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Work have requested occupational health meeting

Pink38
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Hi

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 21st June grade 2 invasive breast cancer.

I haven't worked since 15th June. I have varied tests, recovery, further tests, diagnosis, breast conserving surgery which has been very slow recovery. I hit week 4 and today had further surgery to get a better healthy margin. 

Each week since 21st June I have had 2 - hospital trips for nurses, consultants, physio etc.

Today as I was trying to relax before my second surgery I received to my personal email from work out of blue email asking for drs notes and then  further email for me to give apporval for occupational health to be involved. 

It took me by surprise and actually really stressed me out as moment later the team arrived to take me down and I burst into tears stressing over my job and the fear of surgery.

I have kept them in loop every step, giving them copies letters and they knew I had my surgery today and infact other than my boss emailing me replies "pls do not worry on work concentrate on your health" so I have done this. HR have made no attempt to contact me at all ove this stressful time which is shocking until today knowing that i had surgery day. I feel quite let down and will make this clear to occupational health.

Just so you know 5yrs I gave ago to twins and loss one of my babies sleeping so they knew how stressful the surgery has been on me emotionally.

 

s there anything I should expect at this meeting? And am I in right to feel upset by them?

At moment I am now on 6 week recovery and next week will be advised if chemotherapy or will start after recovery the radiotherapy and physio gives approval. 

 

I plan to return to work I am a PA and I love my job but not until I am ready abd give my full support to my directors.

 

Thanks for taking time.

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    I have had many appointments with my occupational health they were working for me rather than the department l worked for in that my shoulder surgery took ages, l had a staggered return to work and no pulling trollies with patients on them, organised by occ health. This really helped as it was quite a way from recovery to the ward. This was reviewed frequently but as my condition didn't change the restrictions stayed enabling me to stay at work. I did transfer from theatre to working on the ward as instrument trays are really heavy.
    Try to relax take your time and recover no one wants to make you worry. The occupational health department is justifying itself and the number of weeks that you have been off has triggered their input in your sickness management. Your condition is not the sort of thing that can be rushed wounds have to heal, 
    Take care hope you're back on your feet soon. 
    susie

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    Hi Pink38 - I personally think it's disgraceful that your employer contacted you so soon after your diagnosis and on the day of surgery. I too would be stressed out by that and worried.

    I have had to speak to Occupational Health in the past and they were really good and were more on my side than my employer. I would tell Occ Health how your employer has made you feel. I would try and concentrate on getting yourself well. Fingers crossed that Occ Health will be understanding, I can't see why they wouldn't in your situation.

    look after yourself, I wish you all the best. Xx

     

     

     

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    Try not to stress.  Occupational Health are meant to support you.  Their timing could certainly have been better but it sounds as though someone isn't understanding just how serious this is for us.  You could always ask one of the breast care nurses to call them and explain.

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    Thanks all for messages. So drs sorted notes out and have signed me off until Sept with a review on this as they wanted to see if further surgery needed and treatment plan to then give a better date. 

     

    Work have been fine and it was just to connect the dots on their side. 

     

    I guess just my head in overdrive and stressing. 

  • Offline in reply to Pink38

    Their timing was lousy, but it sounds as if they were following an established, if impersonal, process. Contacting you would have been on someone's to do list for the week. Ironically as part of their duty of care.

    Resist the temptation to go back to work too early. You need to be in the right state of mind first.

    Best wishes

    Dave

     

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