Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

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

138 replies

Phoneshop · 26/05/2026 20:58

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?

OP posts:
WhatcakeshalIbaketoday · 26/05/2026 21:06

I voted yabu in that ywbu to think this could lose you your job. You’re entitled to take the full 6 weeks surely. This will count as long-term sick leave but it’s a one-off spell.

dadtoateen · 26/05/2026 21:04

mumofoneAloneandwell · 26/05/2026 21:00

😄😄 definitely take your 6 weeks

If you died, theyd just replace you!

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

CoffeeBeansGalore · 26/05/2026 21:04

You have been signed off by an experienced surgeon. Take the time off to recover.
If you dropped dead next week because you went back too soon, they'd soon replace you. Your family couldn't.

Original poster
Phoneshop · 26/05/2026 21:03

I’m at home I actually only stayed a couple of nights. I’m managing the catheter at home with a leg bag which isn’t ideal but I’ve had a nephrostomy bag before this.

OP posts:
Vinvertebrate · 26/05/2026 21:03

Ultimately yes they can get rid of you on capability grounds, but whether they would actually do this or not depends on lots of different factors such as length of service, performance, etc. I certainly wouldn’t be worrying about work whilst catheterised, but equally I only took 1 week after major abdominal surgery because I felt perfectly fine. (Senior management though).

PancakeCloud · 26/05/2026 21:02

Yes plan to take it off. The dr signed you off for six weeks because in their experience that is the time you need off to recover from this operation.

BlueMum16 · 26/05/2026 21:02

I would see how I felt at 4 weeks and then 5 weeks and if needed take the 6 weeks.

Just because the fit note says 6 weeks does not mean you will take that long to feel well enough to return to work. Likewise you may need longer.

Just concentrate on getting better for now.

Duchess379 · 26/05/2026 21:02

Your Dr has given you a note for 6 weeks, for a reason
Don’t feel guilty

Original poster
Phoneshop · 26/05/2026 21:01

I’ve worked there 8 years.

OP posts:
Proberts90 · 26/05/2026 21:01

Are you even at home if you have a catheter or still in hospital?

PicknStick · 26/05/2026 21:00

How long have you been with the company?

mumofoneAloneandwell · 26/05/2026 21:00

😄😄 definitely take your 6 weeks

If you died, theyd just replace you!

Lapplach · 26/05/2026 20:59

Six weeks is pretty much the minimum after a proper op surely. Don't feel guilty.

Swipe left for the next trending thread