Hi all I’ve been off work since the start of March with a relapse. Dx in dec and recently started Copaxone. I have had another bout of optic neuritis (cleared now), been suffering pain (been prescribed gabapentin) and chronic fatigue. I def think I am over the worse and currently due to return on Tuesday. I still need to sleep in the afternoon approx 4-5 days out of 7. I kinda know it’s an impossible question, but I just don’t know if I am ready to go back. Work are great and haven’t put any pressure on me. It’s my first proper relapse and I just don’t know if I’m feeling as good as I’m going to, or if I still need to take it easy? Just wanted to know from others how you knew how to measure it? I’m already feeling anxious about how long I’ve been off which isn’t helping. This MS is such a tricky one, isn’t it!? Thanks L x
I’ve no idea how you measure whether you are fit to return to work, but maybe you could discuss a phased return to work with your employers, also useful if you have been long term sick. Where you go in two or three days a week for a few hours and gradually increase it back to normal according to how you are managing.
I negotiated a phased return to work after I was first diagnosed following a relaspe and several weeks off work. Occupational health were involved and I gradually built up my hours till I was back full time. You seem uncertain whether or not you will be able to cope so to give yourself that confidence it seems a phased return could be a good alternative . Better to go back slowly and not be off ill than go back and to have to keep taking long periods of time off.
best of luck
meganruth
Hello
I get the feeling, because your asking the question, that maybe your not quite ready to go back.
Its not that long really, since the start of your relapse. Why not take a little more time off and then discuss with your employer about a phased return.
Good luck
I was off work last year for 3 months following a nasty relapse and felt really guilty about it but I went back on a phased return over a 6 week period and agree with everyone else that it was a great way to ease back into work. I also didn’t want to go back and then realise I still wasn’t 100% and needed to go off again. Make sure you are better before you go back. I also had a bad bout of ON as well as fatigue and I work in an office looking at a computer screen most of the day. Occ Health were really good at ensuring I had the correct chair desk mouse and a screen to put over the monitor to reduce glare. I also made sure I had my lunch break away from my desk!! Look after yourself and hope it goes well when you go back
Thanks all. I will see how the meeting with HR and my boss goes and what can be put in place. Will also just have to see how I feel. I have got a telephone appt set up with access to work so that will help! Thanks again xx