

Lorraine

[Jbob]

Hi @MrsG16, apologies as I’m just catching up due to personal circumstances myself too. With the knowledgeable people before me on this, first thing is at least you tried. No shame in knowing it’s not the right time and you should not feel either pressured or persuaded into damaging yourself any further. Not going to go too much but your brain the most vital part of you suffered a huge trauma and still recovering.

I would discuss a OH plan and have one carried out and seek as much support from your trade union , GP and us here - we’re all with you on this and know from experience how easy a manager can lead you into situations and then wash. their hands of it. Been there and paid the price so please look after you , take the time to work on recovery- you will make it but still need the time then appropriate support and this should be ongoing once back.

[Rups]

I tried going back to teaching after stroke and couldn’t do it, I was just too unreliable. Some days I could do a lesson (only one hour) but there days at a time when I had to cancel. I couldn’t imagine starting anything at 8 am. Morning is the unpredictable time for me. I think in time you will know when you are ready but I guess you at least know that for now it may be too much too soon. Do you have flexibility to try substitute teaching at your school? Or even working from home, marking or doing the syllabus for other subjects? Just ideas to keep you in the loop with your employer.