Jobs with heavy lifting?? Help please!

I recently got a job as a support worker, and I was due to start in the next few weeks, but seeing as though my op was booked before I got the job, I’ll have to wait until after the op to start (which is fine with my new boss thankfully). Op is booked on 23rd March, so I was wondering when people think I’ll be ready to go and start work. The first 2 weeks will be intensive training, so I want to wait to be completely ready. I’ll be pushing wheelchairs, assisting people in getting about, so lifting etc.

I really don’t want to annoy my new colleagues by waiting too long before I am able to start the job!!

Thanks all xx

P.s. By the way, they don’t know what kind of op I am having – and I’d prefer not to let on if possible – do you think I should say?

my nurse said to me at my pre-op 4-6 weeks of light duties xx

If they know you’ve had an op don’t see any reason why you should tell them what it was if you’d rather not… I was honest about mine with work and it’s my first day back today and all i’m getting is ‘how are you feeling?’ said with a really serious/concerned/sad face as though it’s just been announced I have a disease haha. It’s really hard not to laugh when they ask me, bless them xx

I think the reason I don’t want to say is because I’ll be the new girl, I don’t people to be judging me before they know me. I think I will probably tell them – it’s better that they know exactly what it is xx

Ok, so I was phoned up today and they have all my forms back…so I was about getting a start date. What should I say? My op is 2 weeks on Friday…how long should it be before I’m ready to do a bit of lifting etc? I really can’t say 6 weeks after the op xx

Hey *bethy*, are you having unders or overs? As they say the recovery time for unders is meant to be longer. I’m a health care assistant which is basically the same thing as a support worker, and I had unders just over 2 weeks ago. Personally I do not feel ready to return to work yet as I do not really have the option to return to light duties, so there is a chance I’d have to use moving and handling and restraining techniques which I probably couldn’t manage yet without some pain or discomfort. My surgeon said the time I need to take off work depends on how I feel in myself but if I’m sensible I should consider 4-6 weeks if I can’t guarantee light duties, in case I tear my chest muscles doing things that are too physical. Sorry I can’t offer more help, it’s all so vague! x

That’s helpful candyfloss – I think I’ll say 4 weeks after the op would be a good time to start. I’m having unders so it’ll take longer. They should be understanding as I’ve had the op booked for a while before I applied for the job – I’m just nervous because I don’t want to start on a negative note. It’s funny because the two things I’ve wanted to happen, have happened literally together at the same time! Frustrating, but I’m very grateful xx

I’d say take the longest time you can off, we are all different but you don’t want to end up going on the sick after your first week or two, if you havent officially started then they won’t be worried will they?

Congratulations on the job btw Since you’ve been open with them about having an op from early on I’m sure they’ll be understanding it’s just been bad timing with the start date and you’re not taking the mick.

The way I see it as well (and you could always put it across to your employers in a nice way!) is you don’t want to chance returning to work and doing things sooner than you’re physically ready for cos it’s not just your safety that could be at stake, but it could also be the patients who you are helping move or other staff who may be working alongside you.

If I had an office or call centre type job I would probably have felt able to return after 2 weeks, which is a bit frustrating cos all my time off is unpaid! x

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