[tinaannParticipant]

Hello all
i need some advice if possible and is the way I am feeling normal so i thought the best way to find out is to ask people who have myeloma.
I had my SCT back in Feb and have had a good response, I have been given the OK to return to work but suddenly after four months I have become very anxious regarding returning to work and I still feel fatigued and have become quite emotional, I was going to return in about a weeks time but I feel that I was kidding myself and that I am not ready yet both physically and emotionally but feel obligated to return to my job. I have had HR meetings and Occupational health interviews both are keen to get me back to work asap but I am frightened in a way as I work in a busy enviroment and am worried that I will not be able to cope and have to go off again sick again.

thanks in advance
Tina

[DaiCroParticipant]

Hi Tina,

There are a few people on the forum that have made the transition back to work who will be able to offer more empathetic advice… But I would say that you should be guided by both your body and your mind.:-|

You might feel strong enough physically to undertake the major parts of your job… Or certain tasks identified and agreed by your HR Dept., and the occupational review but… If you feel mentally vulnerable, or emotionally unprepared for the work and the workplace, then let your HR Dept., know…. and put it off for a few weeks. Perhaps you can agree to a day or two a week for a few weeks to see if you can cope… don't push yourself and don't feel obliged… The only obligation you have is to yourself and then your family.8-)

Anyway… I am sure someone who has been there and done it will be along any minute now.:-)

Dai.

[tomParticipant]

And Tina that minute is now 😀

Well am sure you know I had my SCT wayy back in December 2009 (went on sick may 2009 when on CTD) went back to work (light dutie's) May 2010 and as I sit here after being back at work for just over two years and still on the Light Dutie's I feel as I should have not gone back to work :-S I feel tired and just worn out some days :-/

But Mine is a Money thing yes if I had the pension/savings I woul pack in work tomorrow, would I miss it yes too true I would but I would pack it today but for the money 😎 As Dai says [u][b]"The only obligation you have is to yourself and then your family."[/b][/u] so if its good to pack in work I would do it.

Good Luck in your decision

Love Tom "Onwards and Upwards" xx
.

[GillParticipant]

Tina my advice would be [b]Don't[/b]. If you are desperate for money you may not have a choice, but if you can trim down your living costs then just cocentrate on getting better.

It's my husband that has mm I signed off work with stress when he was first diagnosed as he was so ill then. After an exemplary record of attendance and decades of working with the same charitable organisation. They weren't at all charitable when I sent in my certificate and my manager phoned me at home almost daily to ask when I would be returning to work. I should have sued them for harrasment!

I ended up taking early retirement and have never regretted being at home with Stephen. We both enjoy the same things (mostly:-( ) and when he is watching the wretched cricket or some other silly thing depicting grown men chasing after a ball I am quite happy to potter about in the garden, read a book, take myself off somewhere etc.

I agree with everything that Dai and Tom have said and as a person that does not(as far as I know) have a life shortening illness I still believe that life is too bloody short to not get the most out of it.

Good luck with your decision Gill xx

[mhnevillParticipant]

Dear Tina

Most good firms would offer a phased return to work. Haven't you been offered that? If not, and you feel you must go back now, if it proves too much for you, ask about it. Haven't you got a Union rep?

Thinking of you at this difficult time. At least it is good that you have had a good responnse to the treatment. Like everyone else has said, don't push yourself too far.

Lots of love.

Mavis xxx

[tinaannParticipant]

Hi All
Dai, Tom, Gill and Mavis
thank you for your kind words and advice, i have bit the bullet and have spoken with family and have taken the decesion to take a rain check on going back to work just yet. Called work and spoke with manager and let him know that I wasn't ready yet to return.
will speak with G.P on Thursday and see what he has to say.
Spoke with my C.N.S and she has recommended and has referred me to a counselling service offered by the hospital and reassured me that what I am feeling is not unusual for post SCT patients and is part of the road to recovery.
to all my new friends a big thank you 🙂
Best wishes to all
Tina

[tomParticipant]

Hi Tina

And well done, making any decision after SCT is hard, and to make one that delay's our "Back to Normal" is even harder but I feel you are correct its too early, I was daft and jumped straight into it as soon as poss even though both consultants at both hospitals and two leading Nurses told me not to, (stuborn old cuss I am)

I also had a bit of Counseling (i like to call it a bit of a chat lol) and it did me the world of good 😀 would i do it again if i felt the need ? too true i would8-)

Good Luck with the Counseling.

Love
Tom "Onwards and Upwards" xxxx

[Anonymous]

Hi Tina
My husband Henry who has myeloma had his SCT in March and went back to work in May but a phased return (3 days a week for 2 weeks and then 4 days for 2 weeks) and now he is back at work full time. He does feel tired as he has an hour and a half drive to work but he wants to do it I think mainly to bring some normality back to his life and also i think he was brain dead at home. He has started going to the gym as well. I have told him to rest when he gets tired and take things slowly, which he is trying to do and Ive also suggesting we should move nearer his work……. I think it is up to the individual as everyone's recovery is different. Just listen to your body and take care xxx

[HelenParticipant]

Hi Tina
I'm still not back to work and it is over 10 months since my SCT, I was going back in February but got pneumonia, then last week I got gastroenteritis, now I'm aiming for next week on a phased return, if it doesn't work out I'll have to rethink. Whatever you decide, don't go back too soon, all the people at work soon forget what you've been through and just expect you to get on with things as usual.
Love Helen

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