end of first week back on the job

Well, I survived the week. This is day 15 with the PM. I am a high school science teacher. I know I returned too early; I should have taken off monday and tuesday. That would have given me more time off and a shortened week. But today I find myself not only stressed and exhausted, but angrier than I have been in a long time. What a messed up profession that you can have emergency surgery yet NO ONE AT YOUR JOB CAN HELP YOU COVER YOUR DUTIES!! I returned because out of 20 people in my department and 6 administrators no one could say "Hey Judy is going to be out for 8 days, can we get together and share our lesson plans with her substitute?" No, I guess not. The kids have been great, but I can hardly stand to talk to my co workers who seemingly cared about me when I was healthy. Good thing I have a few days off. I am going to take you all's advice and get outside among the trees and birds. I cannot get mad at them.
thanks for being here. wow, I looked at the number of people online right now and it is 753! Pretty cool.


8 Comments

Ah ha!

by pacergirl - 2013-10-12 08:10:07

I can totally relate! When I had to suddently get a pacemaker implanted to keep me going I remember after returning to work that I was really angry that I had to get one in the first place! My coworkers just seem to continue on and didn't seem to want to help me out at all. I was angry and then something occurred to me and this is it: How did I end up burning out my heart's electrical system in the first place? Uhmmmm I thought. STRESS! Doing far more than any one person should be doing for a long period of time. I could make a list but I'm sure you have your own. It was then that I decided to stop doing so many things for everyone else. I slowed my pace, got over being angry and I now choose my friends very carefully and my coworkers. I don't worry if I am part of this or part of that. I find my joy in doing a good job at what I decide I want to do. Yes, I work full time, but I don't help others unless I decide that is what is good for me first and only if I really want to do it or participate. I focus on putting some fun in my life. I say no when I want to and... I have stopped being the "dependable" on at work and in my personal life that people always turn to. Wow, it has really lightened my load and my real friends still love me. :-)

So, I suggest that you take some time to adjust, evaluate what is really important in your life and decide that you need some attention too. Especially for you, from yourself. Your real friends will offer to help and those other people... let them be who they are, accept them for that and know that you have the power to carry on with a good life without them. Work is work, but your life is yours to do as you wish.

Best of luck to you, Pacergirl

how disappointing

by Tracey_E - 2013-10-12 08:10:57

It's a shame the department didn't step in and help. You have a right to be angry. Enjoy your weekend. Fresh air and rest are great healers.

That's Too Bad.

by Many Blessings - 2013-10-12 10:10:08

Hi Judy N,

That is sad to hear they wouldn't step up and help you out. We can blame their lack of help on a lot of things like everyone's overworked, shorthanded, scared to have the bosses think they're not busy enough, etc., but I wonder too, if it could be they think a PM procedure/surgery isn't "that big of a deal" so they don't really "think" you need the extra time. Maybe they're just oblivious to that it can be a big deal.

I'm sure you've already done this, but would it help to meet with some of them and explain things to them to help them understand that it isn't always an easy procedure and/or adjustment, and it DOES take time to recover afterwards? You need time mentally, physically, and emotionally. It isn't always an easy adjustment. It just takes time! And, everyone is different, just like with any other procedure or surgery.

Some people do great the minute they get home, while others take a longer time to bounce back or adjust to the PM mentally, emotionally, or physically. It just depends. My doctors and surgeons said it really takes about 8 months for your body to totally adjust to the PM and it's workings. It depends too on what you had done during your procedure, or what your underlying cardiac problem is.

Also, PM settings, meds and anesthesia you were given during and after your procedure can make you feel crappy too. I felt horrible for a little over a week and thought it was from the PM. It was from the Percocet they gave me to help me sleep. Once I quit taking that, I felt SO much better. I've also had bad PM settings that made me feel just awful. Once those were changed, I felt better too.

It still makes me mad how you were treated! Eight days isn't a lot to ask. I'm so sorry you weren't able to take the time off you needed.

I too, love to get out in nature and among the birds and creatures, so that's my advice too!

Good luck this weekend! Rest up, stay positive, and feel better!

Blessings to you!

hi judy ...

by lubro - 2013-10-12 10:10:55

just want to say that I agree with what's been said here. Take care of YOU first, then the others will fall in place. Try to remain positive and try not to stress about things you have no control over. As you said, your kids have been great, so you should focus on that and feel good about it (there's one positive )... As for your seemingly "heartless" co-workers... stop worrying about them and concentrate on getting yourself healthy... good advice given.. take walks outdoors... rest up ... eat healthy... exercise... try not to allow stress and anger into the situation...
Don't let the negative energy drag you down.
don't worry...be happy ! ! !

Lubro

recovery

by Alma Annie - 2013-10-12 12:10:06

What would have happened if you had some other illness that kept you away for about 3 weeks? I am sure the kids would have survived and also the other teachers would have done something. I think they all knew that you would do your best to return early, so they did not bother to take over your work. If ever there is another time that you have to be away, just let the rest of them cope; the world will not end!!
Anyway enjoy listening to the birds and nature. All the best.
Alma Annie.

Take care of yourself

by Grateful Heart - 2013-10-12 12:10:44

I can tell you really care for your kids but you need to take care of yourself too.

Hopefully this long weekend will give you the extra time you need. I went back to work too soon after my implant too. Everyone is different and it seems there are no real guidelines for returning to work after this surgery...very puzzling.

It is a disappointment when people let you down. Unfortunately it is a fact of life and you will become stronger from it.

Enjoy your weekend with nature and your walks and appreciate the simple things in life.....they truly are the best!

Grateful Heart

end of week anger

by judyblue - 2013-10-13 07:10:52

Thank you my friends. It feels so good to hear from those who understand and have been there. I think I have a hard time relaxing. Which means I have a hard time putting me first. But a good start is making time to sleep, eat right, exercise and plan some fun. Thanks to you all, this is my new goal.

:-)

by pacergirl - 2013-10-14 12:10:36

ah Judy, you are going to be ok... and you are right! Plan some fun things to do, then make sure you enjoy them!

You are a smart lady and you are getting things together for yourself and your family. Good job!

You know you're wired when...

You have a maintenance schedule just like your car.

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