Postponed going back to work for another week.

[Kim M]

I was suppose to go back to work today, but postponed it another week. I have committed to going out everyday and walking and doing stairs as this is part of what I have to do at work. I am in the social work field and do community outreach work. I am on FMLA and could take more time off, but there are big changes taking place in mental health in NY and I feel I need to be there. I work an 7.5 hour day and usually have to come home and do paperwork if I have not been able to get all my notes in by the end of the day. I also feel the longer I stay out the crazier it will be when I get back. No one is covering my caseload only if there is an emergency. My client's only know I went out on personal leave, not medical leave and many were worried I wasn't coming back. I am only eating 2 protein shakes and some yogart every day. This is fine for recouperateing at home, but I don't won't to fall out at work. What would you do? I am conflicted.

 

[TwoMas]

Hi Kim, If your doctor has clears you for work and you feel up to it, going back will help you get rid of some of the stress you haqve from falling behind on your work, that in itself will be a relief for you. Your about a month out and you are probably not very hungry and won't be for a while but it will be important to make sure you get enough protien in when you start working because it will be so easy to forget to eat and before you know it you will start feeling weak and light headed, I know this from experiance, so make sure to have extra yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese, protien bars or shakes that you can eat relatively easy that wont make you feel uncomfortable or cause dumping while still alowing you to get enough protien. So if you feel up to it and the doctor agrees go for it, if you are already out and about getting exercise then the work is the next step. Good luck and I am sure everyone will be happy to see you back at work, especially your clients. Tom