it's more than my jobs worth

Categories: ouch

Date: 06 February 2012 10:05:39

It's more than my jobs worth

Diary of an accident victim Part 8

Thursday 23 March 2006

So what was there to do when I arrived home? A lot at first. Going to get dental treatment for the broken tooth. Getting replacement glasses for the broken ones, plus an eye test as one is due in the next few months, and getting the sick note to work. The last one was not as easy as it sounds. I rang work, and arranged to bring the sick note in. I could have posted it, but the first week off is self certified, rather than signed for by a doctor. Now work is a warehouse, with lots of fork lift trucks and other vehicles moving goods around, I was told I wouldn't be allowed on the shop floor on crutches, but to arrive at reception. So, unable to use public transport unaided, I arranged for a lift from a friend at work, who'd take me in his lunch hour. Things went fine till we got to the gate. We asked for the barrier to be raised. "Sorry, can't let you in." "Can I walk down to reception?" "No, It's against Health and Safety" Now the way to reception is down a pavement (US sidewalk) that does not cross any roads, and I would not be going anywhere but reception. But the security guard was adamant, no words from me, my friend, or Human Resources staff spoken to down the telephone could persuade him that I could be allowed to walk a few steps. So we left the sick note in the security office, this also did not meet with his approval, and left. Subsequent sick noted have been sent in the post.

From Monday 27th March

It's not till you're stuck at home all day that you realise how boring it can be, or how bad daytime television is. The first week was OK, there were the Commonwealth Games to watch, as well as things to do. But week two, and three, Yawn, Progress as a crutch walker was good, but not easy, as weight was going through the broken ribs on my right. But I was coping. By the middle of the second week I managed to walk half a mile down to the park, and after half an hour resting, walk back. I felt like a beer. However the notes on the medication said no alcohol. If that wasn't bad enough these drugs were not as strong as the hospital variety, I was hurting, I was not sleeping through the night, and I just felt useless, sitting around the house all day and leaving my wife to do the housework when she got home. I just needed to be able to do something... anything.

...to be continued

This was first posted on St Pixels blog on 24 May 06 To see the blogs about the accident and recovery together please use the “ouch” link under Categories.