Dreading going back to work

[user78900098]

I have been off work ill for 4 weeks with low ferritin and thyroid levels, I've been feeling so exhausted, palpitations, dizziness and have had bad brain fog.
Tomorrow I am due back at work and I'm dreading it as I work in such a fast paced environment. I feel better but still get tired quickly. I know I won't be able to work to the same standard as I usually do, due to ongoing fatigue and brain fog.
I feel so anxious about going back.

Can you have a phased return?

Did your gp sign you off? I’m struggling with low ferritin but my gp told me to take iron tablets and keep going. I’m exhausted with brain fog.

As @TangoWhiskeyAlphaTango123 said (and I find it difficult not to giggle inanely when I say your username to myself), I would request a phased return.

Ask your GP to provide you with a fitnote recommending however many hours you think you can cope with for however many weeks you and your GP believe is a reasonable amount of time.

you could start with a three day week (assuming you work full time M-F) with Tue and Thur as days off, or shorter days if that's a better option, say 1000 until 1500 with a mid day break. How does that sound?

Not sure I only work part time, does the GP suggest a phased return or my manager?

@TeenLifeMum yes GP signed me off. I was prescribed ferrous sulphate which I think have helped a bit been on them 2 weeks. What were your ferritin levels?

Either I always do a phased return. Ive got fit notes for it and also just sorted it with my manager. If your close with your manager message and ask if not contact the gp surgery tomorrow

Have you considered peri menopause?

You need to have a phased return. It can still be phased if you're part time. That can mean phased as in time (you may need to use annual leave to facilitate that) or it can mean phased return to duties or it can mean working from home if you're hybrid. It's really important. You can either ask your GP for a note supporting a phased return - although it's only advisory - or you can just speak to your manager. If your employer is reasonable they will support that. What do you think would help? You should definitely have clear guidance from your manager about your duties on your return, it's not reasonable for anyone to go back after a period of illness to full pelt duties.

i got gp to write it on my fit note …..Cat would benefit from a phased return….I got one anyway….but it doesn’t hurt to get GP to put on fit note

I’m on 6 at the moment but spent most of the year at 11. Ferrous fumerate makes me sick so I have to try to balance feeling exhausted or vomiting. It’s been low since 2020 but did get to 24 last year and I felt amazing.