Off long term and knowing when to go back

[icepole]

I have been off for several weeks now, signed off with post viral fatigue. I have pain in what feels like my glands that is pretty constant most days, and have had days when I have felt tired, sick and had to go to bed. I am a teacher in a school where the behaviour is difficult and it is possible that stress has contributed to this but I just don't know for sure.

I have experienced an increase in energy the last couple of days which is great but it is not consistent. Work have said they don't want me coming and going after I tried to return a couple of weeks ago and had to come home as I felt so awful.

Basically I don't know what to do. I have asked for occupational health but was told this would take time and have heard nothing. I am worried about my classes but also really scared of going back and not feeling well. It is not the sort of job where there is any place to hide. I am also scared of going backwards in my recovery.

Has anyone experienced similar? I have decide whether to go back tomorrow or to get signed off again or to try and ask the dr for a phased return but with know idea of how the school will deal with that.

Any advice most welcome.

Could you ask to go back as a classroom assistant for a short time so that you aren't totally responsible for the class and can take time off again if necessary? Or go on just one day a week and see how you feel?
I would think that an extra pair of hands leading up to chiristmas would be really welcomed even if you can't commit to a full time return yet.

Get in touch with your union. You need an OH assessment and the school is being pretty crappy not sorting one out for you.

Have a look at your absence / sickness policy and contract too.

Hope you feel better soon.

Thanks, I am a bit frustrated with the oh thing, I think I am expected to just get on with it. School is a very unforgiving environment, I really don't want to set myself back now that I am finally starting to feel better.

I was off ( for more than 6 months in the end), but went back on a phased return over 6 weeks. The insurance that was paying for my supply cover continued to pay for when I wasn't there during the 6 weeks phased return, so I didn't cost the school any more money. I also saw OH, but school arranged this.
What does your doctor say? If he/she says a phased return, then school have to go with this.

Just take your time. If you're not certain your health will stand up at the moment, don't go back before you're ready.

I am going to see the dr tomorrow. Last time they said it was up to me and I went in to work but was ill for days afterwards. I feel pressure to go back and guilty for being off, is horrible.

Ice I feel for you. I'd say try to build your strength up for a week at home, doing as much as you feel able to (like maybe a little walk or doing cleaning etc) - it will help you build up your strength but also see how physically able you are for going back to work. If you're still struggling at the end of that with little things at home you know you won't be able to go back to work. I'm a teacher too and it is an incredibly demanding job that is really hard if you're not feeling very strong. Better to wait until you are capable of doing your job. A phased return sounds like it would be ideal, either that or maybe just go back for a few days before christmas break as you'll know you have a break coming off and at least you'd get normal pay over the holidays

I've been off for nearly 6 weeks, I work in the private sector and they have OH involvement promptly after 28 days. I've found them very helpful and you should definitely push for that.
I'm part time and they have stated that until I am able to do a full "normal" week with the kids, I am not to return to work. So I have to prioritise my personal life before I contemplate returning to the office.
I'm pretty scared of returning too early as well, as it could set me back again and as soon as i step back into work, it would have to be at 100% effectiveness, like you, there's no halfway option.

Just to update that the dr signed me off another week. I am relieved but worrying already about next week.

I requested occupational health but it takes ages apparently and they won't request it until I return which makes no sense because it's going back to work that is the bloody issue!

I agree with others here that you should feel well before you return, you should ask OHU if they'd support a phased return and you could ask for a telephone appointment if OH can't see you quickly enough. I'm an HR manager by the way.