Time Off Work

Hello Everyone,

I am curious how long everyone's docs gave them off of work for TAH versus TVH, including laparoscopic assisted TVH. I have read so many conflicting professional opinions, it's unreal!

Some think it is wise to take the 4-6 weeks because the same work is done inside. Abdominal surgery takes longer to feel better because of the cut on the outside. However, with vaginal, there are still cuts made on the inside, along with the artery and ligament work, etc.

I saw a woman post who regretted going back to work after 4 weeks with TVH. I saw another who said the same thing about TAH.

Please share! I'm getting nervous now.

THANKS!

Jackie

I had a TVH with repairs and my doctor wanted me home for 4 weeks.

At week 5 I returned to work and was ok (I have a desk job). I was tired & sore, but I was that way while at home as well.

Hi Jackie
I had TAH on the 14th of this month. My wrote a note for work saying I would be off for 6 weeks.

He DID tell me that this was the standard amount of time for TAH, and it was on an "all goes well" basis. if I have any unforseen complications, he will definitely give me more time if needed.

much love

Tam

I had an abdominal hyst with bladder suspension almost a year ago. I took the full 6 weeks off. I think you really need at least that long to fully recover. Even after 6 weeks I went back for half days for a week after that. I had some complications with my incision also that slowed my recovery.

I had a TAH/BSO and went back to work part-time after 10 days, full-time the following week. I have a "mostly sitting" job. I realize that this is the exception and not the rule, but I did not have any problems other than being a little sore and tired at the end of the day. I actually think I did less "work" at work than I would've done at home since I am not one to sit around and wait on other people to do the things I think need to be done. I can be a real pain in the butt that way. Anyway, be sure to listen to your own body and your own doctor.
Felicia

It all depends on your doctor. With my TAH I was given by my doctor 6-8 weeks. If your job qualifies for FLMA you are allowed to take 12 weeks off and they still have to hold your job for you. Every doctor is different. I am released to go back to work on June 29th this will be 1 day shy of 7 weeks from my TAH.

jane

Thank you everyone sooooo much. I am still waiting to talk to my doc about performing a TVH. It would be a much better recovery, but from my understanding, still requires 4-6 weeks in many cases to return to work. During the summer, it would be nice, too!

Take care,

Jackie

I had a completely laparoscopic hysterectomy (not the same as a LAVH) 2 weeks ago and was back at work (very light duty) today. I can't say enough good about this procedure. Good luck to you

Everybody heals so differently. I had an LAVH 5 weeks ago and I have not returned to work. I plan on doing maybe a very little work next week but I might not. I'm just taking it day to day. I figure I only have one time to heal correctly, so I might as well err on the side of caution. I also had adhesions from my myomectomy just four months ago, so I am taking it especially easy recovering this time to help avoid (maybe) further adhesions from forming. I am fortunate enough to be able to take the time I need, which I am so grateful for.

At 5 weeks, I'm doing pretty well and have had no complications. But my energy level is still quite low after a small amount of activity (any activity, not just physical activity), I still have pain here and there, my sleeping patterns are still wacky, and I'm still working through some of the emotional aspects of my hyst. and recovery.

It's also good to remember that our bodies heal in stages. You can have a pretty good week and then feel totally horrible the next. Just this week, I've had some discharge from one of my incisions. It's not infected. My Doc said this area is going through a major healing phase (at 5 weeks!) with stitches dissolving, nerves waking up and reconnecting, tissues inflamed as they are healing, etc. So I've needed to pull back a little this week to give this area of my body the opportunity to heal well in this stage.

I encourage you to listen to your body as you recover and ask any questions you have. Hope all goes well for you!

BunnyLover

I am two weeks post op and no way would I feel ready to work yet even though it is a desk job. I had a TAH/BSO and am still feeling peeky on and off. But we are all different and I am renown for being a slopoke for recovery!

Take care and I am sure it will all go well

Looby