Can a GP refuse an extension on a sick note?

[rosieposie2]

I had an op 7 weeks ago (thyroidectomy) and I am due back at work Wednesday, I asked my GP for an extension on my sick note but he said I should be fit for work now. Can he do this?

Yes he can.

If he thinks you're fit for work, then yes.

However I’m guessing you would have talked your reasoning through with him? I’m sorry because feeling like your not ready is really hard, but at the point he said you should be ready did you explain?

Do you feel ready to go back yet

Of course he can. A sick note is a doctor’s confirmation that you are not fit for work. If he thinks you are, of course he can, and should, refuse.

Were there any unusual circumstances OP? Most people are back at work within 2 weeks, maybe 4 if extreme complications.

I had a severe bleed during the operation and ended up been in hospital for 8 days and I have also had cellulitis.

Don't listen to it, let her enjoy her disappointment while you enjoy your little boy.
My MIL was convinced I was having a boy, even to the point when we spoke about girls names (we didn't find out what we were having, we waited till d day) she would comment like we shouldn't be bothering with girls names. I think it was more for carrying on the family name, but she was very funny about it all. Although was very happy when our little lady arrived.

How long did the cellulitis take to heal? 7 weeks is a very long time.

Just over 4 weeks to heal. I know that google suggests 2-4 weeks as time off and I am annoyed its taking me so long to recover, I need to get back to work asap as I am struggling on SSP.
Im still getting very tired in the afternoon, can't walk very far without feeling tired/dizzy, I struggle to extend my arm too high or push a heavy object (like a door) without it hurting my neck and when I bend down I feel a fullness in my neck and it makes me feel sick. I explained all this to him.

It sounds like you'd benefit from a phased return to work, building up your stamina over a few weeks. Ask your dr for a fit note that sets that out instead.

Normally I’d suggest asking your work to plan a phased return through occupational health.

Xpost. Great minds @whatnow40

Im worried about not even been able to cope with a phased return I work in an extremely busy environment. Im just feeling so anxious about it all.

The anxiety is probably making everything feel so much worse than it is.

I’ve done a phased return after a prolonged absence. I know where you’re coming from. But once you’re over the first hour then you’ll probably find going to work is actually helpful for your recovery.

Mine was on a step by step basis (made by the occupational health). So I basically did a teeny tiny bit the first week and if I felt I was coping with that then we moved on to the next step of more hours the next week. If I wasn’t ready to move on then I’d stay on the teeny tiny hours for a bit longer.

It's not up to you I'm afraid, it's all about whether you're fit for work and your GP clearly thinks you are.

If you don't agree, perhaps you could try a different GP in your surgery?

@RedRed9 I know what you mean the anxiety is making it so much worse. It doesn't help that I've seen quite a few nurses because of the cellulitis and they keep telling me I will need longer off, that I shouldn't rush back and end up been off in a few weeks time again. Thats what's making me more anxious different advice from different people. 😥

You’ve got a few choices here:

1. Talk to another GP.
2. Talk to work.

You can’t really make your next move until you’ve decided what you want to say to them and see what they say back.

Don’t sit on it though OP. Best thing for anxiety is to move through the situation as best you can. Get it behind you and come out the other side.

You can ask to see a different GP but if the one that has being seeing you your care feels in their medical opinion that you’re fit for work I’m not sure there’s much you can do?

Only alternative is a phased return

@RedRed9 thanks I will try and talk to another GP. I’ve never had anxiety like this before I’m a slightly anxious person but nothing like this.
It’s not like I don’t want to go back to work as I really like my job but I just feel worried I won’t cope.