don't know how to return to work

[OrganicHairbrush]

I'm due back from unpaid maternity leave in a fortnight. However, I've just found out that I'll be having medical investigations at some point in the next month and will need a week off, and will then need surgery at some point in the next six months and will need at least two months off.

It seems unfair to return only to take endless paid sick leave. But equally, it seems unfair to have to take unpaid maternity leave I wouldn't otherwise have taken simply through being ill. But TBH I don't think I feel well enough to return, even though I'm able to work flexibly and from home...

I'm going to ring in the morning and explain the situation (without giving details of the surgery) and ask what they suggest.

But WWYD?

Oof, poor you. It's not unfair to take paid sick leave, you are entitled as an employee and employers know they have to manage that. So I think you should go back as planned and take it from there. I do understand that it feels strange, but you are not doing anything wrong.

Thanks. I just want to make sure I don't lose any goodwill, which I guess I may need if I run over leave entitlements. I've left a message with the person who deals with such things...