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AIBU?

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Original poster

Feeling so guilty about being off work

29 replies

Objectrelations · 21/09/2026 10:46

I’ve worked in my job for six months and just passed my probation and ten days agi I broke my arm. I’ve been to the hospital twice since then - initial A&E and follow up cray and consultant and the fracture has moved slightly (it’s in the humerus) so they’ve told me to rest and they’re going to x-ray again next week and the consultant signed me off for five weeks. It’s a fully in person role and I can’t drive to get to work either as in a full arm cast but I could potentially get the bus, but I also am a carer for my adult autistic son that means I wouldn’t be back in time for him to get home to.

I am in quite a lot of pain and discomfort with it, but I just get the feeling that it’s really bad to just not even go to work at all for five weeks. I’m a PA/ admin person.

AIBU to accept the five weeks off?

OP posts:
noctilucentcloud · 21/09/2026 11:17

At the moment your consultant has said to rest and you're in pain. So I'd definitely take the time off until next week when you have the x-ray to see how it's doing. That'll give you an idea of whether it's on the mend or not, whether you still need to rest to help it heal, and whether the pain is beginning to ease. You can then make a decision whether you need more time off or not. Even though your role is in-person there might be some work you can do from home as you improve. You might also be able to work reduced hours. If your work place has an occupational health doctor it might be worth talking to them, but I think that's a thing for after the x-ray next week.

CorporalJohn · 21/09/2026 11:16

You have been given medical advice to stay off work. Why on earth would you not follow it?

Passaggressfedup · 21/09/2026 11:08

5 weeks is taking the piss. Consultant nowadays will sign people up for the maximum they think could be needed.

If you can take the bus but need to leave earlier, can you just ask to do that? Take a week off, see how you are next week, but 5 weeks for a broken arm with no complications feels excessive .

Belladog1 · 21/09/2026 10:51

Are you able to work from home?

The last week of July (on a Wednesday) I had a nasty fall and broke my arm. Needed a plate and 6 screws in it and spent 3 days in hospital (there were other injuries too). I was luckily able to work from home, and was back in front of my screen Monday morning. I had the whole of August working from home, and then luckily I felt able to drive.

However, I wasn't in full plaster. I was in a bandage and a sling, so a different scenario.