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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To take sick leave with a broken arm

89 replies

Polarbearflavour · 10/12/2017 19:53

Long story but I’ve fractured a bone in my arm...cast on. I also have a sick note.

I work in an office in a non manual role but I’m in lots of pain and can’t really get dressed.

AIBU for taking sick leave? A couple of people have said I should go to work Confused

OP posts:
ChocolateButton15 · 10/12/2017 20:24

They wouldn't of given you a sick note if you was fit for work so don't feel guilty about using it.

fleshmarketclose · 10/12/2017 20:25

When I broke my ankle there was no way I could have worked for at least the first fortnight it was incredibly painful in spite of the cast. Luckily I had started Maternity Leave the day previously (36 weeks) Hmm
If you are in pain and have a note you should stay at home.

SpartonDregs · 10/12/2017 20:27

I broke my elbow, was off 3.5 months, and couldn't drive for around 5 months. Not in pain once a cast is on? Crikey i wish this oracle had spoken when i was off, i couldn't even put a coat on myself. If only i'd known it wasn't pain but all in my head...

Neverender · 10/12/2017 20:28

Definitely take it. I broke a few bones and insisted on working from home but don't, you need time to rest and it takes a while to get on top of your painkillers. I wish I'd taken a bit of time.

ivykaty44 · 10/12/2017 20:29

Everybody is different, each brain perception of pain is different and every break different

Op only you know the pain you are in and don’t compare yourself to someone else. Only you know how bad the break is

TBH going outside at present if you live in an area with snow will be risky due to your balance being possibly effected and thus a higher risk of falling on slippy snow

aurorie11 · 10/12/2017 20:29

If you have a note saying you are unfit for work, you are going against medical advice and are unlikely to be insured. If I was your manager, I would say if you really WANTED to return to work fine but go back to Docs and get an amended note first saying you are fit to be in work

Labyrinthian · 10/12/2017 20:31

Ring your boss and ask what their insurance says. Some office policies say you can't be covered by insurance if in a cast - that will help you decide. Otherwise take the first 2-3 days off if you really struggle then go back if you can work in cast, after first few days the pain starts subsiding. (Veteran limb breaker here, I've been in with various breaks including leg, wrist, collar bone).

londonrach · 10/12/2017 20:35

I had to when i broke my arm but nhs worker here so couldnt do my job. Pain was awful too. Its up to you can you do your job, are you in pain

neveradullmoment99 · 10/12/2017 20:37

Why do you need to justify it?
Of course take the time off for goodness sake.
I sure as hell would.

SerendipityFelix · 10/12/2017 20:38

I was off for over 4 months when I broke my arm. I do have a very manual role, but work wouldn’t even have me in on alternate duties as the docs had signed me off. And as for doesn’t hurt once the cast is on - ha. Ha ha. I was still being woken up with the pain for weeks. And yes couldn’t dress myself for a long time (my partner helped get my bra on etc in the morning before he went to work!). Had to get my mum help me with my trousers when I went to the loo when we were out once.

Ignore what anyone else says you “should” be doing and just you do you as they say. There is absolutely no shame in taking the time off work when you need it.

SpartonDregs · 10/12/2017 20:39

i remember sleeping most of the day during recovery, getting up just to go to the hospital, risking life and other limbs by taking the bus there and back. Nightmare.

flingingmelon · 10/12/2017 20:41

I think, as a rule of thumb, if you can't get your clothes on you shouldn't be going there work.

Would you go in wearing a dressing gown? Exactly.

Feel better soon OP Thanks

Ilovelblue · 10/12/2017 20:42

I remember spraining my knee a few years ago and was desperate to go back to work through sheer boredom but wasn't allowed to do so because of my company's insurance. I worked on the first floor of the office and there was always the consideration that in the event of a fire etc, would I be able to get to safety in the required time. I know you can walk and it's your arm that's in plaster, but if you fell for instance and caused more damage, the company might be worried you would try to sue etc. I wouldn't care what your colleagues think - doctors only issue sick notes for a reason.

Calatonia · 10/12/2017 20:43

LakieLady

"When I broke my wrist, I couldn't do up any of my clothes with one hand and really struggled to pull up my knickers.

I was off sick the whole 6 weeks I was in a cast. I thought that was preferable to getting someone to help me with my drawers every time I went for a wee."

This is me at the moment: I can't even wipe my own bottom and getting dressed is a whole other challenge.

OP you have my sympathy - I'm off work and so should you be.

FluffyWuffy100 · 10/12/2017 20:43

You’re in pain. Don’t go in.

megletthesecond · 10/12/2017 20:45

Yanbu.

Original poster
Polarbearflavour · 10/12/2017 20:47

Thanks. I feel like a bit of a drama queen but also feel faintly high on the painkillers Smile

I really dislike my current job anyway (been bullied, treated unfairly etc) and start a brand new job in the new year. In my last job which I liked and had nice managers, I had surgery. I stayed off sick for a week then when I felt better, worked part time from home for several weeks.

I don’t feel any inclination to go in when it’s icy, I’m in pain, can’t dress myself and feel off my face on painkillers. I won’t get any thanks or concern if I do struggle in!

OP posts:
longtompot · 10/12/2017 20:50

When I broke my ankle, I was in pain for a week or two, but the worst bit was having my foot down. My ankle would swell up something crazy and that would then cause pain and discomfort. I guess with your arm you can elevate it, though it wpuld be heavy. I would take the time off you can now and go back when you feel better.

MinesaPinot · 10/12/2017 20:50

If you've got a sick note and are signed off from work then stay home. You run the risk of aggravating the injury if you don't heed the medical advice - take no notice of people who dictate what you "should" be doing.

I slipped in the shower a few years ago, and although I didn't break my wrist I was in real pain and had to wear a wrist strap with a metal plate. I was signed off for 2 weeks and my work said if I was signed off, then they didn't want to see me back until I was medically cleared as fit to return.

Glumglowworm · 10/12/2017 20:50

You’re in pain and you have a sick note so yanbu

Once you’re not in pain or at least able to manage it with painkillers, then you should go back to work.

Sweetpea55 · 10/12/2017 20:51

Pain makes your blood pressure increase and makes you stressed.
There are no prizes for going to work in pain.
Be a wise girlie and use your sick mote

kaytee87 · 10/12/2017 20:54

Op you're not being a drama queen, I broke my ankle & leg in 3 places 2 weeks ago and have been much been in bed since. Have been taking nice long naps with my toddler.

kaytee87 · 10/12/2017 20:58

Have pretty much been*

drspouse · 10/12/2017 20:58

I broke one shoulder aged 27 (3 days pain) and one aged 42 (months).

Rudgie47 · 10/12/2017 21:03

Of course a person can still be in pain when a cast is on. It doesnt stop the pain at all, it just keeps the injury straight. I've broken my arm and leg and had casts on so I know what I'm on about.
OP if you cant do any work and are in pain the YANBU to be off work.

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