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Struggling back at work
Struggling back at work
I have recently experience ectopic with the removal of my right tube.
Just wondering if anyone struggled back to work?
I’ve had 2.5 weeks off and because I work in an office I thought it might be better to get me back around people, as soon as I walked in I had abit of a breakdown and had to go home.
Has anyone else found the transition back hard?
Re: Struggling back at work
I think I’m going to start on reduced hours. Would find the day too long as still recovering plus the mental side.
I’m not surprised you feel emotional. Can you meet with your boss or HR to discuss your hours? And maybe take some extra time off or do less hours? It’s quite soon that you have returned. I totally get that you think people around you will help though and it probably does but maybe just a few hours a day and then build it up?
Hope you are ok and feeling better after your surgery. A truly tough time hey. Xx
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Re: Struggling back at work
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy and loss,
Surgery is an immense ordeal for the body to go through. In general, after about six weeks you should be able to return to most jobs from a physical point of view. However, if your role involves manual handling, we suggest that it would be sensible to have a phased approach, gently building up to the usual extent of activity. I would suggest avoiding a rapid return to strenuous activities as it is important to build up strength after recovery.
A few options may be available depending on the role: might there be an opportunity to work reduced hours, increasing them slowly over a few weeks? Perhaps there are certain tasks that you could take on which may entail a change from your usual role or a series of reduced tasks initially? I am not sure whether this is appropriate in your circumstances, but is there anything that you could action from home (which may be different from your usual role but still be of use)?
Many women experience pain after surgery and this can be the case weeks or months after the trauma. Pain is the body's sign to rest and it is important to be guided by this and taking it easier if you experience discomfort.
In addition, it is worth bearing in mind that experiencing ectopic pregnancy is a very frightening experience and many women need to take time to help them deal with the psychological/emotional impact of the loss of their baby, being diagnosed with a life-threatening condition and undergoing major surgery. Please speak to your GP about having further time off work if required.
Sending much love,
Karen x
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Re: Struggling back at work
So sorry for your loss. I too experienced an ectopic and received surgery two weeks today to remove my right tube. Some days I feel fine and other days very emotional, the longing for a family is so strong at times
Re: Struggling back at work
I don't think a phased return will be possible due to staff child ratios etc.
Re: Struggling back at work
So sorry for your loss, I am 4 weeks post op, burst ectopic and left tube removal. I don't think that 2.5 weeks is anywhere near enough time for you and I imagine that you will go back to work and then have to take more time off. Myself at that stage I was still in shock and my emotions have only really started to break through properly the past week or so. I've been taking it very slowly and have been out a few time but always feel very sore and tired the next day, so I imagine that you will over do it going back so soon! Of course we are all different however I have a very physical job and sounds like you do too so I'm taking the advice given to me by surgeon / doctor / etc to really let ourselves be fully healed so we don't end up taking a few steps back. I understand the urge to return to work and try to get back to normal. I'm super stubborn and hate this lack of control I have over the situation. Have noticed a few times I've been out I've felt extremely panicky, I assume its just the sudden change from being home and safe to suddenly being in a noisy environment, my fear also is I know when people ask me how I am I get the urge to cry, so let yourself recover emotionally as well.
Wishing you the best and take good care of yourself. xx