Hey, i have currently been absent from work for 3 weeks and have another week left on my sick note.
I had ectopic pregnancy & tube removal. In my job i am a manager of 80 people working in retail, i am anxious around returning & having to manage that amount of people and their own problems when i am going through one of the toughest things in life. Can i ask how everyone else got back to “normal” or any coping mechanisms? Or how long others in the same situation was absent from work?
(I know we are all seperate individuals, i am just looking for validation, advice and clarity- if there is such a thing)
Thanks in advance
Steph
Dear Steph,
I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy loss.
You are absolutely right when you say everyone’s journey is different and it is important you don’t feel rushed or pressured into work.
As a rule of thumb, most people find they are able to return to work from a physical point of view by around 6 weeks post surgery.
Emotionally, is very different. Experiencing an ectopic pregnancy can be a traumatic experience.and it can take up to three months to begin to process traumatic events such as these.
Do not hesitate to contact your GP surgery to ask for a fit note (sick note) to cover you for the 6 weeks if needed.
There are also other options with regards to work, is it possible for a phased return to work?, Working shorter hours or reduced days, are there tasks you can do from home.
Ectopic pregnancy means we experience a life threatening emergency, treatment, and the loss of our babies, as well as worries or concerns for the future. Experiencing any one of these is an ordeal, putting them together is immense and you are not alone in feeling the way you do. Its important that you are kind to yourself and allow time to grieve and heal both physically and emotionally. So request longer off work if needed.
We will always be here for you too.
Sending much love,
Karen x
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
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Thank you ever so much for your advice. I really appreciate it and when you said how much trauma we all with ectopics go through that’s huge i didn’t realise all this!
Steph