Back To Work

[Sandi K]

Iola, sustaining attention is one my problems too. The getting up and walking around every hour or so also helps me to refocus. Some days it's nearly impossible though, it depends on level of fatigue for me.

Wondering if you've had a neuropsych assessment done? It will pin point any attention problems you have. Having my report is helpful for my return to work because it outlines in detail what I need. Much better than both my employer and myself trying to guess as we go along.

Sandi K.

[DawnS]

I have a 'wellness' meeting next weds with my team leader and HR as I'm currently off sick with the dreaded fatigue. I'm just starting my 4th week off and the company I work for consider this to be long-term sick, hence the meeting. I am split somewhere between feeling strangely unemotional / unconcerned about this and feeling that a big change is about to occur.

 

I'd like to use my time off wisely in a fact-finding way. I am going to the drop in session at the Citizens Advise Bureau tomorrow to inquire about benefits if I am eventually dismissed for capability. This is a strong possibility as 2 of the warehouse staff have been dismissed for capability recently and it seems as though it's a current trend.

 

The other thing I'd like to find out is how much can be expected from 'reasonable adjustments'. I have already changed roles and cut my hours down to 31.5 per week. Perhaps this would be their responsibility already fulfilled? Does anyone know anything about this? I've searched the internet but it seems that this is down to the company's discretion and is open to interpretation.

Any ideas, input or advice would be most gratefully received xxx

[Super Mario]

Dawn, forgive me if I have said this before but ACAS may be able to answer your last question on employment. Possibly worth giving them a ring before you go to CAB.

http://webextdev.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2042

[Daffodil]

DawnS said:

. This is a strong possibility as 2 of the warehouse staff have been dismissed for capability recently and it seems as though it's a current trend.

 

Dawn, it is one thing to dismiss on the grounds of capability, ie, not meeting expected performance criteria in the role you are employed to do and another thing entirely when there is a documented incapacity under medical direction that is preventing you from working, employers have clear guidelines in the UK and employees with a declared incapacity do have some protection, that said it is in everyone's interest to find to a good and workable solution that will work for the long and not short term

 

I think that your company appear to be reasonably enlightened and open to making adjustments etc so I would hope that this wellness meeting is about how they can help you return to work in a sustainable and steady way that isn't going to effect your health any further but yes it may be time to think about what you can do and what you want next .

 

They may be able to make further adjustments to working patterns but also it may be time to talk about alternatives away from the phones maybe? You know I'm happy to chat if you want.

Take care now.

[DawnS]

Thanks Daff, that's lovely. You always explain things so clearly, thank you.

Penny, I have spoken to Acas and they said that they cannot advise specifically as it depends a little on my employers procedures and a lot on my individual circumstances, though they said they can help if I am dismissed and feel that this has been done unfairly.

 

This was quite similar to what CAB said when I went to them this morning. They gave me some web addresses and printed off some info about the disability discrimination act. I find it difficult these days to research things like this because I can't think of what I'm looking for or where to start. If I'm pushed in the right direction then I can get going.

 

I also asked about benefits if I am dismissed for capability, but it seems that would change nothing. Andy works, therefore we wouldn't get any long term help. They did tell me that my own GP would need to be of the opinion that I cannot work. My GP feels that I am more than capable of work, just not in my current role. I guess I need to be writing a new CV then!

[Louise]

Hey Dawn

Good, using the time wisely dont tire yourself more doing that though honey, CAB good idea I have found them very helpful, its all good things to find out...

Seems all companies have different guidelines for example I never thought 4wks was classed as long term that did surprise me..

 

When Ronnie broke his finger Acas was very un-helpful but again different things different branches put out all the feelers honey...

 

Ah! but your GP thinking you can work was that then or now since you have been off work...

sending you hugs...

[Macca]

Hi Dawn,

This area of employment law is a minefield. Is this a case where your employer is bending the rules or moving the goalposts to declare you incapable of the job you are being asked to do? Are you the same rank as before? Have you suggested where any problems might lie and suggested a solution? Are your employers being unreasonable and suggesting to you that you might be incapable when in fact you are not? Are they overbearing towards you, knowing you are reluctant to fight them? Are you able to take a friend or union rep in with you?

 

Keep a record of all of these meetings, emails, phone calls etc and what happens. Is this a case of potentially 'constructive dismissal' - that is, contriving to establish a set of circumstances unfairly, that they know you have no chance of fulfilling and enabling them to see you off?

 

If you decide to take them for unfair dismissal - if that eventually occurs - you have to get your claim in within three months, I believe. If you want to go to an employment tribunal for things such as bullying, again you have to get a claim in within three months of the event occurring - not when any eventual decisions are made.

 

I would suggest you get advice quickly and take notes of dates, times, records of events in the meantime. As well as CAB, many solicitors/lawyers have free half hour consultations to discuss problems to see if there is a potential claim for them to pursue. Might be worth you speaking to one of them. Make sure it is a lawyer specialising in employment law.

Good luck

Macca

[DawnS]

I don't feel that I am being bullied and I haven't had the meeting yet so I'll see what they have to say first of all. I just thought it was a wise use of my time to get prepared, especially as I have more idea what may be coming after the first time this went on. The circumstances have changed a lot since then down to having a very different (human one might say!) manager.

 

As an employer, they have actually been very good to us - my partner and I work for the same firm. When I fell ill, he was 5 weeks short of 3 years service. This is the point where you are entitled to full sick pay. Technically speaking, he was only entitled to 6 weeks, but they waived this and paid him in full for the 10 weeks he was absent. They allowed him to carry his mobile phone on returning to work and was allowed to leave suddenly if required without any kind of issue. I feel that they have been very understanding.

 

CAB advised me that capability is very different to unfair dismissal because it means that I am not capable of fulfilling my end of our contract. Seen in this light, it reads much better. I cannot work full-time, we've tackled this already. I cannot meet the targets set and this will be tackled in my meeting of next week. If my hourly work targets cannot be lowered, I will ask if there is a less demanding role that I could take. Perhaps reducing my hours even further would be the correct solution. If none of this is workable then I guess it's time to look for another job!

 

Thanks to everyone for your words of encouragement and support. Being able to discuss these things with people who genuinely understand is absolutely invaluable!

[DawnS]

Hi everyone, how are you all? I wonder how everyone is getting on with work? It's been a long time since I logged onto BTG as last year was rather a challenging time. Happily, things have settled down nicely. 

 

After my hospital stay last April, I ended up having 11 weeks off sick. I had lots of meetings with my manager and HR. It was decided I should have a phased return which weirdly, was a lot longer than the phased return I had after sah and 54 weeks off! My targets have been cut out from 3 different targets per hour to no targets at all. During my phased return, when I reached 25 hours, I found that this was as much as I could manage and so my contract has been changed to 5 hours per day, 5 days per week with a 30 minute unpaid break each day.

 

This has made an astonishing difference to my health. I do still suffer with headaches, however, the days of becoming so exhausted that I cannot talk, think, or walk on a perfectly flat surface without stumbling seem to have vanished. It's a huge relief. I'm very blessed that my partner is still as supportive as ever and gives a lot of financial help which is essential now that my wages have almost halved.

 

I hope everyone is doing well?

xxx

[Tina]

Hi Dawn

 

Lovely to hear from you

 

Its really good to read that things have settled down nicely and that your new work hours have made such an astonishing difference to your health.

So very pleased that things have worked out well. 

Take care & keep in touch xxx

[Winb143]

You must be a good worker Dawn.

They didn't want to lose you !!

 

Keep well Dawn

 

Love

 

Win xx xx

[Karen]

Dawn, strangely enough when I was temping many years after the SAH, the maximum amount of hours that I could work for was also 5 hours per day.... 9am-2pm and just grabbing the odd tea break (I was still self employed at this point) I never managed to go over that amount as by the time I drove home or picked up a bit of food shopping on the way, I could feel that I was shutting down and starting to feel uncomfortable. 

 

I'm glad that you've found what's good for you to work with and wish you well. xx

[Macca]

Hi Dawn,

 

Great to hear from you. It's great you have found a workable solution and that your company has managed a way to keep hold of your experience and skill -set.  

 

The most important part for me, though, is that your health has improved and you have managed to maintain your sense of value to yourself, your family and your work - in that order!

 

Lovely to hear such a positive story in the depth of this cold and dark winter!

 

Fantastic news!

 

Macca

[Louise]

Hi Dawn

 

That's great Dawn, as you know I couldn't go back to work because its the 'other bit's' like shopping ect...

 

I used to go to college as Karen may remember but when tiredness hit, then in many ways I was a danger to myself.

 

still so pleased things worked out sending you warm hugs.

[Daffodil]

Dawn it's so fabulous you managed to keep communicating with your employers openly throughout and also that they have shown empathy and consideration for you but shown sound business sense in making adjustments to work patterns that allows you to work well within your capacity. Bravo all round. A great example and one that should be more common place.

You and I have talked about this at length and I'm really glad you have found something that improves your overall quality of life but helps keep the bills paid. I am lucky that I had this phased , gradual build up approach adopted from the start when I went back after 15 months off!! it made a huge difference building up gradually with tasks and interaction and now I even manage a trip to London once a month but it takes its toll when I do but I value it.

 

Interestingly like you and Karen 5 hours seems to be my absolute max for now if I want to have anything Left over for family and homelife but even then I have to make hard choices about what I choose to do as stamina is still nowhere near where it was. That said I aim at steady these days and most days it is in reach. I like that.

Onwards.

[Karen]

 

 

Interestingly like you and Karen 5 hours seems to be my absolute max for now if I want to have anything Left over for family and homelife but even then I have to make hard choices about what I choose to do as stamina is still nowhere near where it was.

 

Interesting to hear that you're currently experiencing the same Daff.  I was lucky to be self employed and I could dictate my hours to a degree and would work around the company's needs too. I did sometimes push it to 6 hours approximately 4/5 years post SAH and I managed it, but didn't quite know how I got home and to be honest I didn't feel that safe either when driving, even though it was only a couple of miles home.... It was a massive relief to get inside the house though and just to shut off for a while.

 

To be honest, I don't think that I could increase those working hours even now with more recovery behind me .... however, I'm 53 this year and may be age also has a part to play and combined with the effects of the menopause that mimic the SAH fallout in quite a few ways too. 

 

xx

[SarahLou]

Hi Dawn,

That's great news, I'm so pleased for you, and it's fab to see you back!

Work for me is not going so great at the moment.

I do 20 hours a week over five days but trying to work, do my studies, plus everything else that needs to be done, is just not working out.

 

I've tried for a year.

My boss has agreed to trial that I do my hours over 3 days to give me a proper rest day and a study day in the week.

 

However there are concerns that this won't be in the best interests of the Trust (or indeed myself) , but I'm grateful it's being given consideration.

Whether I can cope mentally and physically with the longer shifts only time will tell.

 

If it doesn't work out then I will need to find acceptance that this lil titanium clip in my brain that keeps me alive has won the fight with regards to 'Back To Work' , because I simply don't have the strength to fight any more.

As always.... Any spare spoons please throw them my way!

Take care,

SarahLou Xx

[Daffodil]

Sarah Lou. I hope making the changes you outline work and bring improvement for you. I do 16 hours a week over four days , never more than five hours in one sitting and that's with little breaks too. This pattern is my max and absolute limit for now with regard to work so I really feel for you, it's such a struggle to find a acceptable limit to what energy and brain power you can expend and then still have any spoons left for family and just living and then of course it always changes .....sending hugs

[Macca]

SarahLou,

 

My heart goes out to you.  Obviously, you are trying very hard.  Maybe take a very critical look at what you are trying to do, build in regular breaks, do regular times, build in proper and regular rest breaks etc.

 

Do what is in your best interests, not the trusts, because they will follow naturally from you being in a position of strength, not weakness.  Can you delegate any of what you do to others and act in a more supervisory/advisory role?  That would take some pressure off at least.

 

When studying, do so in manageable chunks, learn a few acronyms that will trigger your memory on relevant topics - there's only so much you can write in an exam!

 

Spoons coming your way - duck!

 

Macca

[DawnS]

SarahLou, I hope you find a balance that is good for you. The unfortunate thing about 'reasonable adjustments' is that it's up to the employer to decide what they feel is reasonable. How about listening to what we feel we can do?

 

I had hoped to work 4 days of 6 hours - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. It would mean that my employer would only lose me for one hour over the week, but I would gain an entire day in the middle to rest. I was told that this could not be considered at all.

 

If they had a good understanding of brain injury, they would realise that my performance would be so much better if they gave me the hours I wanted.

How do you get on with studying? I haven't tried any yet. I'll admit that I'm afraid to because I used to learn easily and quickly and I don't want to find another deficit. What a chicken I am!

[Jules]

I have been working three eight hour days since last May. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday which although tough at times I have been able to sustain. This is my third back to work attempt and the first time I have got beyond 6 months so fingers crossed.

I wish everyone well and agree it is hard to get the balance right x

[Super Mario]

Jules, well done, hoping that you can sustain your present hours.

[Louise]

SarahLou I too hope you find balance, no-one has won your clip or you its just how you have been left and adding other stresses your under at the min I SO know it is not easy really I do.

 

In honesty Work, study, family stuff, family stress stuff - I think your a marvel so don't put yourself down at all...

[SarahLou]

As always you guys are my strengh... Thank you...

 

Dawn, my studies are going ok (I'm doing NVQ) but I am a bit behind, there is pressure as I only have one year to pass, only two attempts at the exam, if I don't pass I won't have a job.

I have to pick my study time carefully, no point in trying when I've been at work or if it's later in the day for example. I highlight and underline key words, and have to read things over and over again. A lot of very long words to get my head around!

 

I have to say though that my colleagues have more faith in me than I do myself. That is one of my main issues, my lack of confidence.

Well done on your work achievements Jules, that's great, be really proud of yourself for never giving up.

 

Well I did it! I got through my first week of three long shifts!

Yes, it's been tough but then it's been a year since I've worked these type of hours. Plus my days off this week have been busy with medical appointments and family things so I've not really had the rest/study day as planned!

 

Friday was mega busy, non stop as we were very short staffed, if I can get through a day like that then I can get through any day!

 

At the end of my shift my boss asked me how I was feeling/coping and said did I feel proud of myself, my reply was yes that I did, beyond words, but that I now needed to go and hide in a dark cupboard!! It's good to have the serious side of things noted but to also remain a bit light hearted.

Unfortunatly the next three weeks my works hours/days are all over the place so no routine, which us SAH'ers know is not a good thing!

 

No idea how I will cope, some serious pacing and planning will be needed.

Miss C and my hubs have been great, although hardly seen him as he's been on lates all week.

I can honestly say that since I've been working at the hospital I can feel my brain re-booting with regards to memory, things stay in there but I have to find different ways to retrieve the information. All colleagues have commented that my memory has improved, now I know it'll never be what it was, and that fatigue will always floor me so I need to learn to live with that.

 

I know how lucky I am to have been able to return to work, and to take the chance on a complete career change.

I just hope that these new work days/hours work out for the best.

 

Thank you all again for your kind words and support, big hugs to you dear Louise.

Take care,

SarahLou Xx

[Macca]

SarahLou,

 

Sounds like you're doing great to me, you just don't believe it yourself yet!

 

Belief breeds confidence which in turn breeds belief.

 

If you are doing NVQ, you are already doing the job and it sounds like your colleagues think you are doing great.  What they don't see is that inner you when they've all gone home and the lights are off, doubting yourself!

 

Step by step you are getting there - believe it, do it.  Memory acts like a filing cabinet - retain,store, retrieve.  What you need to look at is the labels you put on the folders in your brain - if you can remember those, the rest will follow.  I find repitition is a good way, until a short term memory is converted into a long term memory.

 

I think you need re-assurance from others to help you believe in yourself, but you know what - we, I, believe in you, know you have it in you, to succeed.

 

You are learning everyday, and I bet no-one said it would be easy, yes you will have to work, but it is worth working hard for, but the sense of achievement at the end will be very gratifying and will reward you for that effort.

 

You are past half way and there is less to do than you have already put in.

 

You are getting closer to the summit everyday - see it through girl, you can do it.  Just that last push to the finish.  You probably feel under pressure, but a lot of that comes from within, because of your perceived ideas of the expectations of others.  Try to forget about them and focus on the task in hand.

 

But do you know what SarahLou?  Even if you don't make it, you will have tried your best - no-one can ask any more of you - you will still be a shining example to us all and we will be, and are, extremely proud of you.

 

Best wishes