Wish me luck!

[Katybarstool]

Hi

Well, I am off back to work tomorrow. I will be 4 1/2 weeks post op and had been signed off until next Monday. However, I didn't think I could face a whole week at work to start with, so got my GP to sign me back tomorrow. I figured that a 2 day week to start with would be far gentler than doing five days in a row. After next week, I have a weeks annual leave.

It's really odd, but I feel sooo nervous about going back. The people I work with are really nice, but you know, you lose confidence when you have been away, and deep down, I' m worried I won't be able to cope. Physically, I feel 90 percent, and the GP did say to call her if I find I'm not up to the work and she'll sign me off again, so there is a plan 'b'. Mentally, I feel that my brain has gone awol! I'm just thinking that, with the SJS and associated conditions, I'm probably as good as I'm going to be, so I'd better bite the bullet.

Has anyone else felt this way about going back to work?

Will let you know how it goes.

Kathyx   

[Crabcakes]

There is NO way I could ever go to work now. I'm newly diagnosed, but have been on this condition a while, and for the last month, is getting worse. Have you tried for disability?

[Epson]

Kathy,

I think most of us feel the way you do.  The aches and pains are one thing, but the brain fog or unclear thinking is another.

[Dolly Dimples]

  Awww, Kathy that's good news, of course you will be nervous, but I'm sure you'll be fine..

   They  will want to know all about the op, and probably spoil you a little, go for it,

            Just pace yourself, deep breath ,  off you go!  Dolly X 

[Poochie]

Kathy dear, you have just been through the worst of it.  Going back for a couple days first is a great plan. 

I know you can do it and your fellow workers will be so glad to see you.   I'm sure you will be in full swing before lunch break. 

Go get'em gal!!

Hugs, Pooh

[Redetha1]

You can do it !!! Everyone will be thinking of you.  Your feelings are so normal even if with Sjogren's we aren't.  Hugs!

[quiger]

Hi Kathy,

What you are feeling is so typical. It's normal to have your confidence a little shaken when you have been away. You wonder if anything has changed, how you will handle everything, etc. The first day will probably be the worst. But, once you get back into the swing of things, your confidence will come back. Everyone will be welcoming and that should put you a little more at ease.

It's a good idea to start out with a two day work week, ease your way back into it. Your doctor sounds good and it must feel good to know that you have a plan B if you need it.

Good luck and please let us know how it goes.

quiger

[lynnmarie219]

Hi Kathy!


I'm hoping that you had a great first day back at work! Let us know how it went when you feel up to it!

[Katybarstool]

Hi my lovely friends

Well I survived two days at work - yes!!!

By the first lunchtime I felt as if I was on my knees. At lunchtime I went for a wander outside for about 10 minutes, and that helped. We picked up a takeaway for dinner and I sprawled out on a lounger for a little while in the evening. Thank goodness I did, as mid evening my youngest son, Michael, appeared on the doorstep with his 10 month old and 3 year old, asking for a bed for the night. They had returned from Spain in the afternoon, after a fraught week in temperatures around 40 degrees, and his poor partner flipped. She told him to leave and take the kids with him.

She has been having some hormonal problems recently, and I suspect the progesterone contraceptive implant she has is causing her to have mood swings and depression. She's also gained a lot of weight, on top of her babyweight from the two little ones. I think being on the beach and seeing all the ladies in their swimwear made her feel even worse. Also, young Logan, who is a creature of habit, had been a monkey all week, so she was absolutely whacked.

Anyway, today they have met up and had some discussions about things. They are going to try to work things through, and of course, she didn't really mean to dump Michael and the kids. So, thankfully, they have all gone back home tonight.

They are usually such a solid couple, but I think Michael's health problems (resolved at the moment), bringing up two little ones, and both having to work (opposite shifts) is really taking its toll. Fingers crossed for the coming weeks.

My second day at work was easier than the first, and now I'm looking forward to resting a bit over the weekend.

Hugs
Kathyx

[Scottietottie]

Hi Kathy 

Well done you!

I hope your son and his wife resolve their differences as you really don't need that on top of everything else!! (Much as you love them)

I hope next week goes smoothly too.

Take care - Scottie 

[Chickpea]

Dearest Kathy

It never rains but it pours!  I think your plan of going back to work for a short week before the weekend was brilliant and I'm glad it worked out as well as could be expected.  Could you have a short day on Wednesday to help with the strain of your first full week?  And a week of takeaways or ready meals sounds necessary too.

Poor Michael, and all of you too.  He's blessed in having you both so close and welcoming, but none of you need this extra stress.  You are such an amazing woman, so thoughtful and forgiving.  You told us what happened but with no blame for your daughter-in-law, just compassion and understanding for her.  I hope things improve for them and that her self esteem returns.  They're so young and facing so many challenges.

Thinking of you - Chickpea

[Katybarstool]

Thanks Scottie and Chickpea!

Chickpea, how did you guess I'm only working half a day on Wednesday

I've not heard from Michael and Sarah today, so hopefully they are ok. They will be calling tomorrow for Father's Day, so I will be able to 'feel' how things are going.

Today I've been doing a bit of catching up with cleaning, but resting in between. I've got nothing else planned for the weekend, so might even get rounf to the Sunday papers.

Hope you are having a good weekend too.

Kathyx

[fluffiebunnie]

I am glad the return to work was not as bad as you were expecting.  I felt like that after I was off when this all inititally started - was off about two and a half months.... I was so scared to walk into the office that first time - I thought everyone would be staring at me ... but they didnt..

I hope your son and his wife have got over their hiccup and you have a lovely fathers day together x