Upset at people querying my sick leave.

[LoisSangerAteMyHamster]

I’ve had an unexpected operation and am off work for two months. It’s linked to a disability and previous operations.

I have had comments from managers at work saying they hadn’t expected me to be off so long. And similar from friends and acquaintances. They all seemed to think I’d be back in a week or two.

I am really shaken by this-I’m feeling incredibly vulnerable-I didn’t need a reminder of my body failing. I’ve had similar ops before and needed far longer off work. Now I’m in my 50s and my body just isn’t playing ball. I can’t start physio for months and I’m not allowed to lift. All I can do is walk and I’m so tired and sore and achey with limited movement in my upper body.

I have been at work for many years and feel
some loyalty to the company. I only take sick leave when it’s necessary-it’s necessary now.

why do people think they know more than the medical staff? Why do they think it’s ok to tell me? And why do I feel so sad and worried?

(the general anaesthetic completely floored me for over a week)

Do they actually know the details of what you’ve had done or just have a vague idea? I’m not suggesting you need to tell your colleagues those details just wondering about the perspective they are starting from. Most people apply their experiences to situations and for most surgeries recovery time back to light duties would fall somewhere around 2 weeks following surgery (gallbladder removal, appendix, screw to fix a broken arm…..) so they are probably just thinking about people they know or their own recoveries and assuming yours will be somewhat similar. It likely isn’t meant to be malicious or hurtful.