Return to work after pneumonia - advice please!

[foxfern]

hi everyone,
I'm hoping for some advice from anyone who has been in a similar position. Pre Christmas I was hospitalised with pneumonia, but am due to return to work teaching EYFS next week. I have a 'return to work' interview - any thoughts what that might entail?

The main issue is, it's a newish job and I knew from day 1 that it was too much for me. I am not a young person anymore, and I wasn't managing physically. Also the children at that age are constantly sick - constant runny noses etc and I feel very vulnerable going back.

I plan to look for another job, but until I have one, I need to keep this one.

I feel well enough in myself to return to work (I'm doing a phased return), although I'm definitely not 100% (lacking energy, asthma not 100%). I think my main worry is catching something again when I'm still vulnerable. The thought is quite frankly, terrifying.

I want to be completely honest in my return to work interview - but I just don't really know where this will leave me.....

I'd love some thought or advice please, especially from anyone who can help me understand what the path of recovery from pneumonia is really like, and if I'm just being OTT. I have a hospital appointment a week after I return - ideally I would have like to do that first.

Thanks

Can you arrange for (or even supply your own) hepa air filter for the classroom?
This will help a lot with filtering out bugs.

If your health is vulnerable I would also have some emphasis on teaching/reinforcing children good hygiene re coughs, sneezes, tissues and hand washing.

You could also have anti bac dotted around the classroom.

In terms of the phased return, there will presumably be checkpoints to see how you're coping - give some thought to what symptoms should cause you to press the pause button / slow down a bit more. Otherwise you'll end up powering through and no one will question it.

I'd you've been seriously ill and your recovery is fragile, then I don't think its unreasonable for parents to be told they mustn't send their children in if sick, although I would imagine you'd need a doctors letter to support this.

Recovery from pneumonia takes a long time. The back to work interview is standard.

Ask to be referred to occupational health and explain you will need a phased return.

Yes, this. I’ve had pneumonia a number of times unfortunately. The recovery is long, and slow, but absolutely cannot be rushed. Too much too soon, and you’ll be back where you started. It’s frustrating, Ive been there. Please get an OH appointment and see what they can recommend for your workplace. Discuss recommendations at your return to work meeting, and see how they can support you back in the workplace. Take it easy - I cannot overstate that point. I’m sorry you are in this position, it’s a toughie, but over time you will get well again.

It’s taken me 6 months to recover from pneumonia. Can you request an occupational health assessment to help identify how work can best support you?

I would strongly recommend a phased return to work over a few weeks. You will be exhausted. Have you got a fit note from your GP or hospital they can make a recommendation for this on there.

Take advice from occupational health if you can and try to build rest periods into your day, if you can. I appreciate this may not be easy in an EYFS setting, but you might need to pace yourself.

I’d also look into whether you are eligible for the pneumonia vaccine, even if it means paying for it privately and getting your flu jab as early in the season as you can in the autumn.

Thank you very much for the replies, lots of useful advice.

The consultant already suggested a phased return in the original hospital fit note, so its just a case of figuring out what that looks like

I appreciate the ideas about child hygiene and how to manage that, thank you.

I have also now asked about a chat with occupational health, so hopefully that will be helpful.

Crikey 6 months! Can you tell me which symtoms took so long? Fatigue Im guessing?

I had 12 days in hospital on oxygen and a further 2 weeks in bed after I was discgarged. Its now another 2 weeks on and i only have a little cough left in the morning, but my chest gets tight stilk and I am v tired.

The thing is your job doesn’t lend itself to wfh or distance from children…so they are going to be limited in what they can offer as reasonable adjustments…..that said….depends on your manager ….I had a 2 month phased return after chemo….started on 2 half days a week….gradually building up to full time at month 3 ………I did a lot of wfh with early finishes and long weekends …I’m NHS …my manager was great

Yes it was the fatigue that was the worst. Sounds like you had a longer stay in hospital than me, so you must take it as easy as you can.

take care

I’ve had pneumonia twice and am a Reception teacher. Both times I returned to work after about a week, so obviously I wasn’t as poorly as you.
Both times, on my return to work, I was really worried about catching something again so I completely understand how you feel. I seriously considered wearing a face mask and I definitely opened loads of windows to get plenty of fresh air in. I washed my hands constantly and wiped surfaces regularly.
I don’t think you can reasonably stay off work if you’re feeling ok just because of anxiety about catching something else. It’s a tricky one though as it’s really hard working in Early Years when you’re fatigued and feeling rubbish.
I hope your return to work meeting goes well and that your upcoming hospital appointment is reassuring.

I had pneumonia at 26. I was very fit at the time and didn’t have it badly enough to be hospitalised and it still took 3 months for me to recover.

Given my experience I think you’re going back far too early. You are going to be floored by the time you’ve finished the first day.

I dont really know how im going to feel once back, and i just know once im back it will be full on. I feel ok at home but im not doing much, so I have started going on short walks to build up some stamina.

I also have had it before a couple of years ago and though I was tired, i went straight back to work. I think it is v different experience spending 12 days in hospital on 24/7 oxygen. And I do feel v vulnerable because of that.

I must say the idea of wearing a facemask has definitely popped into my head too!!

Thanks.

Yes this is definitely a concern. Im thinking I feel ok atm probably because im not doing much!