Another update after gall bladder op

[Klocky]

Hi all,

One week after op developed infection in wound near belly button. Despite having antiobiotics from doc, its still erupting like Vesuvius. So back to doc today and they've given me stronger antibiotics and signed me off for another 2 weeks. Got to go back on Friday to get it checked out again. To top it all I phoned HR at work to tell them i'm signed off until 24 Oct only to be told that my contractual sick pay runs out today so I've got to go on SSP now. Feel really peed off cos I've worked there for almost 10 years and can count on the fingers of one hand the number of sick days I've had. Feel really down about it, made me cry.

 

[Steff]

Ahhh Karen thats really does stink babe,you really dont need things like that cropping up and getting you down grrr dam you work.Sorry to hear you got an infection as well hope these stronger antibiotics work better for you xx Good luck for Friday

 

[Dizzydi]

Hi all,

One week after op developed infection in wound near belly button. Despite having antiobiotics from doc, its still erupting like Vesuvius. So back to doc today and they've given me stronger antibiotics and signed me off for another 2 weeks. Got to go back on Friday to get it checked out again. To top it all I phoned HR at work to tell them i'm signed off until 24 Oct only to be told that my contractual sick pay runs out today so I've got to go on SSP now. Feel really peed off cos I've worked there for almost 10 years and can count on the fingers of one hand the number of sick days I've had. Feel really down about it, made me cry.

Aw bless you, hope the infection clears up quickly for you. Can you appeal to HR re the ssp ? it is worth asking my love.

Hope your back to full fitness soon xxx

 

[Northerner]

Aw, I'm sorry to hear this Karen You must be feeling rotten because of the infection anyway so that bit of news won't help. Hope you are back fighting fit very soon - Steff is just running amok here and it's chaos! 😉 Get well soon 🙂

 

[AlisonM]

Could they not put a drain in to stop the build up of the ooze, it might give the wound a chance to clear?

As to the SSP, the standard payment term is up to 28 weeks unless your employer has a scheme of its own. In which case the payment period may be less depending on what it says in your contract/staff manual. If they're not going to pay you further, the need to fill in form SSP1 and give it to you so you can claim ESA. This requires them to explain why they're stopping the payments. Without the form it could take weeks to get your benefits.

 

[Northerner]

Could they not put a drain in to stop the build up of the ooze, it might give the wound a chance to clear?

As to the SSP, the standard payment term is up to 28 weeks unless your employer has a scheme of its own. In which case the payment period may be less depending on what it says in your contract/staff manual. If they're not going to pay you further, the need to fill in form SSP1 and give it to you so you can claim ESA. This requires them to explain why they're stopping the payments. Without the form it could take weeks to get your benefits.

I think Karen means that she has to go on SSP because her CSP has come to an end - SSP is usually a huge dip from CSP

 

[vince13]

Hi Karen, so sorry to hear about the infection and hope it clears up quickly.

The news about your sick pay sucks too..............and all I can do is send huge hugs.

 

[Klocky]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. I'm feeling a bit better about it all now.

Ali, my firm gives us 20 days for sickness but unfortunately I've used all of those up what with the days I had off with attacks of pain, then the hospital stay on the drip (dont even think about asking me why they didnt give me a bed to stay on Steff!) and then the actual time off for the op and subsequent infection. Anyway, tomorrow I'm going to phone up the horrid HR woman - who informed me by email that I'd used up all the days by the way and hasnt even contacted me once to ask how i'm doing - to ask if I can use up some holiday time. I have 5 days I need to use up by the end of November which will mean that I will then only lose 3 days actual pay which wont be nearly so bad.

 

[Klocky]

Ahhh Karen thats really does stink babe,you really dont need things like that cropping up and getting you down grrr dam you work.Sorry to hear you got an infection as well hope these stronger antibiotics work better for you xx Good luck for Friday

Yes, my belly button is pretty stinky

 

[Dizzydi]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. I'm feeling a bit better about it all now.

Ali, my firm gives us 20 days for sickness but unfortunately I've used all of those up what with the days I had off with attacks of pain, then the hospital stay on the drip (dont even think about asking me why they didnt give me a bed to stay on Steff!) and then the actual time off for the op and subsequent infection. Anyway, tomorrow I'm going to phone up the horrid HR woman - who informed me by email that I'd used up all the days by the way and hasnt even contacted me once to ask how i'm doing - to ask if I can use up some holiday time. I have 5 days I need to use up by the end of November which will mean that I will then only lose 3 days actual pay which wont be nearly so bad.

Karen your work cannot ask you to use your holiday lovie. It is not allowed. If you ask they might let you. Still ring and ask them to reconsider your pay - your a long serving working. If you don't ask etc ....

Xxx

 

[Catwoman76]

Hi all,

One week after op developed infection in wound near belly button. Despite having antiobiotics from doc, its still erupting like Vesuvius. So back to doc today and they've given me stronger antibiotics and signed me off for another 2 weeks. Got to go back on Friday to get it checked out again. To top it all I phoned HR at work to tell them i'm signed off until 24 Oct only to be told that my contractual sick pay runs out today so I've got to go on SSP now. Feel really peed off cos I've worked there for almost 10 years and can count on the fingers of one hand the number of sick days I've had. Feel really down about it, made me cry.

Aaawww Karen I really feel for you, you poor thing. It's bad enough having to have an operation but to have a nasty infection as well is horrible. As for work, well companies don't seem to appreciate good and loyal staff I'm afraid, I mean, for goodness sake, you've been through enough already. Please make a full and speedy recovery soon, we miss you Take care Karen and I hope you are getting lots of TLC. Lots of hugs ( but gentle ones, not big bear ones just now 😉 Sheena xxxxx

 

[Klocky]

Morning all,

just thought I'd give you another update. Infection seems to have gone for now but the wound is still bleeding slightly. Had to see the nurse on Friday and she put a spongy thing in it and said I had to leave it in for a week and no showering. My husband says I pong a bit. However, she did give me spare spongy things in case it didnt stop. It hasnt stopped so today I'm going to shower and put a new dressing in to see how it looks. Its not copious amounts of bleeding but enough to come through and stain my pj's. I'm due back to the nurse on Friday and if its still bleeding then I may have to cause a bit of a fuss because it strikes me that something else needs to be done to stop it before it become re-infected. I'm due back at work on Monday but I still feel quite rubbish but I cant afford to live on SSP so will probably have to go back.

 

[lucy123]

Sorry to hear this - do you have a nurse at the hospital you can speak to.
I had mine done at the QMC - is that where you had yours done? I was able to call a nurse at the QMC at any time - they seemed to know a bit more than my GP practice nurse?

Hope it heals quickly.

I know you need to get back to work - but be careful you don't go back too early and then end up having even longer off.

Have you spoke to your HR department. Maybe if you explain these exceptional circumstances they could help a little regarding pay?🙂

 

[Klocky]

Sorry to hear this - do you have a nurse at the hospital you can speak to.
I had mine done at the QMC - is that where you had yours done? I was able to call a nurse at the QMC at any time - they seemed to know a bit more than my GP practice nurse?

Hope it heals quickly.

I know you need to get back to work - but be careful you don't go back too early and then end up having even longer off.

Have you spoke to your HR department. Maybe if you explain these exceptional circumstances they could help a little regarding pay?🙂

Thanks for prompt response Lucy. I had my done at the new treatment centre just behind the QMC, think its called Nations Health Care. I do have a phone number amongst all the stuff I was given after the op but stupid me havent thought to call because the GP was dealing with it. I shall give them a ring.

I have spoken with HR and they very politely said no exceptions because its not fair on other members of staff. They have offered reduced hours so I might go for that at first.

 

[lucy123]

Thanks for prompt response Lucy. I had my done at the new treatment centre just behind the QMC, think its called Nations Health Care. I do have a phone number amongst all the stuff I was given after the op but stupid me havent thought to call because the GP was dealing with it. I shall give them a ring.

I have spoken with HR and they very politely said no exceptions because its not fair on other members of staff. They have offered reduced hours so I might go for that at first.

It would be worth a call just to get things checked by the team that know. Your nurse is probably right, but if you are worried thats what the other team are there for.

Reduced hours is a good idea, but please don't go back until you are sure you are able.🙂