Table of contents:
- What needs to be considered before you return to work after a stroke
- 1. Consult a doctor first
- 2. Ask yourself, am I ready to work again?
- 3. Ask for support from your family and the office where you work
- 4. Don't be disappointed if your work performance decreases
Nearly one third of stroke cases occur in productive age (less than 65 years). However, returning to work after a stroke may be a bit of a challenge for you. A stroke can cause rapid damage to the brain and leave a number of effects on the body that follow.
Some of the possible consequences after a stroke include blurred vision in one or both eyes, weakness in the body that makes it difficult to walk or lift and carry weights, and lack of sensitivity. All of these impacts can affect how you do your activities. Therefore, first consider the following tips if you want to get back to work after a stroke.
What needs to be considered before you return to work after a stroke
1. Consult a doctor first
If you were a very active person previously, the recovery period for stroke, which mostly involved resting at home, may make you feel "itchy" to want to return to activities. Some people may even experience depression or anxiety when they are no longer working.
However, before you can make up your mind to return to work after a stroke, of course, you should discuss it with your doctor first. Ask your doctor if your condition is stable enough to return to activities. Also ask what work activities you can do with the least possible risk.
2. Ask yourself, am I ready to work again?
If the doctor has given the green light, then you need to ask yourself - are you really ready for work again?
To help you decide, try asking yourself this:
- Are you strong enough for long activities (such as gardening or cleaning the house)
- Are you prepared for the risk that at any time a stroke could happen again as a result of you returning to work?
- Can your health insurance cover the costs if you have another stroke?
- Would you like to return to work full time or part time?
- Do you want to return to the same company, job, and responsibilities or want to try something different?
Remember that there are no right or wrong answers to these questions. You are the one who understands yourself the most, so follow your heart and see how strong your physical health condition is to return to activity.
3. Ask for support from your family and the office where you work
After you are sure that you are back at work and your health condition is adequate, now is the time for you to ask for help and support from those around you. Explain to them that you need help to maintain your health after a stroke.
Also tell your work colleagues what to do when you have to help you when you have a recurrent stroke, who to contact in an emergency, or even help you avoid things that can trigger a stroke recurrence. Support and cooperation with colleagues in the office is very important when you return to work after having a stroke.
4. Don't be disappointed if your work performance decreases
Going back to work after being sick will certainly feel different from before when you were still fit. Don't get too drawn into thinking about decreased work performance. Changes in the brain and body after a stroke will certainly affect your productivity in the office. So, it's best not to have too high an expectation so as not to be affected by stress.
Stress can increase blood pressure, which can make your condition worse. Don't force yourself to work overtime or take on heavier jobs before you recover.
