Return to work but not fit for work ?

Pronald

Hi Scope

Happy New Year.

 This was sent to my union rep for advice so hope i can get help from scope too .

Just an update on my health issues. I went into CSTM to have my second hip operation on the 5th of December. Whilst in surgery, I had an allergic reaction to antibiotics and suffered anaphylaxis. I was taken to ICU Warrington to recover from the near-death experience. The operation was cancelled, and I am now waiting to see a specialist to see what is needed for the operation to proceed. I am seeing them and the surgeon at the end of this month.

My manager Maria rang earlier; it was just a general call to see how I am. She said she wants to put me back into return to work, so instead of getting half the pay that I get now to help me, I will get full pay. I said I am still having problems with post-op pain in my right hip and arthritis and mobility issues in my left hip. Also, since having my near-death experience, I am suffering from PTSD and anxiety issues. It's a bit stressful. I am getting support from DWP with the new style ESA. So have you got any advice?

Holly_Scope

Hi @Pronald sorry you've not had a response yet. Although it sounds like your manager has your best interest at heart trying to ensure you have the most payment, you also need to balance that with where you are in recovery. If it means you feel pressured to get back to work earlier than your ready, it might not be worth the risk of causing yourself harm. Ultimately, only you know what's best for you and when you're ready so don't feel pressured to be back full time before you're ready. Hopefully they'll understand and support whatever decision you make.

Holly_Scope

Forgot to add, have you had occupational health involved to ensure that you've got the support from work? They will speak with you and put forward proposals on many things including how much you work based on your current situation.

Pronald

Thanks for the reply. Occupational health has been amazing. This all started about two years ago. I have never been unemployed; I have always worked. I retired early at 55 but got bored, so I got a part-time job as a porter at a local hospital. I drove a little vehicle around the complex delivering medical boxes, etc. One day the vehicle broke down, and they decided to scrap it and gave me a trolley to push around the complex in all weather, terrain, etc. I've always had aches and pains but managed it well. But the 5 km walk delivering the boxes took its toll and disabled me. Occupational health advised reasonable work adjustment, but my manager, I think, didn't understand what this meant, and I just carried on doing the work. At this point I could hardly walk and went off sick. I saw the occupational doctor, who said he does not want me to work even if I want to. I went to see a consultant who arranged two complex hip operations. The first one, whilst being moved back on the bed, broke my hip. The second operation on the 5th, I had the near-death experience, which was caused by an allergic reaction to an antibiotic. What made me laugh here is the antibiotic can cause this reaction after the second use; no one told me this. I saw an anaesthetic consultant last week. He said yes, it was a bad situation I found myself in, and hopefully there will be no long-term damage to my heart. So now I have to wait to see a heart specialist and an allergy specialist to see the best way forward for my second cancelled operation. He suggests I wait over 6 months before I have the second operation. The trouble is I'm stressed out; I have one leg bigger than the other and can't stop shaking .They have to build the hips up to be the same leg length .I feel better after writing this down thanks .

Santosha12

@Pronald Hi, I firstly just wanted to say how sorry I am for the awful trauma you've gone through, very sad. I couldn't just 'scroll on' I hope you dont mind. But a couple of thoughts come to mind but on the benefits side Scope will be more knowledgeable than me to be able to help you.

(My background nurse 12 yrs and HR manager 20 yrs).

Firstly, I would imagine your union rep would have questions about the reasonable adjustments that occupational health suggested when you were struggling to use the trolley, and particularly, the timescale between that and the Occupational Doctor advising you to stop work.

The Industrial Injuries Benefit Scheme comes to mind too but I'm not certain that would apply.

Have you heard of Versus Arthritis? They have a very informative website and helpline, but they can't give medical advice.

I'm not certain if / when you can start to claim SSP and then apply for LCWRA, the latter pays 416.00 a month I claimed for that but that was when I lost my job (NHS) due to illness. You could consider putting in a claim for PIP, you have to have had the effects on your daily life or mobility for a minimum of 3 months and that it is expected to last for at least 9 months.

I sorry I'm definitely not as knowledgeable as the Scope people on here who are brilliant and don't want to confuse things but just so you know there are options if you cannot go back to work yet.

I hope you don't have to wait too long to see the heart and allergy specialists. Guessing you'll see consultant after those are completed but hope you get support from your GP in the meantime for your distressing symptoms. IF you do not, you can email your consultant/secretary to get help sooner while you're awaiting these other appointments, and your surgery. Sorry too if I'm saying anything you already know.

Wishing you all the very, very best for your recovery.

PS Scope's helpline is very good too!

Pronald

Thanks great information i have all the support i need cant believe how much help is out there i get pip i get new esa i get half pay from my job its more the stress im getting i got a blue badge i cant believe how much help is out there .My issue is why i wasent warned about this Teicoplanin antibiotic you think someone would have said something even when i was having the big needle it took the fellow three goes to get it in place then he pushed me down like a peice of meat next thing im seeing stars and having a pipe shoved into my jugular vein .And my first hip op two people dragged me on ared mat to get me up in the bed first on side then pushed me on my other side and crack .Makes me laugh is where i had the operations is where i work so i know them all .But trust me brilliant people i think ive just been unlucky ?

5 k walk five days week all weather etc 66 year old approx 15 kilo boxes

Santosha12

@Pronald I'm so glad you are getting support, that's all one less thing to worry about and enables you to concentrate on your health and a full recovery, including from the trauma. Sounds like you've got really good people their and you'll be looked after.

Pronald

Thanks again sometimes its just good to talk im feeling better allready have a great night .Bye .

Santosha12

@Pronald meant to say omg those boxes/weight. I had a patient fell on me and ended up with a ruptured tendon left thumb and ulnar compaction syndrome left wrist, I still carried on pushing trolleys etc (didn't want to lose job) now left hand pretty much useless and still got dismissed 🙄🤣. My union wanted me to go to Tribunal but I couldn't/too unwell but don't really regret it just too much stress. Two separate surgeries needed but I've not gone on the list yet.