hurt my back

Nurse_Bambi

Hi Suzy.
you said that you are being referred to occupational health. this is very different to the occupational therapist. Occupational health usually refers to the department in your company that deals with any health related issues, such as first aid, checking you are fit for work and required injections, immunisations are up to date. It is oftn run by nurses.

An Occupational therapist is a health professional who helps a range of people live as independantly as possible. That may include, fitting a stair lift, providing modified equipment - such as chairs,pens,cutlery etc.

They can often work alongside physios, in hospitals and rehab centres although they are a seperate profession.

suzy-wong_5

so they will advise of what to do and especially things to avoid at work. As I said earlier, when I return to work I will return to the same environment. My concern is this injury could return.

Nurse_Bambi

just to add, I had a similar episode a few years back. I hurt my back using bad moving & handling techniques (lift heavey patient up the bed) I didin't feel it at the time and like you suffered later. I was in agony for a few weeks.

I did record the incident in the accident book. I went to the GP and had physiotherapy. It did help. Now I have to be so so careful. Just lifting a patient's leg can hurt me now. I've been back for physio earlier this year and do pilates which really helps.

but, there is a lot of advice here and I'd like you to be aware that everyones injury/case is different, so listen to the professionals - Its early days in your injury. Also if your solpadol isn't working and you are taking something else alongside it, eg paracetamol take care not to overdose.

suzy-wong_5

was it a slipped disc that you had. I have been told my problem is mechanical, however, I am returning sooner than the doctor requested and I will press her to be more specific. Am I being unreasonable. This is to satisfy my employer. My pain was so sudden and excrusiating I am beginning to think this is what I may have,

Nurse_Bambi

hi suzy
hows the back?
no, i didn't have a slipped disc. I have a very straight back and it doesn't react well to twisting and lifting. I don't think you should go back early if the doctor has signed you off. you may need to claim or something from your company due to this incident and you many loose all rights to do this if you go against your gps advice.

Fran

I think suzy was talking about an early appointment with the doctor, not going to work earlier.

Suzy,

There is a lot of advice from people to you on this thread and though well meaning, reading through it I think it could be making you more worried than you need to be.

I have had a back problem in the past a couple of times through lifting, not anything heavy but just moving the wrong way. It was a muscle thing as described by other posters and I had problems sitting down as you describe and could only stand or lie down (but getting there was a problem!). If that's what it is (and you do need to check with a doctor or other professional who can actually see you), I slept on the floor which definitely helped it get better quicker. I hope you are feeling better.

suzy-wong_5

Hi

My back pain is alot better. I can now walk upright, however putting on socks and shoes is still sore, so basically bending continues to be a problem. I`m back to my GP tomorrow, my sick line is due. I am quite sure she will be supportive.
I have been completing health and safety forms. One question which asks you to tick either box yes or box no. The question is, " where you following the correct procedure". This is difficult, because the circumstances at the time was to protect the clients safety and ofcourse the staffs safety by moving the furniture, Yet on the same hand I was not following the correct procedure because I am not suppose to lift or move furniture. Any ideas.