To return before my sick note expires?

[MelMar1]

I’m a secondary school teacher. Signed off work for the week with bronchitis. AIBU to think I should consider asking my doctor to change my medical cert,
to allow an earlier return? I’m feeling a good bit better, but still exhausted and obviously still coughing (but that can go on for weeks). Anyone I’ve said it to thinks I’m being ridiculous and that I should take the week to recover. Do you consider five days a huge amount of sick time for bronchitis? I’m getting so anxious about missing the time so please be kind!!

No, take your time off that the GP gave you. They gave it for a reason. The world is still revolving without you being there. Chill.

You don't need to ask your GP to sign you back to work- you can return whenever you feel up to it. However, it doesn't sound like you are ready if you are still exhausted- I would use the whole fit note to recover properly otherwise you could make yourself more ill in the long run.

Omg take the time. Please!

@Hellogoodbyehello4321 I’m in Ireland so we do need it changed. It’s for insurance reasons, that you can’t be on the premises when signed off sick

Are you anxious because you wont be paid it you don't return sooner? If you are still tired and coughing, are you really up to an 8hr shift, presumably standing most of the day??? Why the rush to return when clearly still ill?

Don't run yourself into the ground, there are no prizes for going back early. They'll already have planned cover expecting you to be off the full duration so use that time to properly rest.

Ah ok @MelMar1 , apologies assumed you were based in UK.

I do think you should take the whole time though, your GP signed you off for that duration for a reason.

For bronchitis stay off the rest of the week. It's ok feeling better when you are at home watching a boxset but try and do to much too soon and you will regret it. I had it a long time ago and it will take weeks (sorry) before you are truly strong again. You will take longer to recover in the long run as well. Just rest for now. I was signed off for two weeks and did short days when I went back (flexible working and used some leave to make the weeks shorter) Teaching is far more full on. Hope you get well soon. Edited for grammar!

@DSD9472 No I’ll be paid that’s not an issue. I guess it’s because I feel like nobody in our work ever takes a week, and I’m worried about being behind with teaching time with classes

@Hellogoodbyehello4321 Oh no worries at all! I know what you mean I need to stop worrying!

@mrsfollowill Wow really? It sounds like it can linger! Are you a teacher too?

When I had a back injury I returned to work, teaching, earlier than my sick note and was told it could cause insurance problems for the school.

Stay off! I’m a lecturer and was off with what I think was Covid a few weeks back. I worked Monday then was off Tuesday to Friday, and went back the following week because I would have needed a sick note and it’s so hard to see a GP here. I’m now on week four of feeling crap, coughing my way through classes and wondering if it will ever end. Plus no taste. I had a GP call last Friday and have antibiotics but really wish I had pushed to see a doctor, get signed off, and properly rested as I suspect this will longer to Easter.

*linger

@MelMar1 no! I work in finance and have a desk job- I know teachers though and you can't have yourself an 'easy' day looking at spreadsheets like I can. I work from home these days which makes it easier to get through a tough day. I couldn't imagine doing your job it must be really hard if you are not 100%. I can stay in my dressing gown and write a report from the sofa.

@mrsfollowill Ah every job is tough when you’re not 100 percent, so it’s important to follow the advice for yourself as well. Also I’m in awe of your work as I cannot get my head around figures! I teach English. But yes I think I was a bit premature saying I’ll go back early. Especially when I’m still coughing badly.

Better to stay home and be good when you return, then come back early and need to exit again. It will be less disruptive to the students.

You would be better to build yourself up with short walks and if you must work do some prep at home for ten minutes, that will make you realise you are not up to a full day at school.

@MelMar1 you look after yourself and I hope you feel better soon and yes try a gentle walk around the block and see how you feel before going back. I 'powered' through covid x 2 last year (aka shivering wreck on the sofa at my laptop) and it took forever to feel my normal self again. The 3rd time I 'gave in' and took to my bed for a few days and it was the quickest recovery I had.

@JudgeJ it may be it's a thing in schools then but as a general rule, most employees don't need to go back to their GPs to get signed back in. Appreciate there may be some employers that do insist though.

https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/caring-carers-and-long-term-conditions/can-i-go-back-to-work-before-the-end-date-on-my-fit-note/

You need to really rest and fully recove. My friend tried going back early after the same illness and ended up by in hospital again! It's kinda like antibiotics, finish the course etc, even when you're better. There's a reason to it. Trust the GP

What’s the point in having a professional medical opinion and then ignoring the advice? Have the time off, recover properly, get on with your life. Don’t ry to be a martyr for work, it is NEVER worth it.