When to go back to work?

I'm 14 days post op and start working from home tomorrow. I need to keep busy but can't drive the long commute yet. I'm very tired and just can't face driving yet.

I too had a hysterectomy on August 7. Full abdominal. I've been told I'm most definitely NOT the norm.. I've been able to be back at work since week 2. I have an office job where there is no strenuous activity although like you, up and down a fair amount. No pain since day 4 after the operation. I still get somewhat tired but not debilitatingly so. All I can say is... do as your body tells you. If you feel good go! Just don't overdo it. Make sure they will let you leave if you aren't having a good day. No lifting! No pushing! No tugging. Don't be afraid to ask for help with that sort of thing.

I had my operation two weeks ago and was scheduled to go back to work tomorrow but had a set back. One of the incisions opened and the doctor had to vaginally repair it. I suffered heavy bleeding and abdominal pain. The thing was...he told me that I could do anything that I felt up to doing. All I did to start the heavy bleeding was laundry and bath my four year old. I called my boss and will be delaying my return to work. Recovery is tough when you have a four year old even if you did have the robotic hysterectomy.

went back to work today. had access to both the bldg & the parking lot but not the computer so ended up reading & talking to some co-workers. we also had a potluck retirement luncheon for a lady retiring after 17 yrs on this job. both my supervisors agreed & sent me home 1 1/2 hrs early which was a good thing - avoided traffic & was getting tired. I kept dreaming last night of 2 things - trouble getting into the parking lot (have to swipe my badge) & then coming home from work - doing a few things to get ready for the morning & then crashing in bed til morning. will definitly try to get to sleep early tonight.

I posted about this somewhere else...still getting the hang of this awesome site! I too, am leery of going back to work too soon, and being a nurse, my job is very physically and emotionally demanding as much as I love what I do--how can I treat the human response to illness when I am still treating my own response?! I want my time off, I will take the short term disability pay that I earned!! I live alone, am broke, and getting nowhere fast with a cranky nurse who told me 'I would be lucky' to get 6wks?! Add to that a slow healing incision, the drainage is awful, the pains that come with a tah/bso...I feel so alone and scared. Until I come here of course!! Thank you all!!

Chelli73,

Please know you have friends here. I too live alone and know the feelings you have. I encourage you to take your short term disability and take your time healing. Then when you return to work, you can tell "cranky nurse" a thing or two if needed! Hope you start feeling better soon.

I am in the same boat! Just had surgery yesterday and would like to return to work by the following Monday which is a little less than two weeks, not any physical but need to be very high energy. Hoping I can make it

I had my surgery on July 26. I had the DaVinci total hyster and both of my ovaries removed. I went back to work after 5 weeks. I have an office job and sit in front of the computer all day. I have been back at work for 1 week and 1 day. Sitting is VERY painful. I have requested a standing workstation. I am actually working from home today because my pain go so bad, that I'm working while slouching on my couch. Everyone is different. BTW, I'm 46 and in relatively good shape.

I had my op on 7/3 and only going back to work on Tuesday 9/11 after 9 weeks full pay from work and going to do a phasing back to work, will work from 9:30 till 3pm for the next month, again on full pay, I work as a PA for an Investment House, in the City of London.

I do admire you ladies who are able to return so early, but feel maybe too early, because although I had/have no pain (in fact sometime unless I see my scar do wonder if I had such a major op) virtually pain free from day one)! My consultant gave me a certificate to cover 9 weeks and as mentioned after my post-op consultation he wrote me another certificate to go back, but with phase back, although I have no restrictions and can start exercising wtc. Wishing you all good luck with your return to work, keep well.

Thanks so much, halesredrose!! That is what I am talking about, words of encouragement, bravery, compassion...(((hugs))) to you and all of the women on here who have taught me so much!! Lol, 'cranky nurse' will be dealt with by this crankier nurse!! In an eloquent polite but firm manner of course....:-)