Back to work with/ after PNI

[cheshire]

Hi

I have been back at work for 5 months now and I found it reallyhard at first as I was and still am in recovery.

What helped you in going back to work?

I think I stressed myself out about it, but as time has gone on, I recognise some things helped -

- telling them I'd been ill/ working with Occupational Health
- being appointed a mentor
- lowering expectations of my usual standards - focusing initially on just getting through the day
- cheating with meals ie. takeaway, microwave meals
- knowing I had some medication in my bag that I could take if needed


I'm still looking for tips though - what helped you?

Love Hopefulxxx

[monica]

Hi

Getting back to work has helped me enormously. I think was PNI was triggered mainly by exhaustion due to the fact every waking moment was filled with cleaning, feeding cooking and never a minute to myself. So work for me , was a break, a distraction from my anxieties and time to myself.

Things that helped me:

- going back when I felt ready
- telling my boss my problems and that I did not know how I'd react in certain situations, that I didn't know if I'd cope, so he was aware
- starting off on one day a week and building it up
- trying to get partner to do more at home , to take pressure off me
- try and enjly the break from home life
- be honest - if things are getting too much to say so

Nothing there that is different to your list, Hopeful. How are you enjoying work now?

Monica

[Jo]

Hiya
How are you getting on with work
I went back today and hated every minute
The rumours have been rife and I just ended up telling a lot of people whats up - they didnt understand. AT all

[cheshire]

Yes, I am starting to like it thanks Monicaxx

Jo, how's it going? It took me months to settle in, but hope you're okxx

[loislane]

Hi girls,

How's it going? I started at work three weeks ago but haven't told anyone except one close friend who won't tell a soul. Do you think i should tell my boss? I work in a male-dominated environment and the women that do work here don't have kids so i'm just not sure they will understand at all.

So far i've found it's helped being back at work cos i feel like me again and it's great to do things that aren't baby related, with the guilt and sense of failure that all entails.

But i only do three days and it's so hard to adjust on the days i don't work - i wake up and feel like there's no point getting up cos all i have to do is baby stuff.

Not sure any of that makes sense, but wanted to say i'm here if anyone wants to talk about work stuff...

L
xxx

[sianyc]

Hi L

I've been back at work for well over a year now and I had to tell my boss before I came back as I'd been off sick straight after my paid maternity leave ended. I would say he was pretty clueless to be honest but harmless enough. I'm guessing his wife has filled him in a bit as he improved a bit over a few months :-)

It all depends on how comforatble you are talking about it all really and whether you think they will treat you differently. That's not necessarily a bad thing it just may be something you don't want.

The days off get better lovely. I enjoy most of my 2 weekdays off with the mosters but not that long ago I dreaded the whole day stretching out in front of me x

[carol]

Thats comforting Sianyc, as I work 4 days and have one day with the little one and currently I dread it. The whole point of having that day together was to have fun, but it feels like a chore. To know this should improve is good. (on meds for about 8 weeks now) Carol coco

[cheshire]

Hi Carol

My experience was similar to Siany's. It does get better -and I think because I feel physically/ mentally better, it's much easier to see children days as fun, rather than something I might not actually manage xx

How's it going?

[winegirl]

Oh yes it definately gets better. Being off with baby now seems like heaven in comparison to being at work LOL! x