1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Hallux Valgus (Bunions)

Too soon to return to work?

Posted , 11 users are following.

Sunlover
Sunlover

I had bunion surgery and 2nd toe corrective surgery on my left foot 4 weeks ago. I am back at work next week on a phased return (50% for 2 weeks) this is due to the fact that logistically I can't work from home and I get the feeling they think there is nothing wrong with me so I may as we'll be sitting at work than sitting at home, I do feel some pressure to return ASAP and my boss has emailed and phoned me while I have been off and even sent me to occupational health in week 2 to assess my fitness to return to work! My consultant had said I could have up to 6 weeks off work but I forgot to ask for a sick note when I was discharged from the ward, having just come round from the anaesthetic, been seen by physiotherapists who showed me how to use the crutches, told to get dressed and then my husband was called to come and fetch me, I forgot and was not asked if I needed one when I left. I then had to contact my GP to get one and he gave me one for 4 weeks. Would advise anyone to ensure you ask for a sick note before you are discharged it will save a lot of hassle. After I went for my stitches out I was told I would be given a gel spacer to put between the big toe and second toe but the nurse said we don't use those anymore we just pad with gauze, she gave me enough dressings and gauze for 3 changes so have had to buy more. I had no instructions of how often to change my dressings or when I could shower, I got all my info from the internet and sites like this one. I have to say it has not been painful only when putting the foot down after sleeping then it throbs for a while, I have managed ok but I have taken it easy and elevated my foot a lot, my toes however are still feeling numb. Yesterday I did not elevate my foot and by last night it was considerably swollen. I just hope I am not going back to work too soon.

0 likes, 21 replies

21 Replies

Prev
  • Tinksmoomoo
    Tinksmoomoo Sunlover

    Posted

    Hi there, don't be pressured into going back to work too soon, if you feel you need the full six weeks take it! I have only just had my surgery on 30/04/14 on one foot and that was bloody bad enough, let alone two feet. I work from home on a laptop and sitting at my desk is not viable as my foot swells up and I would not even entertain the idea of sitting awkwardly with a laptop om my lap with my feet up, don't want back surgery! Get your sick note and don't feel bad, recovery is more important so that you can do your job properly afterwards. :-)

     

  • Sunlover
    Sunlover

    Posted

    Hi everyone. I am now 5 weeks in and have just finished my first week back at work at 50% and I have to say I am doing fine. My foot is healing nicely, I shower every other day and change my dressing, having a full body wash in between!  Most of the dry flaky skin has now come off with a little bit of gentle buffing from me and some moisturising oil, it's looking good. Still wearing the Velcro shoe and elevating the foot whenever possible, I have a box under my desk to put my foot on and I am being careful not to do too much but am getting around fine. Got an appointment to see surgeon again in just over 2 weeks when I will also have an X-ray, he said the screw in my toe will be a permanent fixture, my second toe which was corrected still feels a bit numb. Would recommend this procedure.
  • joannyV
    joannyV Sunlover

    Posted

    On to my work assessment now - Thank you Eileenf for sending me to the link Too Soon - I found it very interesting.   My line manager and another manager from my team came to my house, aftersome chit chat I showed my foot, and talked about the healing process and the actual procedure and how every day I was a little better but still sore and foot still swelling after a while, said I was doing a little walking, and trying exercise out in the swimming pool.

    My manager asked what date my line was up (although she know this obviously) I mentioned 21st May but that I would expect that it would be extended at least a week, as I only had to contact the doctor by telephone, she said can I not phone the doctor up and ask to get an appointment so they can assess me, I have replied that the doctor requested that I just telephone to renew my sicknote, and probably will assess me the next time, that this was probably the standard time that someone with thistype of operation would be off work. Well she wasn't pleased about that.  I also asked how would it be possible for me to get into work if a cannot drive and the train/bus station is too far for me to walk from.  She replied that HR dept would need to sort that out and I said the doctor probably would not agree to me going back to work until I was able to get to/from work safely.  So not a pleased manager - who then discussed someone that came to work while still on crutches after breaking their leg. 

    When I told my friend all this she thoughtI should go to HR and tell them that I was getting bullied to agree to go back to work, and this was harrasment and making me feel like I am lying about my circumstances. 

    Because I was on holiday abroad I wouldn't go to HR though just in case they find out as I am not sure about how that goes while you are off sick. 

    So the outcome will be I will tell my Doctor all this that they are harrasing me, just to let her know.  And I willl also take as much time off as I possibly can

    • sulaimansiti12187
      sulaimansiti12187 joannyV

      Posted

      Hi Joan,

      I did face the same situation as what you have gone through. At first I only entitled for 1 month salary out of my 2 months salary due to this sick leave. The doctor said mine needs 2 months off as I am mddle age woman. I fight for it ( 2months salary- need to support financial burden - who would like to have bunion legs when they are so painful) with the help of my superior and with the letter from my surgeon telling that I had scarf osteotomy procedure...finally I got back my 1 month salary paid but they cut 6 days of my balance annual leave entitlement. Luckily the procedure was done end of the year (Oct 2013). 

      Feel sad but at least I got back my nice foot.

Back to top
Prev

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.