going back to work
 

I've been wondering if I should try to go back to work part time. Perhaps going to my employer, explain my limitations, and see if they can accomodate them. I wasn't sure because what if I try and fall on my dupa.... I'm anxious to try though. I still have symptoms but we can really use the income. What are thoughts on this? I'm five months post concussion and it happened at work. Thanks everyone!!

Work Comp should be replacing your lost income. Going back to work too soon may end up delaying any further recovery. A phased in work schedule may be worthwhile.

Your amount of time since your concussion should not enter into the equation. You current symptoms and tolerance for stress and the visual and auditory stimulation should be the deciding factors.

Tough decision to make.

My best to you.

Thanks Mark. It's hard to determine sitting at home. I was thinking of calling my human resource guy and see if I can sit down with him prior to my appt. I know it's a touch decision and I want to make the right one...I am getting workman's comp but it's not enough to sustain and my husband is on umemployment. Thats how we roll in this house...lol All at once.My best to you. You always have such great insight!!!!

It's good to be back at work and be relatively ok, but if you try and go back to work and can't manage it it's really depressing. So yeah, depends how you are. Maybe first try to challenge yourself with some activity/environment similar to your job and see how you get on?

Good luck!

I also went back to work too soon and really wished i took the proper time to heal. I went back at the 4 month mark, lasted for 2 months until i literally couldnt get out of bed any more, and went back out for 3 more months. In january i plan to return, but my doctor has me going back slower, less hours, day shift only, and i agree i need to be smarter this time around with returning.

When i went back at 4 month mark, i only had 1 week without headaches. I know now that i need to have a sustained period of time where i am well, doing normal activities, working out, etc. So dont rush....because you dont want to ruin the ground you've covered in the past 5 months. Make sure u are feeling well first. Just like they would tell an athlete....no work until you are completely symptom free. Good luck!

I've been dabbling with very part time work. I find some weeks it works out well in that the experience is mainly very uplifting and it's helped restore my confidence. However on the days when deep down I know I should rest more, it's a real bind and even barrier to my continued recovery.

I'd say if you can negotiate a truly flexible set up, so that there are no repercusions in the short term at least, if you call in sick last minute, then go ahead. The problem is with not working until you're symptom free is, if it's a long time away, that you feel down for not working.

This is a very hard decision and everyone has unique circumstances. Trust your instincts and allow yourself to change your mind if you need to.

Hi all,
I am new to the forum and thought I'd jump in here. I was diagnosed 2 months ago with a concussion I received at work and have since been treated by a workmans comp Sports Med doc and a Neurologist.

The CT and MRI came out normal and the treating doc said he is going to take me off all med and see if I improve to get me back to work.

The Neurologist says I need to see an ENT. I suffer from head pressure with intermittant headaches, concentration/focus problems, lack of memory, nausia, dizziness at times, noise senitivities,blurry vision, extreme fatigue, insomnia, confusion, and irratability to name a few.

I think my treating doc is frustrated becuase I don't respond well to medicine and he just wants to get me back to work.

I too want to get back to work, I tried working the first 3 weeks after the concussion until he finally pulled me out, but I can't imagine going back feeling like this.

I am having problems functioning at home so I know work would be very difficult now as I do all the bookwork, buying, and managing the place.

I have noticed some improvements such as finding my words and typing better now and the medicine has helped control the twitching that I was having. But it did not do much to help the lack of sleep.

I suppose my reason for jumping in here is to also get some imput as to when to begin thinking about going back to work and what if they try to force you back before you feel you are ready.:confused: