Feeling guilty about being off work

[AgathaQuiztee]

Two and a half weeks ago I fell whilst walking my dog and broke my arm just below the shoulder (the humerus head). The first 2 weeks were very painful and I couldn’t really do anything but as times gone on it’s becoming less painful and I’m now starting to feel guilty for not being able to work when I don’t feel ill. It’s daft I know but I’m not very good at taking time off. I’m a teacher and expect to be off until at least after Christmas, but I’ve been told it could take 12 weeks before I can drive again!!!

You are lucky if pain is subsiding already. Two/three months off driving is typical. Are you having physio?

I haven’t seen a physio yet, only a follow up at the fracture clinic. I’ve got to have another x-ray and appointment in a couple of weeks.

Don't feel guilty. I was reading somewhere that to mend a bone your body has to take bone from elsewhere in your body - which sounds pretty energy intensive. I'd rest and focus on good nutrition.

Don’t feel guilty! It’s not your fault. Just enjoy the time off without feeling ill

I know exactly what you mean - I was injured recently but I’m lucky there are aspects of my job I can easily do remotely.

Could you offer to help with marking, planning and administration whilst at home?

You probably don’t have pain because you are resting it. Work would be very different.
I worked for a trust which would have harassed you to come in. Someone broke their leg and they asked if she could come in the next day and just sit with her leg up (she didn’t).

Do not go in. You will have a lot of sick leave if you have been there for any time. Engage with them and send a weekly update. Make it very clear that you will not be in before Christmas. I suggest you speak with your union rep.

send an email or teams meeting setting out your responsibilities for the rest of the team as a hand over them feet up and recover.

mu teacher friend was off for a year with a broken shoulder. we managed. She back now and several operations later she is better.

school may want to visit and I suggest you take union advice about this. Your cannot cannot mark or do admin with a broken shoulder.