How much time off work?

Haven't been on line in a while. Enjoyed Christmas and a mini-vacation to the mountains with my family. Now the New Year has arrived and things are beginning to settle down a bit. The reality has hit home. I won't have a uterus in 9 days and I'm having my last period at this time. Going out with a bang! I actually haven't had the time or the energy to actually "nest" and get things prepared. Hopefully I can accomplish something this week. What doesn't get done just won't get done.
As for work, my employer is trying to pin me down to an exact date that I plan to return to work. I do understand that she has a medical facility to operate and she has to have RN coverage. I have asked for 6 weeks. But I'm thinking really maybe only 4 weeks if I have the vaginal procdure done. The doc says my uterus is borderline with fibroids and that I may end up with abdominal. Do you think 4 wks if LAVH?

drsrnsalter,

I think if you are only having an LAVH and you COMPLETELY rest those 4 weeks you will probably be okay. Anything other than that and definitely take the 6. I am going on three weeks out with an LAVH and I feel pretty good most days - enough that I want to get and and do things - but it is EASY to do TOO much and then you crash!

To be on the safe side - I would tell your employer that you will try to come back in 4 but you may need to go home early some days. Especially if your job requires you to be on your feet alot!

I'm 2 1/2 weeks post op from a TVH and I'm really glad at this point that I won't be back at work until the 6th week. I'm a university professor and do a lot of standing. I had no idea how I would feel as I'm a type A and always go-go-go. Some days I feel like I'm dragging. And, anytime that I overdo, my body sends me a very clear message that I need to rest.

I think you need to plan for the 6 wks and if all works out well and you can go back at 4 weeks, all the better. However, it's better to do that than have to ask for additional time. You'll be glad you did.

Best wishes to you on Jan. 10.
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48 yrs young, TVH with A&P, adenomyosis and fibroids

Hi,

I would take 6 weeks since you are probably going to be on your feet a lot.

I went in to the OR expecting a TAH/BSO and ended up having a TVH, keeping ovaries. When I came out of the OR, I was so excited, thinking that my recovery would be much faster and that would be able to return to work earlier: my doctor explained that, with the TVH, my recovery would be easier, since I didn't have an incision... but that it would take just as long, due to all the internal stitches.

I went back to work at 5 1/2 weeks Post-Op and really wish I'd waited a little longer: while I was lucky to have a mostly sedentary job and the opportunity to walk around as needed, I still would end up very achy by noon and exhausted by the time I got home.

I would suggest checking with your doctor before settling on date, explaining the kind of job you have: if you have physical job, that requires a lot of walking, lifting and bending, you may actually need extra time off.

From my experience, it's best to plan for the 6 weeks, especially since, at this point, you don't know which procedure you will end up having: that way, you wouldn't find yourself in a position where you've told your employer 4 weeks and end up needing 6 weeks... or more

I wish you the best of luck with your surgery. We'll be with you every step of the way.

Wow I feel really lucky! Everyone is talking about 6 weeks off and my doctor (female) gave me a 3 months sick note when I saw her 1 week post op. I have still got another 4 weeks off.I had total removal through abdomen due to fibroids. I wasn't allowed to drive for 6 weeks but I feel great. I work nights in a men's prison and could easily do my job now but they won't take me back early because of sick note and insurance cover not allowing it-not that I'm complaining having Christmas and New year at home with my family.I don't think there is a text book time but you have to see how you feel. I am still very careful not to lift any weight as my colleague moved house 6 weeks post op and is now waiting to go in for major reconstructive surgery as she did too much lifting. Good luck with your surgery.

Thanks for all your responses. I believe you have helped me quickly make up my mind that I will take the whole 6 wks. I spend the majority of my work day on my feet.