Page 5 | AIBU to take the full six weeks signed off after surgery?

Phoneshop · 2026-05-26T19:58:42+00:00

I’ve just had a surgery on my kidney and bladder. Before this I’ve been ill for about 5 months, on and off. The consultant that did the operation has given me a fit note for 6 weeks. When I gave it to HR they did start to ask a few questions about why I need so much time off as it now counts as long term sick leave. Would you still take the time off? I feel guilty now. I’m 1 week in to my recovery and have a lot of pain especially as I currently have a catheter and a ureteric stent. They’re both very uncomfortable and impact my sleep. Can this cause me to lose my job?

embolass · 26/05/2026 21:18

Absolutely take the 6 weeks, you may need more. Nurse here who deals with surgical patients post surgery. It can take couple of months to feel back to “normal” plus you were unwell before. Takes a massive toll. Rest and build up gradually. Oh and check with your insurance company re driving too.

ilovesooty · 26/05/2026 21:18

If your surgeon thinks you need that time, take it. Best wishes for your recovery.

mumofoneAloneandwell · 26/05/2026 21:18

dadtoateen · 26/05/2026 21:16

Which if you read my post to the end, you will see I have agreed and she should take the sick leave…

of course they will replace a dead person, not rocket science

Show quote history

Noone is saying it is rocket science - i am saying that she should use that way of thinking to ensure shes taking care of herself

And I did read your post to the end. It was a short post - not rocket science 🙄

Original poster

Phoneshop · 26/05/2026 21:18

Miyagi99 · 26/05/2026 21:17

ask about your stent, they shouldn’t be uncomfortable.

Really? My consultant said most people are aware of them most of the time!

OP posts:

dadtoateen · 26/05/2026 21:17

Phoneshop · 26/05/2026 21:15

I had to have this surgery it’s not been optional. I’ve waited 5 months for it and that was with me being an urgent case! I was on maternity leave before this which hasn’t helped but the timing is what it is. I spent most of my maternity leave extremely ill.

Take all the time you need to recover, work will cope.

Miyagi99 · 26/05/2026 21:17

ask about your stent, they shouldn’t be uncomfortable.

dadtoateen · 26/05/2026 21:16

mumofoneAloneandwell · 26/05/2026 21:13

My point is that unlike family and friends, your job will replace you

They wont collapse

So take the time off you need because they will be fine without you

Its not really hard to understand my point tbh

Show quote history

Which if you read my post to the end, you will see I have agreed and she should take the sick leave…

of course they will replace a dead person, not rocket science

Original poster

Phoneshop · 26/05/2026 21:15

I had to have this surgery it’s not been optional. I’ve waited 5 months for it and that was with me being an urgent case! I was on maternity leave before this which hasn’t helped but the timing is what it is. I spent most of my maternity leave extremely ill.

OP posts:

NoGarlic · 26/05/2026 21:15

I found it useful to give sceptical employers a dispassionate and detailed exposition of my symptoms. The idea is to do it absolutely without moaning or 'explaining' but not omitting one speck of gore, pus and excrement. Anything that calls for a long time off work is pretty gruesome, and they're desperate for you to go away before you've finished your weirdly objective horror story.

You can finish with a really helpful "Of course, I'll keep you up to speed with developments". They always say no, just go home and take care of yourself. Anything but more details!

Converse4Ever · 26/05/2026 21:14

Phoneshop · 26/05/2026 21:09

I will have the stent in for 6 weeks at least, it’s so uncomfortable I don’t think I could concentrate at work! I’m also on some quite heavy duty painkillers.

I would think they should do an occ health review and based on that they probably can’t have you back in anyway.
DH is off work at the moment and the works doctor won’t let him come back yet as they’ve changed some medication

GooseCreekandtheRiver · 26/05/2026 21:13

Realistically they would be very unlike to manage you out on a capably basis. To do that they would have to show that you are unlike to get better enough to do the job, however the reason you are off is because of an operation that you had to get better to be able to perform the job.

Take the six weeks.

Floppyearedlab · 26/05/2026 21:13

You have had major surgery. No way should you be contemplating work.

mumofoneAloneandwell · 26/05/2026 21:13

dadtoateen · 26/05/2026 21:12

Of course she is important!!

what do you suggest an employer does in the event in the death of a employee???

Show quote history

My point is that unlike family and friends, your job will replace you

They wont collapse

So take the time off you need because they will be fine without you

Its not really hard to understand my point tbh

Original poster

Phoneshop · 26/05/2026 21:13

Mummyoflittledragon · 26/05/2026 21:12

Of course Yanbu. Was this keyhole or open surgery btw? I’ve had a few major surgeries and recovery was a lot longer than 6 weeks! Even keyhole surgery is going to take a minimum of 6 weeks to get any kind of strength back and you may find you’re not well enough to go back or need to reduce your hours for a while. In essence, tell them recovery takes as long as it takes and you’ll keep them posted.

It was robotic surgery but I’m surprised how tired I still feel. The operation was 4 hours long and it’s taken a while to get over the anaesthetic. Plus the catheter and stent are really delaying things!

OP posts:

SalmonOnFinnCrisp · 26/05/2026 21:13

take the 6 weeks.

I had 3 x organ surgeries last year and was harassed by occupational health a fair bit.
Half the reaspn i needed three is i felt pushed back after a week after the first surgery.
By the 3rd i gave zero fucls and was honest about my condition and said that the doctor had signed me off for x weeks so.....

Your employer sounds like a POS.

dadtoateen · 26/05/2026 21:12

mumofoneAloneandwell · 26/05/2026 21:07

Exactly - she isnt so important to them that the company would collapse due to her loss

But the op could lose her life by putting them first! Rest girl

Show quote history

Of course she is important!!

what do you suggest an employer does in the event in the death of a employee???

Mummyoflittledragon · 26/05/2026 21:12

Of course Yanbu. Was this keyhole or open surgery btw? I’ve had a few major surgeries and recovery was a lot longer than 6 weeks! Even keyhole surgery is going to take a minimum of 6 weeks to get any kind of strength back and you may find you’re not well enough to go back or need to reduce your hours for a while. In essence, tell them recovery takes as long as it takes and you’ll keep them posted.

Original poster

Phoneshop · 26/05/2026 21:11

Proberts90 · 26/05/2026 21:10

Are you home alone?

No my husband is off work too to help me care for our children!

OP posts:

XenoBitch · 26/05/2026 21:11

Have the time off. You have been signed off for a reason.
I hope your recovery goes smoothly.

Milly16 · 26/05/2026 21:11

I would go back once i felt recovered. That might not take 6 weeks but it might take longer. If i felt absolutely fine and recovered at 3 weeks i'd go back then. If i was struggling at 6 weeks i'd go back to the doc and speak to work.

Proberts90 · 26/05/2026 21:10

Are you home alone?

Original poster

Phoneshop · 26/05/2026 21:09

I will have the stent in for 6 weeks at least, it’s so uncomfortable I don’t think I could concentrate at work! I’m also on some quite heavy duty painkillers.

OP posts:

mumofoneAloneandwell · 26/05/2026 21:07

dadtoateen · 26/05/2026 21:04

Yes…. Cause if they died….. they would need to replace….

what other choice would they have?

op, take the 6 weeks if that’s what has been suggested. Hope you feel better soon

Show quote history

Exactly - she isnt so important to them that the company would collapse due to her loss

But the op could lose her life by putting them first! Rest girl

Credittocress · 26/05/2026 21:07

I would tell them that the surgeon has said it’s likely to be six weeks so your telling them so they can plan accordingly, of course you intend to be back as soon as you can, and hope to be back sooner. Then take the full six weeks. Appear willing but do what is best for you.

GaIadriel · 26/05/2026 21:06

The recovery time for an op has absolutely nothing to do with timelines for long term sick leave etc, even if realistically the latter may be a factor. The doctors would've based it on your medical needs.