to take longer than my sick note off?

[TheOtherBoleynGirls]

I had a laparoscopic ovary removal last week, at the same time as an endometrial ablation. I’m slowly recovering from anemia (hence the ablation!) and have two youngish children at home and a DH who, while doing everything when he can, has to work out of the house, meaning I’ve already had time alone looking after the DC - so as much as I’d love to have been on bed rest and pottering during my recovery time, that’s not been as possible as I’d like.

Anyway, my note from the consultant runs out next Tuesday. I feel okay today but I’m still exhausted, napping every day, walking very slowly. I’ve got the kids alone most of the weekend. I can’t imagine at the moment logging in for work on Wednesday and trying to concentrate for 8 hours, though obviously I may wake up next week feeling amazingly better, I can’t rule that out.

WIBU to self-certify for the rest of next week too? I feel torn between the concept that if a Dr said I only need two weeks off then I should just pull my socks up and get on with it, but on the other hand I keep thinking this was major surgery, maybe it’s ok to wait until I feel super ready, not just ok?

[TheOtherBoleynGirls]

HR have confirmed I will need a second sick note, so thank you for the advice before I got myself into a mess!

[lanthanum]

Recovery is always going to vary from patient to patient, even without varying home responsibilities, and it makes sense if the sick note from the consultant only covers the minimum; your GP should be able to sign you off further.

I was told to take a week off after an op, and it was actually more like ten days - I was young, fit, healthy and had no kids.

[caringcarer]

You can't self certify after hospital sick note. Give GP a ring and tell them you need another week. I can't see them having a problem after surgery.

[TheOtherBoleynGirls]

Ah, okay, I will check with HR whether I need another sick note, thank you. DC are being angels and I know the eldest will help out as much as they can and we can always just curl up watching movies, but it’s still not a proper rest situation. I wasn’t sure if I was being a massive wimp being worried by the thought of work around school runs and that next week!

[SherwoodForest]

That is quite a short time to be off work after abdominal surgery. I would ask your GP to give you a sick certificate.

[ICouldHaveCheckedFirst]

I don't think you can self-certify immediately after a fit note runs out.
Give your GP a call. They can back-date a fit note if required so that there's no gap. Be sure to keep your line manager informed that you're not fit to return yet.

[WhatWouldHopperDo]

I’d wait and see how you feel Monday/Tuesday. Also you won’t be able to self certify, you’ll need a further note from your GP.

Its rubbish and I hope you feel better soon. Will you get a break over the weekend or is DH working? Is there anyone that can take the DCs out for a good few hours so you can get a proper rest?