How long is recovery time for TAH?

My doctor figures I will be out of work for 6 weeks. I go back to a factory job, with lots of standing, and bending at the waist, and light lifting <20 lbs. Is it likely I will feel well enough to go back to that after 6 weeks?

Hi. What kind of surgery are you having? A vaginal hyst.? Or an abdominal hyst? I think the initial recovery time for both is 6-8 weeks, but a vaginal hyst lessens the recovery time for a bit. I do know(just from having c-sections)that lifting was a no-no for at least 4 weeks, but that's almost impossible with a new baby. Will your work let you possibly come back part time or maybe do things minus the lifting? EDITED TO SAY DUUUUUH TO ME!!!
I just saw the thread about the TAH. Sorry about that! It's about 6 to 8 weeks from what my doctor told me.

I was told 6-8 weeks also. I too have a job that requires standing and lifting. I explained this to the doctor and she said that everyone is different and I will be able to tell when i was ready.
BTW my district manager said the company does not like anyone returning to work unless they are 100%.
Has anyone ever heard of having surgery and the being 100%?
I guess Ill be out for a while. Cant even return on light duty or restrictions. I will stir crazy!!!

I was just wondering how other people feel about bending over and standing for long periods of time 6 weeks post op. I had a ovarian torsion in 1997 when I was 7 months pregnant. I had emergency surgery and my ovary and tube were removed at that time and I was stapled shut. I was in severe pain since my baby would push on my scar all the time. I was sent back to work 4 weeks later by my doctor and I was still in severe pain, just from the baby kicking on the 5 inch scar and my son growing bigger inside me. I just remember that whole ordeal so well yet, and keep thinking a hyst. will be the same.

cmt - "Initial recovery" is 6 - 8 weeks...I originally told my boss I'd be back after 4 weeks..but after 4 weeks decided to take 6 weeks. I went back 4 hours a day at 7 weeks...6 hours a day at 8 weeks and back to full 8 hours a day week 9. I didn't have to bend OR lift...and at 7 weeks..that 1/2 day wore me completely out AND I was sore.

Make sure you discuss with your gyn. (in detail) what you do all day long at your post op appt. A decision can be made then after dr. checks you out to either extend your leave...or start back gradually.

Hi There!

Yes, I agree with Dot; in fact, my return to work went alot like Dot's and worked out well for me.

It is very important to make certain the DR knows what your job entails, so that specific restrictions can be spelled out on your written release to return to work, i.e., lifting no more than <?> pounds for <?> weeks....

This timeframe is just a guideline; your specific surgery and events of your recovery will be the ultimate determining factor.

Hi cmt,

I am a flight Attendant and the carts we push up and down the plane can weigh 400lbs or so, also the inserts of soda about 50, and of course the doors are 75lbs. on up(that we'd need to open in case of emergency). My Dr. wouldn't sign the OK for about 10 weeks, because if something happened to me, theoretically she would have been liable. American wanted a form filled out by my Dr. stating I was ready to do some heavy lifting. I would milk as much time as you can get, you want to take care of yourself. Kristy

CMT - Just to give you an idea of how "individual" this all is; doc didn't have enough tissue as she would have liked when she "reattached" everything after my TAH/BSO. I am now on a 12 week LOA and I have a desk job.

Hey Cath, You will probably want to go for eight weeks. I had laproscipicly done and I went back at six weeks and I got pretty sore. Remember take it slow. Connie

Hi cmt,

I would guess you would need at least 8 weeks off from that kind of job, perhaps longer. Check out this current thread on the Post-Op board...it's the story of what happened when another sister was cleared for a very physical job like yours at 8 weeks:

https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/sho...threadid=49288

The end of the "recovery period" does not mean that all healing is complete yet!

My very best to you...