Hi there. I really understand your financial concerns. I am going to have to cut back a lot on work due to my recent PE. I've been on sick days since July 19, and I'm supposed to see a doctor soon to determine when and how I'll go back (full time or part time, that is). From what people here say, and from what my doctors have said, it's not a good idea to rush it. You may find yourself so exhausted that you wind up having to go out on sick leave again. If I were you, I'd try to stick to my doctor's orders as far as possible. As for your supervisors, they should be made aware of your situation as it truly is, I think. Another point is that you don't have any way of knowing how tiring it will be to work, so you should be very cautious.

I'd try to listen to your doc if you can. I took a week off, was feeling better, but driving to work, got a little lightheaded... and the stress of being at work was tough. It also took a while to get over the PE and coumadin "fogginess"

Depends on your relationship what you tell people. Most of the people at my office didn't know, so if they asked I told them, to let them know how serious it really was.

Good luck to you

Chris

Hi. I was off for 3 months and my doc didn't want me to go back when I did, but for financial reasons, I really had to. I started off with partial days and only desk work (I am a nurse) and over the next month was back up to my normal schedule. Exhausted as hell on my days off-not much else but work got donw for a long time. I am nearly 2 years out, and only over the last 3 months have I really felt "better." I also developed chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia as well as thyroid issues-so all those things . I am sure contribute to my long recovery. I hope you feel better soon. I have to say, though-don't push it-or your body will push back, and it may not be pretty. Blessings, Teri

What kind of work do you do? If you work for the fire department, I would say you need to wait. If you are at a desk job, that makes more sense.

Regardless, I would maybe suggest that you try a schedule that eases you in. Start with 2 days a week. Or three or four half days to start. Do that for a couple of weeks and see how you feel. Then start thinking about increasing your work load.

Don't push too hard and good luck!

I went back to work (desk job) 08/14, was admitted 07/20 and released 07/27. So about 4 weeks post-event (DVT/A Fib/bi-lateral PE).

I was doing fine at home (walking daily, sometimes 1.5 miles 2-3 times). One week after sitting at my desk all day with little to no exercise, I feel my strength starting to wain.

Don't rush it if you don't have to...go on short term disability (are you in California or Canada?) if possible - my STD checks matched - or exceeded - my payroll checks!!

Good luck!!

Yes I had about 8ish weeks off, and a couple fo false starts going back to work. I'm now on my third time lucky, ad this is my third week back - but mornings only.

I'd advise a gradual return to work - at your pace.

I also have weekly meetings with my boss to talk about how I'm doing: last week for exampleI wanted to do a couple of full days this week, but my boss would not let me. I

'm not doing any evening oweekend work until I am back to full strength.

I also asked for a brief memo/ email to be sent to colleagues to explain this agreement. That has not yet happened, but didn;t want to have to tell everyone personally, and I didn't want anyone to think I'm "swinging the lead" the fittest looking sick people around thing...

I hav to say first 2 weekswere good, but this one is a bit of a struggle but mentally I feel so much brighter

My apparent physical recovery was good. I was back to work a week and a half post hospitalization. I was scheduled for light duty but went right to the lifing and carrying duties, to the shock of all. What they really need to know is that you will have a series of blood test appts, if you are getting that done at a clinic.

I went back to work full time 2 weeks after being discharged from the hospital. But I was able to work a couple of days a week from home during that time.

Just be prepared for the fatigue. You don't think it will be taxing, but it is, more than you realize. So, get lots of rest when your body is screaming for it. I would come home from work and sleep until the morning some days.

Thank you all for your comments, this has been very helpful!!

RL