I think you are being unduly pessimistic about your potential for recovery from surgery. 6 weeks should see you much better. When your pain is under control, you will be much less drained. I know - I had back surgery in 1995.

Of course you won't be fully fit - and would needed a graded return to work - but you may well be surprised by how quick things do improve.

Chronic pain is very debilitating and I do sympathise. And it does sound as if your employer is being less than helpful.

I am speaking as someone who has suffered the same sort of pain, a pharmacist who knows about pain killers, and as hypnotherapist who knows about the power of the mind. Pain is literally 'all in the mind' Until the receptor in the brain is trig erred the signal is not sent to the nerve ending to make you go ouch.

I know that pain killers can help to block the pain signals - but have side effects. I also know that some visualisations can block the signals and help control pain. That may sound bizarre but it happens to be true. You may find a hypnotherapist can help you get control of your pain - and that may have other benefits as well in terms of your general well being.

I hope you can find some help

Hi Tashanie,

I hope you are well. Tell me.your story. What did you have back surgery for? Did you recover in six weeks and were your employers helpful?

Please let me know.

regards

I A

It was 1995 and ended 20 years of on and off problems with pain -sometimes excruciating. But I had got to the stage where I didn't even stand upright. In fact my boyfriend (who only met me in 1994) realised until I had the op he had never seen me stand upright.

From memory I was ready for a phased return to work within 6 weeks, However as I worked at the hospital where I had my surgery, I did have a fair amount of support from my employer (and as my manager had similar surgery he could totally relate to my problems) But as a pharmacist heavy lifting wasn't one of my duties - and paperwork doesn't stress the back too much. However I was able to walk round the wards which was mainly what I needed to do. But I was tired. I started with 2 hours a day and gradually worked up to a full day over about 4 weeks I think. It does take time to fully recover from any surgery.

I have been fine since my surgery until a fall in 2008 trigered problems which resolved with conservative treatment. And then quite recently I had a sudden relapse of unknown cause, However it has settled down although I am going to spinal rehab classes (again) but it has been NOTHING like the pain and problems I used to have.

So do take heart. recovery is possible - and being honest it is more likely if you can stay as positive as possible. I hope my story has given you some hope.

Hi,

Thanks for the story.
you said you were not able to stand upright? Did that spontaneously correct itself after surgery? How long were you like that before you had surgery?

I A

Hi,

Thanks for the story.
you said you were not able to stand upright? Did that spontaneously correct itself after surgery? How long were you like that before you had surgery?

I A

After surgery I was almost immediately able to stand upright once I was allowed to stand (which took a day or two I admit.) . I can't remember how long I was like that before surgery - probably months . It was mainly due to sciatica and limping .

They didn't let you stand for two days?

I A

They didn't let you stand for two days?

I A

You don't really FEEL like standing for two days. I seem to remember I was supposed to stay off my feet for 24 hours - which meant in theory I would have to use a bedpan. However I really didn't want that so I persuaded my surgeon (who was a friend!) that I could be wheeled to the loo and transfer myself from chair to loo. I do remember sitting for long periods wan't a good idea. You do need to stay basically straight for a bit But they encourage mobilisation asap these days.

If you are down for surgery I presume you have been referred to a hospital. I am sure they will be able to tell you how they expect things ot go after spinal surgery. My information is nearly 20 years out of date - and things will have moved on since then as medical knowledge has improved.

Hi,

20 years after the discectomy, you are doing OK?

I A

20 years on I am going great. I had a fall in 2008 that caused me a few problems which resolved with some rest and spinal rehab.

And for some reason I got problems about 6 weeks ago for no apparent reason - but then I am 61 and I guess getting a few problems is to be expected. But the op greatly improved my life

Hi,

What were your main symptoms before the operation?

I A

Hi Hopehasgone,

I was once a manager of a person with back problems. He had to have some extended time off work and it was important for me to ensure that when he came to return he had all the equipment available to assist him and support him. I arranged for the purchase of a spider chair so he could sit on it normally or back to front (or however he felt most comfortable), it was adjusted to suit his needs. I also purchased a desk where the height could be amended at a push of a button, so he could work seated or standing. I ensured his electrical equipment was suitable for him, mouse was changed, screen height adjusted, headset supplied so he wasn't holding his phone between head and shoulder. This stuff costs a lot of money but it is worth it if they truly wish to support you.

I returned him to work on a phased return, 2hours, then 3hrs, then 5hrs and finally back to 7hrs we did this over a 3 week period if I remember correctly, this was agreed with him prior to his return and was regularly checked to ensure he wasn't overdoing it. As my mother had suffered back pain I could appreciate what he was going through and I took advice from the Occupational therapist who I had discussions with and I made sure he got up and moved position every 20mins. I think I was a bossy manager because I did remind him to move around. lol.

Your manager should be working with you and Occupational health to ensure you have everything provided which will aid your return to work. A lot of managers aren't aware how they should work with an employee, but as I was a new manager I read up and researched the company policy and I achieved more for my direct report than his previous managers had in 7 years.

Yes they want you back in work and yes they can reduce your pay depending on their staffing policy, usually 3months full pay, 3 months half pay and then from that point no pay. Read your staff handbook and make sure you understand it.

Hope you recover gently and steadily from your op when it is done and that your employer supports you to return to work at a pace which is suitable.

Hi,

I actually work for the NHS. The problem is they made it clear they won't purchase any specific equipment.
When I recently attempted a return to work. I was very stressed out because on my first day back I felt some of my symptoms get worse. The next work day was even worse, so my manager said I should have a work place assessment the following week. An OH person came in, but she seemed very busy. She adjusted the existing chair, and then put some books under my PC monitor. I told her this may not be sufficient but she said that the office I have cannot be changed. The desks are affixed to the wall, they cannot be raised. At home, my ergonomics are somewhat different. I have a chair, and the higher I adjust it, the easier it is to rise form it as it places very little pressure on my low back. I also have an electric desk which can be raised for comfort.
This person had a meeting to go to, and seemed to just want to get the assessment over and done with. She recommended I took a walk regularly, but since I was working seven hours per day, that did little or no good. In fact, it probably made matters a whole lot worse. First, getting up from that chair several times per day put more pressure on my low back. My low back spasmed a lot and the swelling around the joints caused a lot of stiffness. In spite of regular movement, I was still working for seven hours and by the time I finished work I felt completely pulverised, and spent several days recovering after that. It was an ordeal. In fact, that situation made my pain much worse, and I only work part-time, two days per week. I did not do consecutive days either, but I don't think that made much difference because I think my back got tired within about 3 hours or so. I started at 9, and usually I was just about ok until around 12pm. It was not an ideal situation. I think the longer I was there, the more discomfort I would face, and the more discomfort I faced, my body started to contort and I started to panic. It was so bad, even if I have an operation and have to return, I think the sight of that place may cause panic.
Another concern I have is that I used to go their in a car. There are a lot of speed humps along the way, and getting there may be uncomfortable.

Thanks for your message, I wish all employers were as understanding as you are. Mine just keep saying when will you be back, and though I can understand that, I am currently not even sure how my life will work out. How can I give them any kind of answer.

I will post more on this subject later.

Kind Regards

I A

Bless you, in my eyes that is totally unacceptable. Are you a member of a union? I would be talking to them.

If you had to leave due to ill health, I think you could have a case against the NHS for constructive dismissal because they did not meet your basic working requirements. Again something to discuss with a union if you are a member, if you aren't become one quick and stick with them.

The claims they make are meer excuses and not acceptable at all, the Occupational health person sounds incompetent.... I'm really cross for your predicament. 😡

They also should not be demanding to know when you will be back, if they are badgering you then discuss this with the union and make a complaint. There are guidelines for all managers on how to discuss and approach return to work with their direct reports, there is a fine line between caring enquiry and putting the pressure on and it sounds like your manager is getting it wrong and causing you more stress which you don't need right now.

Hi,

Thank you for your kind email. The main problem is that they keep asking me to attend meetings etc. I am not a member of the union. I wish I was.
After I went on sick leave, I suggested they offer a chair which may have a sloping seat (so it does not dig into your legs - their chairs cause leg numbness. She said, "well, it doesn't look like any chair in the world is going to help you now, does it?". I gave her a sick note that covers me for three months (this time may also include the surgery, once that is confirmed). I told her unless there is anything to report within this period, I would not call her, but she insists on me phoning her every week. One day I went to my hospital appointment and said how come I could go there and not come to work?
I was quite upset with her attitude. I just feel like I am constantly having to explain and justify everything, and she makes me feel as if I am doing this to cause them inconvenience.
A lot of people have mentioned on other threads as to how afraid they are of returning to work, and how resuming work can be quite difficult. It is not easy to deal with things like this, and I think employers need to understand that people who have become disabled as a result of this problem (in my case proven by an MRI scan and medical reports), they are worried about injuring themselves or getting worse. Work is important, but most people value their life and independence because that is what gives them the ability to work. Employers don't have to be happy about it, but they needn't be nasty either.
Anyway, I think the operation is my only chance of recovering, and if I have it, I hope they do not pressure me to return before I am ready because I do not have the energy to have a long dispute with them. When I am ready to return, I hope they can implement the changes I request. They told me changes have to be 'reasonable', and they said making expensive adaptations was not 'reasonable'. They could easily move me to a different office since my work involves updating a database. This is a specific job for which I am employed, and I don't really have to liaise with anyone else in the department anyway (my managers are based in another hospital within the Trust). Anyway, I thank you for your understanding but I don't think my managers will be of much more help. My condition needs to improve. If it does not, the current measures are ineffective anyway.
This reminds me of the time I worked in a library. I have had some foot problems in the past, and I was not able to stand or walk for some time. They provided me with a stationary stool. However, almost everyone who visited the library took out DVD's and CD's. It was very busy library, so I had to get up and get them from the drawers. The drawers were not height adjusted with the stool, and neither were the computers. They did bring in the measure but it was not useful.

Regards

I A

NHS employee too!

Hi Hopehasgone

I haven't posted for a while but feel I need to, hopefully to help you. I was a medical secretary for 10 years at my local hospital when I slipped two discs in my back in 2009. I had a microdiscectomy in June 2010 which unfortunately made things worse. I had not been able to work during this time at all. Then in October I was called to a meeting with a senior manager, my manager and occupational health. I had a meeting with occupational health for an hour before the one with the managers and she warned me that they were starting down the path of dismissal on the grounds of capability. I was floored because up until now I had received only support. At this meeting I was given a verbal warning and was then told they would contact my surgeon, my GP and physio to see what was the diagnosis. The day before Christmas Eve I was called to another meeting where we discussed the fact that I was now on the list for fusion surgery, which occupational health was trying to make sure was done urgently. They asked if I still intended to come back to work once fixed and I assured them I did as I loved my job. The manager made it sound as if they were just doing what they had to do and said they were happy to wait longer, but they had no choice but to now issue a written warning. I was devastated to get this just before Christmas but as they were still keeping my job open I tried not to worry. In February I still didn't have a date for the fusion operation but had had my pre op so knew it would be soon. However, they said they could wait no longer, that other staff were suffering stress due to my absence and they were going to dismiss me on capability grounds. This meant I still got almost a redundancy payout but no job. I cried for weeks. I was not in the union so they couldn't help. I was advised by occupational health to appeal as they had advised HR to wait until after my surgery but management ignored them. I did initially appeal but then my surgery date came through for April and I decided I had enough to deal with and withdrew it.

After my fusion I have been left mostly bed and housebound and unable to work. I applied for medical retirement which I have received, but because I got it after I left I only got a very small amount. If they had medically retired me whilst in work I would have had my pension enhanced by two thirds. I wish I knew this at the time, it's cost me at £300 a month.

So please don't let them treat you like they are. Join the union immediately as they can help you if you need to fight any decisions. Also occupational health are supposed to be there to support you and you need to tell them you are being pressurised about returning to work. This is against the NHS policy and your manager could be in a lot of trouble. You also need to tell them that you are expected to ring in every week, which as you are signed off sick is unreasonable and is causing you stress. Tell them you feel bullied and it is making you unwell. If you get no support you need to take them to a tribunal. It sounds as if they are hoping you will leave but don't, this is not your fault. Also before you go back to work they have a duty to provide you with a suitable work area, including a chair which won't hurt you. You are also entitled to a slow return to work and you can add any holiday you want to this to extend the period if you want.

Anyway that's a lot of information in one go. Please let me know if you want anymore advice, as a former NHS employee I have been where you are and know how it feels. Hang in there. I hope things Improve for you soon.

Wend x

Hi Wend,

I am sorry to hear of your work woes, and I am also sorry to hear about your failed surgeries.
At work, my situation has not gone that far ahead, but my situation is different in one critical way. I am on a contract until November. Of course, my illness is very inconvenient for them, especially since my current sick note covers me until mid July and I only workd from November 2012 to Christmas. I briefly went back in February and March, but it became quite clear my body could not manage. I think if surgery is confirmed, they may wait until after the procedure to see if I heal up and feel up to work. However, I don't have a date for the operation, so I do not know what will happen.
I know I need to have the operation, and if it is successful I will not return to work until I know I can do it. If they fire me, then I will have to accept that. My health is the most important thing.
I don't know what else to say but I do feel that employment is certainly an issue for people who have slipped discs etc. The surgical route is usually a last resort and most employers are probably at the end of their tether by that point anyway, so waiting for people to recover from surgery is probably another nagative in their eyes because they have to accept they will have to wait until that time and cannot reasonably expect the employee to return straight away.
I just hope everything works out alright, but it is very stressful, especially at a time when I am already so depressed and anxious.
At least you got the ill health retirement. I haven't worked for them long enough and I was not on the pension scheme so I won't get anything like that.
We will see. I am trying to concentrate on recovering. We can cross that bridge when we get there, but thanks for your post and your support.

I A