How soon after did you go back to work?

[bloodyhairy]

Hi. Just wondering when you went back to work after having Covid. Have just had an email from my line manager asking about this, and I feel a bit worried about returning. This sounds really daft, but how do you know if you're ready? I haven't yet 'stretched' myself enough to know. My self-isolation period ended a week ago. Still feeling a bit tired and with a cough, although considerably better than I was (the symptoms were ghastly at the time). I just don't want to jeopardise my recovery by returning to work (a school) too soon.
It's absolutely fair enough she should ask though, and I can't bury my head in the sand forever!
Any advice?
Thanks

Watching with interest.

Still feeling so ropey here but also wondering 🤷‍♀️

DH and I are back today - him 3 weeks after symptoms, me 18 days.

But it’s not about time, it’s about what your body tells you you can do. A week ago, I could do essential activities of daily living (shower and dress and prepare/clear up after meals, but with the emphasis on quick and easy) and about one more productive thing per day. He couldn’t even do that much.

A week ago we stared going out for a walk... The first one was about 400 yards and very slow. But we built up, and yesterday managed our regular pre-Covid loop of 2.1 miles. Slower than normal, but not snail’s pace.

Over the last few days, when I’ve got up, I haven’t immediately needed to have a rest because getting dressed was so tiring.

I work from home routinely and have a very supportive boss, so I know I can rest if I need to (which I am doing just now). Also, DH only does 5 hour shifts. I don’t think I would be keen to go back to a 7-8 hour office job just yet.

I should add - because I routinely work from home, I was doing little bits all the way through. On about day 4 I spent half an hour doing email and then realised it had been too much.

Someone suggested: think lazy and then do less.

Presumably you need a fit note now, so have a chat with your GP and see what they suggest. I didn’t need to get one (v understanding boss) but DH did. When he spoke to the GP, there was absolutely no issue signing him off for a week after his isolation ended, and she implied he might need longer and that would be no issue.

Also, have you seen the NHS site about recovering from Covid? It helped me understand that the fatigue is real and not to feel guilty about everything I couldn’t do. You can’t “pull yourself together” and just get over it.

On the upside - once I started to improve, it happened noticeably quickly, after 10 days when every day was just the same as the one before.

How do you know usually? As in when you’re unwell with another illness? I’d say same as that.

I'm having the same question myself. I was due to come out of isolation last Wednesday, but there's no way I'm well enough yet. I have arranged to have this week off as well.

I had a pretty good day yesterday, and did a few things (nothing major, but packaging something for return, writing some birthday cards, showering, out a few bits in the dishwasher) and I was feeling guilty, like maybe I should be going back to work some time this week. But of course today I've been pretty much constantly lightheaded. So I made the right call! Especially given I was due to do a couple of night shifts.

People keep telling me I need to rest, but I can't help feeling like I should be able to just push through.

‘How do you know usually? As in when you’re unwell with another illness? I’d say same as that.’

The thing is (and obviously only speaking for me) this hasn’t been like any other illness. I’m still so tired (4 weeks on), still only doing the basics of get up, shower, dress, do laundry and simple meals. Walk midday on a good day, sit down in the afternoon and instantly fall asleep.....

Hi @bloodyhairy How are you? I was just wondering if you've gone back to work? I hope you're feeling better!