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Advice needed on when/if to return to work.

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Pat91

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Hi everyone, just wanted everyone's advice/thoughts when it comes to returning to work after type 1 diagnosis. And should we be shielding if so what are the guidelines around pay. Thank you .
 
Diabetes alone is not a reason to shield. You need to discuss your Dr/Nurses about return to work.
 
Hi @Type1Pat, there are a couple of Practitioners who are officially shielding on our team, ie they have been deemed to be clinically very vulnerable, but they aren't diabetic, they have different issues. They are on full pay and working from home.

I agree with @grovesy, it's a discussion you need to have with the medical people.
 
As stated above, I would seek advice from your consultant/ DSN/ Doctor.

I was 'signed off' for 2 weeks after diagnosis - must admit I was in a pretty poor state of health; down to 70kg in weight, overcoming a terrible cough and infection that was the trigger for my hospitalisation and discovery of diabetes. I headed back in full time afterwards and cracked on with things - I hit the wall about 6 months later with exhaustion and levels that resembled a rollercoaster ride. Looking back, a phased return would have been sensible as it would have allowed me time to get used to carb counting, regular checking of BG and those unexpected drops during the 'honeymoon period'.

As someone who is Type 1 and also asthmatic, I am not shielding, but I am pleased to be working from home (teacher) and only head out to do the weekly shop.
 
Ivostas66 said:
As stated above, I would seek advice from your consultant/ DSN/ Doctor.

I was 'signed off' for 2 weeks after diagnosis - must admit I was in a pretty poor state of health; down to 70kg in weight, overcoming a terrible cough and infection that was the trigger for my hospitalisation and discovery of diabetes. I headed back in full time afterwards and cracked on with things - I hit the wall about 6 months later with exhaustion and levels that resembled a rollercoaster ride. Looking back, a phased return would have been sensible as it would have allowed me time to get used to carb counting, regular checking of BG and those unexpected drops during the 'honeymoon period'.

As someone who is Type 1 and also asthmatic, I am not shielding, but I am pleased to be working from home (teacher) and only head out to do the weekly shop.
Click to expand...

Ivostas66 said:
As stated above, I would seek advice from your consultant/ DSN/ Doctor.

I was 'signed off' for 2 weeks after diagnosis - must admit I was in a pretty poor state of health; down to 70kg in weight, overcoming a terrible cough and infection that was the trigger for my hospitalisation and discovery of diabetes. I headed back in full time afterwards and cracked on with things - I hit the wall about 6 months later with exhaustion and levels that resembled a rollercoaster ride. Looking back, a phased return would have been sensible as it would have allowed me time to get used to carb counting, regular checking of BG and those unexpected drops during the 'honeymoon period'.

As someone who is Type 1 and also asthmatic, I am not shielding, but I am pleased to be working from home (teacher) and only head out to do the weekly shop.
Click to expand...
Hi there, yes I think maybe that's the root I will maybe end up going down as my job is quite physichal ( warehouse picker) so would take some adjusting of insulin levels maybe in the early days. Thank you.
 
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It might be worth you calling the DUK helpline to discuss your concerns @Type1Pat (office hours Mon-Fri).

If you are worried that your employer may not be taking appropriate steps to make your workplace safe for you to return to work, you can check the guidelines and possibly get a supporting letter from DUK here:

Work and diabetes

This information is about how to manage diabetes at work and to support you in knowing your rights at work. Jump to:
www.diabetes.org.uk www.diabetes.org.uk
 
I was not signed off when I was diagnosed. I was back in work the next day and running a conference I had organised a week later.
But, my job is not physical and there was no pandemic on at the time.
Regarding the pandemic, I have felt no need to shield. I take the same precautions as my partner who has no medical conditions.
 
I was an office worker - all handwritten stuff sent to the typing pool in those days LOL - and as my ability to focus my eyes disappeared as soon as the insulin appeared - they took 6 weeks to get back to normal (often happens as the body, to try and remain hydrated, finds extra fluid anywhere it can) so I was at home alone and bored as hell so blooming glad to start back. I was on permanent staff at a very long standing company (Est'd 1720) so NP with sick leave, holiday, pay or anything at all.

Those days are largely gone - so much depends on actual Contract of Employment wording as well as local management attitudes, these days that general advice to check everything twice is the only thing I'd say.
 
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