How much time to be off work?

I know everyone is different, but how long should I plan to be off work? I am having a radical, which I believe is a bit more complex, but via DaVinci, which helps with recovery time. I am self-employed, so I don't have a set time frame, however, I do have to let my clients know so they can make arrangements for my leave. I am an in-home caregiver, and my main client sleeps most of the night, so I really only "working" about 4 hours per night, though he can be combative, so it is a bit physical at times. Otherwise, since his condition has declined, I end up studying most of the night or light cleaning, like dusting and what-not. Thanks for the info, in advance!

I had a TLH w/BSO 2/09 and though minimally invasive, surgery is still surgery. Having the cervix removed requires no lifting for several weeks. I took off 6 weeks from work and have been back for 2 weeks, having another 2 weeks of "light duty" restrictions (no lifting >25 lbs. /no pulling). Not one to baby myself and being in pretty good physical condition, life after hysterectomy has physical, mental and emotional components that I was not prepared for, but work diligently on getting through! Hystersisters offers wonderful support-please consult the various threads as there's a great network here. I have no regrets but have learned that the recovery process cannot be rushed. Best wishes to you.

Initial recovery from a hysterectomy is usually 6 -8 weeks. It can be a bit sooner or longer depending on the type of hyst, anything extra that is done and each individual. I think that your best bet is to talk with your dr and follow his/her advice. Also, listen to your own body; if it hurts ease off and rest. You have only one chance to heal properly.

Since your client is combative, I would definitely consult with a doctor about when the time is right to start working again. As Jean said, listen to your body. It will tell you when you can handle more. Best wishes to you!

My best advice is to be REALLY honest with your Dr regarding your lifestyle.

I was told that I could be back to work in one week, after an LSH. What I had to remind my Dr. of is that I am in sales. I am in and out of my car 15-20 times a day. I can find the need to lift cases of wine weighing 45-55 pounds each. That being said, I stayed home for five weeks and worked my accounts via my cell. Worked out well as I had stellar sales.....guess I should have surgery again...sympathy sales. LOL!!!!

Again, be honest with your Dr. They can only give you the correct advice if you give them the correct info.

Also, be sure to ask your Dr. about pre-op things. I found out that aspirin and alcohol were no nos two weeks prior to surgery. Aspirin thins the blood. So does alcohol. I asked my Dr. She was definite on the no aspirin thing, but told me wine was fine....until she remembered what I do for a living, which has me tasting/drinking wines every day. So she did tell me no alcohol 2 weeks prior (again, blood thinner).

Thanks for the reply, Kathy. My doctor had told me about blood thinners being a no-no for the two weeks. I pretty much altered my whole diet when I found out I had cancer, so that wasn't an issue! As for work, he told me three weeks was reasonable w/DaVinci, provided things go as planned, but that we should know more at my follow-up visit, and can go from there. I just think it would be a shame to take a full 6-8 weeks off, when 90% of my night is spent doing much of nothing (I sometimes wonder if it is fair to get paid to study!). It hasn't always been this laid back, but my client has taken a bad turn, so he sleeps mostly. I am thinking I should come back and treat it as though I were pregnant... no heavy lifting, squatting, those types of things. Will find out more, was just trying to get a round-about figure. Thanks again for the reply!

The key here is that everyone is different. Since you really need to let people plan for your absence, I think it would make sense to have them plan for six weeks, but also let them know you might be back sooner.

Since you said your job CAN get physical, I would definitely not take any chances with having to deal with that during the recovery process. As you'll read here over and over again, you only get one chance to heal correctly, and one combative night can cause adhesions and other problems you might have to deal with for the rest of your life.