AIBU to take the full six weeks signed off after surgery?

[Phoneshop]

I’ve just had a surgery on my kidney and bladder. Before this I’ve been ill for about 5 months, on and off. The consultant that did the operation has given me a fit note for 6 weeks. When I gave it to HR they did start to ask a few questions about why I need so much time off as it now counts as long term sick leave.

Would you still take the time off? I feel guilty now. I’m 1 week in to my recovery and have a lot of pain especially as I currently have a catheter and a ureteric stent. They’re both very uncomfortable and impact my sleep.

Can this cause me to lose my job?

Six weeks is pretty much the minimum after a proper op surely. Don't feel guilty.

😄😄 definitely take your 6 weeks

If you died, theyd just replace you!

How long have you been with the company?

Are you even at home if you have a catheter or still in hospital?

I’ve worked there 8 years.

Your Dr has given you a note for 6 weeks, for a reason
Don’t feel guilty

I would see how I felt at 4 weeks and then 5 weeks and if needed take the 6 weeks.

Just because the fit note says 6 weeks does not mean you will take that long to feel well enough to return to work. Likewise you may need longer.

Just concentrate on getting better for now.

Yes plan to take it off. The dr signed you off for six weeks because in their experience that is the time you need off to recover from this operation.

Ultimately yes they can get rid of you on capability grounds, but whether they would actually do this or not depends on lots of different factors such as length of service, performance, etc. I certainly wouldn’t be worrying about work whilst catheterised, but equally I only took 1 week after major abdominal surgery because I felt perfectly fine. (Senior management though).

I’m at home I actually only stayed a couple of nights. I’m managing the catheter at home with a leg bag which isn’t ideal but I’ve had a nephrostomy bag before this.

You have been signed off by an experienced surgeon. Take the time off to recover.
If you dropped dead next week because you went back too soon, they'd soon replace you. Your family couldn't.

Yes…. Cause if they died….. they would need to replace….

what other choice would they have?

op, take the 6 weeks if that’s what has been suggested. Hope you feel better soon

I voted yabu in that ywbu to think this could lose you your job. You’re entitled to take the full 6 weeks surely. This will count as long-term sick leave but it’s a one-off spell.

The recovery time for an op has absolutely nothing to do with timelines for long term sick leave etc, even if realistically the latter may be a factor. The doctors would've based it on your medical needs.

I would tell them that the surgeon has said it’s likely to be six weeks so your telling them so they can plan accordingly, of course you intend to be back as soon as you can, and hope to be back sooner. Then take the full six weeks. Appear willing but do what is best for you.

Exactly - she isnt so important to them that the company would collapse due to her loss

But the op could lose her life by putting them first! Rest girl

I will have the stent in for 6 weeks at least, it’s so uncomfortable I don’t think I could concentrate at work! I’m also on some quite heavy duty painkillers.

Are you home alone?

I would go back once i felt recovered. That might not take 6 weeks but it might take longer. If i felt absolutely fine and recovered at 3 weeks i'd go back then. If i was struggling at 6 weeks i'd go back to the doc and speak to work.

Have the time off. You have been signed off for a reason.
I hope your recovery goes smoothly.

No my husband is off work too to help me care for our children!

Of course Yanbu. Was this keyhole or open surgery btw? I’ve had a few major surgeries and recovery was a lot longer than 6 weeks! Even keyhole surgery is going to take a minimum of 6 weeks to get any kind of strength back and you may find you’re not well enough to go back or need to reduce your hours for a while. In essence, tell them recovery takes as long as it takes and you’ll keep them posted.

Of course she is important!!

what do you suggest an employer does in the event in the death of a employee???

take the 6 weeks.

I had 3 x organ surgeries last year and was harassed by occupational health a fair bit.
Half the reaspn i needed three is i felt pushed back after a week after the first surgery.
By the 3rd i gave zero fucls and was honest about my condition and said that the doctor had signed me off for x weeks so.....

Your employer sounds like a POS.

It was robotic surgery but I’m surprised how tired I still feel. The operation was 4 hours long and it’s taken a while to get over the anaesthetic. Plus the catheter and stent are really delaying things!