What can and can’t you do while you’re off sick from work?

[StillChangingForTheBetter]

I had a laparoscopy for suspected endometriosis on Friday. I’m still exhausted and generally uncomfortable, but also feel a little more up to doing something gentle - like popping out to return some parcels, or maybe going to get my nails done. We’re also set to have some family visitors mid week next week.

Im off for the next two weeks. No way could I be back at work- I’m exhausted from doing the most basic of things. But is it okay to do small things like that, or is it bed rest only? I obviously don’t want my work to be angry at me, but there’s no way I could be at work right now. I’ve been signed off for a week.

Anyone?

You can answer this yourself by imagining how you'd feel if you met your boss or one of your colleagues while you're out and about. If they see you getting your nails done at the start of your 2-week sick leave or walking about in town with an armful of parcels, how do you think they would see it?

I went on holiday to Majorca when I was off work following my endometriosis surgery. I also was off for a lot longer than two weeks!

To be honest, before this I’d have probably been awfully judgemental. But now I’ve been through even a short period of sick leave, I’m desperate to get out of the house and do something to feel even a touch more human, and I know that when I get home I’ll probably have a nap after! I guess it’s just that perspective isn’t it? I can’t imagine getting myself out of bed at 6am, on a bus, walking to work, doing a full days work and walking then getting the bus again, I think I’d fall asleep at midday! But I can see myself managing to get out for half an hour or so then getting back in bed

It took me weeks to get back to normal after my endometriosis surgery, I certainly couldn’t have been out getting my nails done but if I was well enough to do that, I would have certainly felt well enough to do some sort of work.

That's a lot of rubbish, OP of course you can go and get your nails done or nip out to collect a parcel. It would not matter if someone from your work saw you, your doctor has signed you off work not day to day life.

I'd say your better off resting up so you've got a chance of going back to work after the week is up surely?

I think what you are describing is fine. Realistically, you don't go from feeling so terrible you have to be in bed to so well you can do a full day’s work overnight. There is of course an in between stage where a few gentle trips out, getting some fresh air and the body moving again, are part of the recovery process. But as PP have said, I’d be a bit discreet about it. Don’t go posting a marathon training run on your social media for work colleagues to see!

If I could go back for a couple hours a day I probably could - but it’s taking all my energy to do basic things like make breakfast etc (and I’m not doing anything elaborate, I’m talking eggs on toast!). I’m out of the house for 10 hours a day and I think that would genuinely finish me off, but I think I could cope with being dropped off outside my nail salon and sitting up for 30 minutes before being taken home

You’re not allowed to do paid work. That’s it really.

Tbh getting at least some exercise is very important- have they given you advice? I would expect you to be on actual bed rest, that would be dangerous imo. But I have to say I wouldn’t personally do errands requiring you to lift things, or trips like to the salon where you’ll need to be sitting up for long periods. I would definitely do some gentle walking though and get fresh air.

But in principle, anyone who thinks going to the post office is the same as holding down a job can sod off. I’d just be careful for your own sake.

Don’t push yourself @StillChangingForTheBetter

You may feel up for getting out and about but you could really set yourself back if you push yourself too hard and it won’t take much.

Take the next week at least to relax, chill and rest.

I had a laparoscopy many years ago for unexplained fertility and I also own a business so I can see from both sides. I was very tired and couldn't have worked but could easily run small errands etc. As a business owner I wouldn't bat an eyelid if I saw you out and about. Working a full day with a commute and spending a small portion of the day out are not comparable. Get well soon.

Would NOT expect you to be on actual bed rest

Even if I was sleeping all day I don’t see how I can be back on Friday! It’s totally floored me, more than I was expecting

I didn't say she couldn't do those things. Read what I wrote.

I’m pottering about the house, I managed to get dressed today (although I needed a nap after!)

I don't remember taking more than a day or so off for a laparoscopy, tiny incision, no pain, just needed the anaesthetic to wear off.

I can easily imagine feeling well enough to walk 5 minutes to my local nail place, sit there for half an hour staring off into space while they do my nails, and then walk five minutes home, while simultaneously not feeling well enough to wrestle my way through a 40 minutes tube trip at peak hour, give proper concentration to complex work for 8 hours, and then another fight home through London commuter hell.

I think part of it too is my nail lady is someone I see as a friend now so I’d just value some time with someone outside of my house! I’m going crazy, but also can’t imagine getting myself to work

Don’t think there’s any harm in getting your nails done. You’ll just be sitting there! Returning a few parcels is also nothing in comparison to a full (or even half!) a days work.

Your doctors signed you off as you’re not fit for work, doesn’t meant you’re unfit to complete day to day tasks at home, I had 6 weeks off for a miscarriage you’d best believe the days I felt up to leaving the house I did, I had my nails done and lunch out etc. a few hours out doesn’t mean you can suddenly work a full day and shoulder the physical and mental load. Do what you want OP.

I would do whatever I felt up to doing. The thing about getting your nails done or going to the post office, you are doing that in isolation. Very different to travelling to work and back and doing a full day’s work. I also think it’s important to test your body and increase activity gradually. Bed rest for a fortnight and then going straight back into normal life is madness. And anyone judging you if they should see you out is an idiot.

I think as other have said you’re signed off work not life itself but I wouldn’t go flaunting anything on social media. I might also think about offering to work from home or on reduced hours if I was feeling better, but not well enough for the long commute day. But number one priority needs to be getting better in whatever shape or form that takes.

They won’t let me wfh or do reduced hours, I asked before I went off. It was all or nothing

Of course you can! Ignore people saying you can't. A shift at work is completely different to short errands or getting your nails done.