I am a Midwife, pre stroke I worked in the community, driving around visiting families at home and faciliting clinics in childrens centres.
My stroke affected my visual field and I have had the DVLA eye tests and awaiting results.
My stroke was on 12th November, and I just had my occupational health appointment and they’ve said I’m fit to return to work - office based only awaiting DVLA results, and phased return for 6 weeks.
Sympton wise I have the visial defect that I’m learning to live with, have terrible fatigue and am getting support for anxiety and panic attacks.
Am I crazy for going back ‘so soon’? My pay is about to half, I have a home and 3 children to pay for and I dont know if I can afford it if I don’t go back. But I feel massive guilt - what if I return and sometimes happens because I’m going back so soon? So many what if’s and buts. I’m saying to myself I can try and if its too much I’ll get signed off for longer. It’s only a job I keep saying to myself, put my health first - but I’m also just sat at home and maybe sleeping more because I have nothing else to do.
I would talked to u GP or ubstroke team ti see what they say then talk to HR dept and see what thrtr say then you can base you decisions on facts which should help to empower you with kind regards des
@Emmap1982 it really is a difficult one & will vary for everyone.
A few things to consider maybe.
If you weren’t short of money would you go back?
How will being in an office affect your visual field issues?
If you do reduced hours with regular breaks could you manage?
What sort of things bring on your fatigue? Can you avoid them at work?
What adjustments are being put in place as well as the office based role? Are they sufficient? Do you need more?
Can you work from home?
Your long term health has to come first but as you say if you try and it doesn’t work then you can be signed off again.
Whatever you decide make sure you don’t overdo it, take regular breaks and if it is too much don’t be afraid to take a step back and rethink it.
After a stroke in August I have Just returned work. I understand your issues as one of the reasons for my return was going on to half pay. This said in my opinion you should only be at work if you feel up to it. If you don’t maybe the concil can help.
Hello Emmap1982
You state that your stroke was 12 November and you are about to go on half pay. Do you work in the NHS?
I am retired NHS. When I had my stroke issues and was signed off sick I was paid 6 months on full pay then 6 months on half pay. An early retirement package was then negotiated. I believe this is standard NHS procedure.
Thank you everyone for your comments. I returned to work today, I am on a phased return doing 4.5hrs a day. My manager has been so good, even picked me up this morning to take me in. Shes set me nothing to do and said just take my time and reintroduce myself to being in the hospital environment / office and that I can take breaks or leave for fresh air whenever I want to. I came home absolutely shatted though and needed a nap.
I do work for the NHS. Our trust is full pay for x amount of months you’ve worked there. So for me 5 months on full pay. But I had time of within the last 12 months with a dislocated shoulder
@Emmap1982 sounds like you have a great manager. Hope your return goes really well. Keep an eye out for fatigue creeping up on you but if you’re able to take rests at work.that should help.
Best of luck. Ket us know how you get on xx
Can I join this thread? - came out of retirement today - post stroke new job as exam invigilator. A good day tho a lot of standing! I got myself a chair though and the day went well including a (false) fire alarm😱. Knackered now though im glad I didn’t agree to the consecutive days they wanted. Next day is Friday. Looking forward to it🤞i can keep doing it. Like a lot of things after my 2nd stroke - so far so good🤞
Great to hear you are getting back to work. I am considering a role like this if full time teaching no longer works out as I think I’d still like to stay in education if I can. My phased return is due to start mid Feb so it’s great to hear positive return to work stories
Well in many ways it seems ideal. I won’t do details as u r a teacher so will be aware. Seems u can do 1 day or 5 days per week as u wish - and for you I think a good stepping stone to getting back to the profession you love (if that’s needed). Good luck Mrs G16 and dont rush it - you will know when it feels right for you. Im sure your phased return will go fine though but it’s always good to have options!!
Glad your first day back went well. Your hours seem ideal for now. The break in between working days will be good initially. I have been back almost 3 years now & still need a day off mid week.
I like the idea of being able to choose me own days. I’m thinking invigilation, moderation or maybe even a learning support assistant. All will be a drop in pay but have to think of your health and a stroke is a big kick up the backside to do that. Glad it’s went well
You have hit the nail on the head there. Your health really does have to come first as without it you wouldn’t ever be able to return to work anyway. When I went back I had to take a 25% reduction in my pay and whilst it was difficult initially I have now adjusted to it. Working part time works quite well for me although I still do suffer with fatigue as a result. Hopefully you’ll find the right route for you and you’ll soon settle back into the work routine.
You’re doing the right thing. You may be able to return to full time in the future but take it a stage at a time and see how you go. I don’t think I’d want to do full time again now even if I could but circumstances sometimes dictate what we have to do.
I was full time before the stroke. I had considered reducing my hours prior to the stroke but kept on doing it. Stroke came and yes I’m doing ok and back at work on a phased return that’s lasted a few weeks now. But no way can I do full time. To draining. So I’ve asked for reduced hours and been accepted and from next week 20 hours. Mon Tue off wed in Thur Fri. But can change my days to suit myself. Has my work have said I didn’t need to. Your health comes first.
