Coping with being signed off work
Discussion
People joke sometimes about "wouldn't it be great to be signed off work a while" but actually... its not great. 4 years ago I broke an ankle and damaged ligaments and was on enforced bed rest for 4 weeks and no commuting to work for another 3 on top of that. It drove me potty and I didn't deal with it too well.
Now, after various periods of mystery ill health and blood tests which are "fine", my GP has signed me off as unfit to work for a month, and referred me to a consultant to see whether I might have chronic fatigue.
Any tips for coping with the absence welcome - not even allowed to work at home (something I've done for the last 3 weeks when well enough). Won't be too mobile I don't suppose; on a good day at the moment I can just about walk to the GP 400 yards away.
Now, after various periods of mystery ill health and blood tests which are "fine", my GP has signed me off as unfit to work for a month, and referred me to a consultant to see whether I might have chronic fatigue.
Any tips for coping with the absence welcome - not even allowed to work at home (something I've done for the last 3 weeks when well enough). Won't be too mobile I don't suppose; on a good day at the moment I can just about walk to the GP 400 yards away.
Do you enjoy any peaceful activities like reading? Is there a whole host of movies or boxsets that you have never got around to watching?
Sorry to hear of your troubles OP but maybe just chilling out and doing sod all will help?
Maybe time to start learning that foreign language you've always hankered for but never had the time to do?
Sorry to hear of your troubles OP but maybe just chilling out and doing sod all will help?
Maybe time to start learning that foreign language you've always hankered for but never had the time to do?
As above, make sure you treat it as a break and get the rest you need.
How about learning the guitar? You're bound to know a mate who could lend you one and if you play for an hour a day over the next month you'll get good very quickly.
Or pick up an xbox 360 and a few games for cheap. If you're older it might not seem like your thing but there are very good games out that you can pick up for only a few pounds and easy to put a few hours into at a time.
How about learning the guitar? You're bound to know a mate who could lend you one and if you play for an hour a day over the next month you'll get good very quickly.
Or pick up an xbox 360 and a few games for cheap. If you're older it might not seem like your thing but there are very good games out that you can pick up for only a few pounds and easy to put a few hours into at a time.
I got signed off for six weeks at the start of 2015, whilst they tried to figure out if I had cancer or something else (this luckily), it was mostly from an anxiety aspect but I wasn't getting a massive amount of sleep either due to a persistent cough.
I had some time to chill but I also set myself the task of sorting the masses of digital photos we'd got at that time. Quite a nice little project. I was also sticking them on our media centre as I was doing it so we could look at the on the TV and also got them stored on "the cloud" once sorted. On a couple of the nicer days (it was in January) I did drag myself out for a few miles of walking, okay if you're able to do so.
Also back then our kids were at nursery / my wife was at work three days a week so Monday and Friday as well as the weekend was spent playing with them, going to the park etc. I therefore only really got three days a week truly to myself.
I had some time to chill but I also set myself the task of sorting the masses of digital photos we'd got at that time. Quite a nice little project. I was also sticking them on our media centre as I was doing it so we could look at the on the TV and also got them stored on "the cloud" once sorted. On a couple of the nicer days (it was in January) I did drag myself out for a few miles of walking, okay if you're able to do so.
Also back then our kids were at nursery / my wife was at work three days a week so Monday and Friday as well as the weekend was spent playing with them, going to the park etc. I therefore only really got three days a week truly to myself.
Firstly, sorry to hear that you are having health problems. I suppose we are all different. I'm in the "I would love to have a long time off work" camp. I'm confortable in my own company and have lots of things I enjoy to keep me entertained. I like music so would probably sort out my iTunes library and make up some great playlists, maybe do some mixing like I used to. I'd be on COD a lot. I can often lose 2 or 3 hours without trying after work playing that. Movies, TV box sets I've not had time to watch, books, walks, going to see family and friends who don't work anymore...
I have a reasonably well paid job and I'm the head of a department so I get to travel and do some interesting work but at 42, I would retire tomorrow and never work again if I could.
For the first time in my working life, I had a month off over Xmas including 2 weeks paternity. Even know the first 2 weeks were preparing for the big event and the last 2 weeks were coping with the aftermath of another child at my age, I loved not being at work and doing my own thing in my own time. The month flew over and I wish I had more time.
I have a reasonably well paid job and I'm the head of a department so I get to travel and do some interesting work but at 42, I would retire tomorrow and never work again if I could.
For the first time in my working life, I had a month off over Xmas including 2 weeks paternity. Even know the first 2 weeks were preparing for the big event and the last 2 weeks were coping with the aftermath of another child at my age, I loved not being at work and doing my own thing in my own time. The month flew over and I wish I had more time.
If you like to learn and feel like you're doing stuff, something like Duolingo or Khan Academy is a good way to soak up some time and feel a little like you're making some kind of progress.
Similarly - If you're at all sciencey or into history stuff, go and look up Zooniverse - it's basically crowd-sourced image processing of various sorts, from 'click on all the penguins visible in this photo' to 'help transcribe this Shakespeare-era handwritten book' and all sorts in between. It's really helped me, I do a lot of the wildlife based ones and feeling like I am actively doing something constructive, that I've contributed to some biologist's project, helped monitor the recovery of a wildlife reserve in Mozambique or whatever… that sort of thing is good for a person.
Similarly - If you're at all sciencey or into history stuff, go and look up Zooniverse - it's basically crowd-sourced image processing of various sorts, from 'click on all the penguins visible in this photo' to 'help transcribe this Shakespeare-era handwritten book' and all sorts in between. It's really helped me, I do a lot of the wildlife based ones and feeling like I am actively doing something constructive, that I've contributed to some biologist's project, helped monitor the recovery of a wildlife reserve in Mozambique or whatever… that sort of thing is good for a person.
I'm currently in this position myself. Signed off with two fractured wrists, which limits somewhat the things I can do.
You can only troll forums for so long, porn...er well no point in that right now :-(, so I go for a walk and watch a lot of documentaries/box sets.
Sometimes I find myself so bored it gets me down but I try to keep my eyes on the prize..which is getting rid of the casts and the start of getting back to normality.
Hang in there my friend, take one day at a time and I hope it goes well for you.
You can only troll forums for so long, porn...er well no point in that right now :-(, so I go for a walk and watch a lot of documentaries/box sets.
Sometimes I find myself so bored it gets me down but I try to keep my eyes on the prize..which is getting rid of the casts and the start of getting back to normality.
Hang in there my friend, take one day at a time and I hope it goes well for you.
Cheers for the good wishes.
All good suggestions, thanks. I do like reading yes - the brain fog I get some days makes it difficult to concentrate but as said - I need to treat this as rest and hopefully that will help things along. I'm a relaxed person but chilling out as in "doing nothing" does drive me a bit batty; I need to get my head around that.
The cataloguing photos thing is a good idea too - 1 of those jobs I never get around to doing. I should at least be able to get into my office and do that.
I tried learning guitar once - I still have the guitar! But I never got passed the "ow my bloody fingers!" stage. I do write music at times at home (I play keyboards) but the brain fog makes that frustrating rather than a pleasure - what an irony, more time to do it, and less able to do it!.
I used to own a PS2 - and still play games on my PC occasionally and my ipad. No doubt that will take care of many hours!
The brain fog probably rules out the learning a language thing. Although I need to try and keep my mind active on good days, certainly.
I would retire tomorrow by the way - its just the "not being able to do very much" thing I get frustrated with - I like being active and out and about; time off work on my terms!
Thanks for the mention of Zooniverse - I'll have a look, not heard of that.
All good suggestions, thanks. I do like reading yes - the brain fog I get some days makes it difficult to concentrate but as said - I need to treat this as rest and hopefully that will help things along. I'm a relaxed person but chilling out as in "doing nothing" does drive me a bit batty; I need to get my head around that.
The cataloguing photos thing is a good idea too - 1 of those jobs I never get around to doing. I should at least be able to get into my office and do that.
I tried learning guitar once - I still have the guitar! But I never got passed the "ow my bloody fingers!" stage. I do write music at times at home (I play keyboards) but the brain fog makes that frustrating rather than a pleasure - what an irony, more time to do it, and less able to do it!.
I used to own a PS2 - and still play games on my PC occasionally and my ipad. No doubt that will take care of many hours!
The brain fog probably rules out the learning a language thing. Although I need to try and keep my mind active on good days, certainly.
I would retire tomorrow by the way - its just the "not being able to do very much" thing I get frustrated with - I like being active and out and about; time off work on my terms!
Thanks for the mention of Zooniverse - I'll have a look, not heard of that.
TbirdX said:
I'm currently in this position myself. Signed off with two fractured wrists, which limits somewhat the things I can do.
You can only troll forums for so long, porn...er well no point in that right now :-(, so I go for a walk and watch a lot of documentaries/box sets.
Sometimes I find myself so bored it gets me down but I try to keep my eyes on the prize..which is getting rid of the casts and the start of getting back to normality.
Hang in there my friend, take one day at a time and I hope it goes well for you.
Thanks, sorry to hear that. An ankle busting was bad enough - both wrists being out of action is another level! How frustrating. I hope you're on the mend quickly.You can only troll forums for so long, porn...er well no point in that right now :-(, so I go for a walk and watch a lot of documentaries/box sets.
Sometimes I find myself so bored it gets me down but I try to keep my eyes on the prize..which is getting rid of the casts and the start of getting back to normality.
Hang in there my friend, take one day at a time and I hope it goes well for you.
I guess ultimately being patient is the key.
TbirdX said:
Signed off with two fractured wrists, which limits somewhat the things I can do.
porn...er well no point in that right now :-(
Holy sporn...er well no point in that right now :-(
t, that is bad. Got to be some way though, use a bit of ingenuity? That was the other highlight of being off work, spend a bit of quality time looking at adult sites on the 'net 
Just to flag up a few things to be aware of.
Too much inactivity can be tiring. Or, more accurately, make you feel tired. And sitting for too long isn't good either. It'll start off other aches and pains, which you'll probably think about too much etc.
Keep to a daily routine. We all work better by routine, so even if it's making sure meal and bed times don't slip, it'll help keep you grounded. Regular bed times are a good way of getting good sleep.
And eat well. Tired, can't be arsed, that'll do won't help you get better. Prep in advance/bulk if need be.
Makes sure you get out of the house too. Even if you just go and get a paper, walk around the garden or something. Fresh air, sunshine and contact with other people keeps you sane.
If you can find something to look forward to as well, that's good. Maybe setting yourself time to make something, Thursday's dinner/curry, or a hobby, twice a week painting, model making or guitar practice. Or maybe a weekly lunch, coffee or a pint with someone, with the aim of not letting one day morph into another.
Do you know any retired people? Ask them what they do and adapt it.
Just my take on it as someone who's immobilised from time to time. Just beware too much inactivity and isolation can be bad for your health. Hope you feel better soon.
Too much inactivity can be tiring. Or, more accurately, make you feel tired. And sitting for too long isn't good either. It'll start off other aches and pains, which you'll probably think about too much etc.
Keep to a daily routine. We all work better by routine, so even if it's making sure meal and bed times don't slip, it'll help keep you grounded. Regular bed times are a good way of getting good sleep.
And eat well. Tired, can't be arsed, that'll do won't help you get better. Prep in advance/bulk if need be.
Makes sure you get out of the house too. Even if you just go and get a paper, walk around the garden or something. Fresh air, sunshine and contact with other people keeps you sane.
If you can find something to look forward to as well, that's good. Maybe setting yourself time to make something, Thursday's dinner/curry, or a hobby, twice a week painting, model making or guitar practice. Or maybe a weekly lunch, coffee or a pint with someone, with the aim of not letting one day morph into another.
Do you know any retired people? Ask them what they do and adapt it.
Just my take on it as someone who's immobilised from time to time. Just beware too much inactivity and isolation can be bad for your health. Hope you feel better soon.
C0ffin D0dger said:
Holy st, that is bad. Got to be some way though, use a bit of ingenuity?
Oh there's a way alright, it's called "The Wife" :-)t, that is bad. Got to be some way though, use a bit of ingenuity?Bless her heart she's taking very good care of me. I've no idea how I would've managed in the early few days without her. Getting stronger now but right at the start I couldn't open a door or get myself dressed/undressed and we won't discuss toilet issues.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Sticks. said:
Just to flag up a few things to be aware of.
Too much inactivity can be tiring. Or, more accurately, make you feel tired. And sitting for too long isn't good either. It'll start off other aches and pains, which you'll probably think about too much etc.
Keep to a daily routine. We all work better by routine, so even if it's making sure meal and bed times don't slip, it'll help keep you grounded. Regular bed times are a good way of getting good sleep.
And eat well. Tired, can't be arsed, that'll do won't help you get better. Prep in advance/bulk if need be.
Makes sure you get out of the house too. Even if you just go and get a paper, walk around the garden or something. Fresh air, sunshine and contact with other people keeps you sane.
If you can find something to look forward to as well, that's good. Maybe setting yourself time to make something, Thursday's dinner/curry, or a hobby, twice a week painting, model making or guitar practice. Or maybe a weekly lunch, coffee or a pint with someone, with the aim of not letting one day morph into another.
Do you know any retired people? Ask them what they do and adapt it.
Just my take on it as someone who's immobilised from time to time. Just beware too much inactivity and isolation can be bad for your health. Hope you feel better soon.
All good advice there, ta. I've had the odd day where I've been pretty much out of it in bed and mostly asleep but they're rare. I plan on a few hours on the bed for a day or two to start but also getting to sit in the garden. Absolutely agree on the too much inactivity thing but with this it seems to be a fine balancing act. We're due at the theatre on Monday so I'll be taking it easy until then - hopefully I can at least take short walks in the village by this time next week. Trouble is if I push it, I get worse. Slow and gradual exercise works better for this.Too much inactivity can be tiring. Or, more accurately, make you feel tired. And sitting for too long isn't good either. It'll start off other aches and pains, which you'll probably think about too much etc.
Keep to a daily routine. We all work better by routine, so even if it's making sure meal and bed times don't slip, it'll help keep you grounded. Regular bed times are a good way of getting good sleep.
And eat well. Tired, can't be arsed, that'll do won't help you get better. Prep in advance/bulk if need be.
Makes sure you get out of the house too. Even if you just go and get a paper, walk around the garden or something. Fresh air, sunshine and contact with other people keeps you sane.
If you can find something to look forward to as well, that's good. Maybe setting yourself time to make something, Thursday's dinner/curry, or a hobby, twice a week painting, model making or guitar practice. Or maybe a weekly lunch, coffee or a pint with someone, with the aim of not letting one day morph into another.
Do you know any retired people? Ask them what they do and adapt it.
Just my take on it as someone who's immobilised from time to time. Just beware too much inactivity and isolation can be bad for your health. Hope you feel better soon.
But all good points - my PC, photos, files and everything will be so well organised by the time I go back to work, so I'm seeing all the positives at the moment.
Can I join the club I'm off with 2 fractured vertebrae.
Should have been signed off 3 weeks ago but due to an incompetent tosser at a&e im off as off Thursday just gone.im a steelworker so no such thing as light duties.
Like above i suffer fatigue so planned to get fit, join a gym and get active as I've had enough. 10 minute's into my new lifestyle I was out and off to A&E.
I plan on job hunting and light swimming to keep me busy and build my back muscles up again. Amazon prime day coming up to so could be an expensive month.
Should have been signed off 3 weeks ago but due to an incompetent tosser at a&e im off as off Thursday just gone.im a steelworker so no such thing as light duties.
Like above i suffer fatigue so planned to get fit, join a gym and get active as I've had enough. 10 minute's into my new lifestyle I was out and off to A&E.
I plan on job hunting and light swimming to keep me busy and build my back muscles up again. Amazon prime day coming up to so could be an expensive month.
bazza white said:
Can I join the club I'm off with 2 fractured vertebrae.
Should have been signed off 3 weeks ago but due to an incompetent tosser at a&e im off as off Thursday just gone.im a steelworker so no such thing as light duties.
Like above i suffer fatigue so planned to get fit, join a gym and get active as I've had enough. 10 minute's into my new lifestyle I was out and off to A&E.
I plan on job hunting and light swimming to keep me busy and build my back muscles up again. Amazon prime day coming up to so could be an expensive month.
Feel free to join Should have been signed off 3 weeks ago but due to an incompetent tosser at a&e im off as off Thursday just gone.im a steelworker so no such thing as light duties.
Like above i suffer fatigue so planned to get fit, join a gym and get active as I've had enough. 10 minute's into my new lifestyle I was out and off to A&E.
I plan on job hunting and light swimming to keep me busy and build my back muscles up again. Amazon prime day coming up to so could be an expensive month.
I was going to ask how you planned to get fit while having fatigue but I might be better not asking you bearing in mind your outcome! Hopefully the swimming helps. I'm hoping I can at least get a gentle swim in a couple of weeks.I just saw Amazon Prime day come up as well - normally I'd be in work well away from it but I'm hoping I might just forget...
Am in this club too!
Damaged right shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist and numb fingers.
Due to pain waking me at night on co-codamol, which makes me dizzy, drowsy, trips me out and gives me madsive munchies!
Also means i cant do things that you take for granted (grab a mug of coffee and carry it from kitchen to living room)
So being off sick is not as much fun as once thought.
Damaged right shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist and numb fingers.
Due to pain waking me at night on co-codamol, which makes me dizzy, drowsy, trips me out and gives me madsive munchies!
Also means i cant do things that you take for granted (grab a mug of coffee and carry it from kitchen to living room)
So being off sick is not as much fun as once thought.
Kinkell said:
Be glad and relax if your salary is entering your bank account. Two of my boys have had knee ops for sport related injuries and as contractors they are without funds along with their tramadol induced pain relief.
Oh I am. Not complaining at all, I'm fortunate compared to many I know. I've had so many things go wrong health wise in the last few years. If I ever catch myself feeling sorry for myself I try and remember there are always people worse off and to STFU.Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff