Work not being understanding - advice?

[Lottieeeeeee]

Hi Everyone :smile:

I'm sure there are many other posts about this (I did have a quick dig through the site and read some) but I just wanted to get other people's advice/opinions on dealing with work being awkward.

I recently called in sick and 2 days later went to A&E and was admitted to hospital where I stayed for a further 12 days (in a really bad flare - needed IV fluids, hydrocortisone and started on Humira)

When I was discharged from hospital they signed me off work for a further 2 weeks.

My boss has been OK up until now but it's one week since I came out and I don't feel ready to go back (I am still waiting for the Humira to properly work). I have communicated with him every day to update him on what is going on and today I got a sarcastic reply insinuating that he thought I was lying.

I just wondered how long would you normally take off work after a hospital stay? How do you decide when you are ready to go back? I am still feeling pretty weak/some pain and having to rush to the bathroom every 1-2 hours.

Does anyone have any good tips or advice on dealing with work / their manager?

 

[Astra]

http://www.nacc.org.uk/downloads/factsheets/employers.pdf
Hiya Lotiee
and welcome

download this info from crohns and colitis uk, everything is there for your boss.
you are protected by the Disability Discrimination Act (Equality Act 2010)
there are also info guides for employees.
If your work has Occupational Health then go and be assessed, they will make reasonable adjustments, in fact, will insist on it! ie toilet breaks etc
You're entitled to a phased return to work, they can't sack you, so don't fret, stay off til you feel well enough to return.
Any questions, PM me, been there, done that, fought them, and won!
Lotsa luv
Joan xxx

 

[Lottieeeeeee]

Thanks Astra, that's very reassuring. I forgot to say that after I received the sarcastic reply I arranged to have occupational health contact me so they produce a report for my manager, so hopefully that will help. I will download the information now, thanks very much for this.

 

[rygon]

I would keep all emails backed up in case you need them for HR at a later date.
Also I wouldnt bother emailing them every day. This is your time to recover, tell them you have 2wks off and will let them know as soon as you can if it changes. You dont need the stress of having to think of work.

They also have fact sheets for employees (yourself and what you can expect off your employer) and also humira which should tell you how long it takes to start working. This would be good to show you arent making it up

I was in hospital for 8 days (should have been less but they forgot to discharge me grr) and I think I had 3 weeks off and was allowed back on light duties until our Occ nurse sad I was fit enough to go back full time.

 

[xxjemmamxx]

Nothing really to add, but I know how hard it can be dealing with this stuff and work at the same time. I get the impression my employers are doubtful of me and think that I exaggerate about it too, but texting you a sarcastic reply is just completely unprofessional and inconsiderate - you have enough on your plate right now.

Just remember that you and your health are far more important than a job and try not to let it stress you out.

 

[Jim (POPS)]

Everyone is differant when it comes to this. I don't know the laws where you are about being off work. Sorry. I'm no help but wanted to support you.