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When Can I Go Back To Work?
Many variables are involved in considering the question of when you can safely return to your job following a hysterectomy. The standard disability period for a hysterectomy, issued by most medical providers, is six weeks. However, factors influencing a hysterectomy patient’s release to return to employment may include:- Your age and overall physical condition and health prior to surgery
- Type of hysterectomy performed (abdominal vs. vaginal vs. laparoscopic)
- Add-ons to hysterectomy surgery including pelvic repairs, bladder work, tummy tuck, etc.
- Complications, if any, from surgery and during recovery
- Overall health issues which may impede recovery, such as obesity, smoking, other diseases and medical conditions present before surgery
- Environmental factors including your home life and family responsibilities (if any)
- Physical requirements of your occupation
- Required work schedule
- Travel time and mode to and from work
- Job stress
A physically-fit 30-year-old with no children who had a less-invasive type of hysterectomy and works at a desk job a mile from home could likely return to work earlier than a 45-year-old raising five children who had an abdominal hysterectomy with bladder suspension, climbs telephone poles for a living, and drives nearly an hour each way to her job. And a smoker who is overweight and works as a district attorney with a typical 50-plus-hours-per-week schedule might have a rougher time returning to work than a slender non-smoker half her age who works as a receptionist in a day spa.
If you feel able and wish to return to work prior to your official medical release date, get your doctor’s approval first. Your doctor should evaluate your healing and overall health, as well as discuss your job responsibilities with you, and then make a decision as to whether it is safe for you to return to your regular employment.
If your doctor authorizes you to return to work and you don’t feel ready, consider trying to negotiate with your employer to start back part-time, and/or with less-demanding physical duties. If your job primarily consists of physical exertion - particularly lifting, pulling, climbing and activities that involve the abdominal muscles - please proceed with caution when you do return to work. Let your supervisor and co-workers know that you may not be able to perform at 100% capacity for a number of weeks, due to the fact that you had major abdominal surgery. If they are made aware of the circumstances, you will find that most people are accommodating and sympathetic towards those who are still “on the mend.”
Remember that healing from your surgery still occurs for many months after your discharge from the hospital. Make your employer aware of this fact so that your return to work and your gradual transition to your former capacity is understood by everyone involved.
This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.
Ivonne Reynolds, M.D.
2964 North State Rd 7 Suite 310
Parkland FL 33063
954-917-4997 |
Susan D. Hunter, M.D.
626 Ed Carey Dr
Harlingen TX 78550
956-428-4868 |
Aileen Caceres, M.D.
Center for Specialized Gynecology/Florida Hospital
410 Celebration Place, Suite 302
Celebration FL 34747
407.303.4190 |
Clifford Rogers, M.D.
The Everett Clinic, Dept. of Surgery and Gynecology
1330 Rockefeller Ave, Suite 120
Everett WA 98201
425 339 5424 |
Bruce Pierce, M.D.
2 Princess Road
Lawrenceville NJ 08648
609-896-0777 |
Eric Grossman, M.D.
2301 Evesham Road
Suite 504
Voorhees NJ 08043
(856) 772-2300 |
John Garofalo, M.D.
30 Stevens St. Ste A.
Norwalk CT 06850
203-855-3535 |
Alison Clarke DeSouza, M.D.
3100 Coral Hills Dr. # 207
Coral Springs FL 33065
954-341-9777 |
Robert Castle, M.D.
3650 Joseph Siewick Dr. #203
Fairfax VA 22033
703-391-1500 |
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-- January NewsletterPost Hysterectomy Fitness and Health is the theme of our January, 2012 newsletter at HysterSisters.com. Visit this link [ More]...
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