HELP!

[shazzles]

Hi all
Lots of you may know me from previous posts, but anyway here goes..
I have now been off work 12 weeks with back probs including sciatica. I have been having phsiotherapy for two weeks they diagnosed me as having a crooked pelvis due to a c-section and gave me excersises for it. On friday i finally went for my appointment to the othopedic section of the hospital only to be told that it is not the pelvis at all and is simply a mechanical defect in my spine (without no xrays) and that they would write to phsioherapy dept and let them and my doctor know. I have now had an appointment with a doctor this week and was told by him that i really should get back to work because companies when they see my notes at the doctors would query my time off work, because of the mechanical side and not being slipped disk etc..i was a bit miffed by this as i now have what i can only descibe as a very "dodgy" back, dodgy being that it twinges nearly all the time and feels like it will give way at any time, doctor gave me one week off but said i should return next week. Today i saw my own doctor who agrreed with everything i said about my back and that going back to work will only make things worse as it is taking an imense risk at it getting worse, so she said that provided i dont think i will get the sack then she sees no problem in giving me sick notes for work and has indeed given me a sick note for 3 weeks. I am feeling so confused as i dont feel safe going back to work yet as my back is dodgy but i am now worried in case i get the sack from my job... help and support greatly needed here everyone...

[Julie]

Hi,

Sorry to hear about your back - as far as work goes do you know your company policy re: sickness?

In short its very difficult but not impossible for companies to "sack" anyone who has a legitimate doctors paper.Can get a bit tricky with tribunals.

What they are entitled to do is to have you examined by either a company doctor or an independent doctor to determine if you are too sick to work. They could offer you a different role that would not put your back at risk. This would have to be agreed.

Hope this helps x

[Viki.W]

Hey Shazzles, really sorry about your back, sounds awful. I can't advise you but just wanted to know I'm thinking of you. Have you spoken to your boss about it? X

[indebtforever]

were do you work? could you tell them you are still having problems and need put on light dutys + maybe less hours

[Julie]

indebtforever - oooops got a dodgy keyboard and my return button jammed.

[indebtforever]

[:)]

[chardonnay]

Hi There,
Can I ask where do you work?
You should speak to the physio - they are wonder workers when it comes to mechanical problems with any part of the body!! Hydro therapy may help strengthen the muscles givining you more "core" support and strength to protect your spine.
You need to check on your company sickness policy to see when your pay will drop to half pay and what their policy on "Long term sickness" is. Also I would suggest speaking to either your boss or the Occupational health Department (if you have one), to see if there are posts you could do which would reduce any back strain - no lifting, twisting, prolonged standing, etc. They may be able to redeploy you to a more suitable post (That may not be suitable as I don't know your occupation) or they may be able to reduce your hours to give you more recovery time when you do return.
The latest research on back problems shows that keeping as active as you can is the best treatment plan - restricting movement and prolonged rest can actually worsen the problem.
I hope this advice helps - please let us know how you get on,
Sending you a big fell better soon hug,
C x

[shazzles]

hi all
I work in good ole woolies so i cant adapt my position as i am lifting stuff all day long but i am thinking that when my back is finally better i am going to try for less hours...

[elizabethr]

|Don't feel guilty, go with what your own doctor is advising. I have a back problem and am off work a lot due to that and my crones. I had an accident at work years ago and was off 3 months and it was my osteopath who was signing me off. Don't put yourself in the category of "fraudster" because of what you hear about the sick not culture. Have you been at woolworths for more than 12 month? There will be procedures they have to follow if they think you are a problem and things they have to consider. Go with your doctors recommendations, don't get depressed. From an employers point of view they would rather know where they stand with regards to resources so don't tell them you think you may be back soon if you might not so they don't count on you. Say it may be a long job and get a sick note for a few weeks to give your body time to heal. Enjoy the time off without guilt. I have had to have a couple of occupational health assessments for work because of my back and my crones and its as much for me as the employer to make sure I can still do my job. Do you have a feel for how woolworths are as an employer.

[shazzles]

Hi Thanks for replying. I have decided that when i send in my new doctors note tommorrow that i am going to put with it a letter to my boss explaining my situation with phsio etc.. and the pain i am in. DO you think thats a good idea as it is a form of communication..?

|Don't feel guilty, go with what your own doctor is advising. I have a back problem and am off work a lot due to that and my crones. I had an accident at work years ago and was off 3 months and it was my osteopath who was signing me off. Don't put yourself in the category of "fraudster" because of what you hear about the sick not culture. Have you been at woolworths for more than 12 month? There will be procedures they have to follow if they think you are a problem and things they have to consider. Go with your doctors recommendations, don't get depressed. From an employers point of view they would rather know where they stand with regards to resources so don't tell them you think you may be back soon if you might not so they don't count on you. Say it may be a long job and get a sick note for a few weeks to give your body time to heal. Enjoy the time off without guilt. I have had to have a couple of occupational health assessments for work because of my back and my crones and its as much for me as the employer to make sure I can still do my job. Do you have a feel for how woolworths are as an employer.

[Julie]

In my experience employers welcome communication from staff of ill as it gives a clear picture of the "illness" therefore allowing employers to plan around the absence.

Have you thought of calling your line manager and arranging a visit. This can be done at your place of work, home or any other venue of your choice. You could have a chat about returning to work on light duties if and when doctor says you're well enough.

[chardonnay]

Hi There,
That's a good idea - but be caeful how you word it! Make it clear you are seeking professional help with the physio and your doctor, no-one knows how long back problems will persist for and certainly in my experienceanyone who is considering surgery is "sat" on for at least a year (that means they wait until it is clear the condition won't resolve with conservative treatment. As for Wollies could you transfer to office work or just doing the tills/stock control? You'll be suprised how much employers want to keep good employee's. A visit to Occupational Health can help, especially if they know you want to keep your job.
I recently went into melt downdue to the pressure of my financial problems, my IVA, the death of my fiancee a year ago - I was referred to occy health and they've been brill!! They suggested more time off work, rest and support with extra counselling - so don't be afraid, they are usually nurses and we are a caring, understanding lot of people.
Let us know how you get on,
Best wishes,
Love and hugs,
Chardnnay

[Soulgrowth]

Hi Shazzles

Really sorry to hear of your problems ... I'm sure that the stress can't be helping.

I can't really offer any advice ... but just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you.

Debbie

[shazzles]

thanks for all your kind replies everyone. I called my boss in the end rather than sending in a letter, told him all the truth etc about whats going on.
Turns out that my company sick pay has now ended, so now i am faced with another situation, when do i contact ip about taking payment break etc..nopw or when i get my reduced pay packet next friday?!?!

[MelanieGiles]

Tell your IP as soon as you can, so that you can both decide a way forward over the next few months.