Return to Work After 4 Weeks

My job expects me to return to work after 4 weeks and I'm not sure I'm ready. Has anyone else out there returned to work this soon? If so, how did it go? I feel like I'm being pressured to return after 4 weeks no matter what. Does anyone have any advice?

I think they have laws about that.. The normal time to be off is 6-8 weeks, be sure to take that time if you need it.. Get a note from your doctor and take it to human resources. You have rights, so be calm and take care of yourself.. You don't want to go back and hurt yourself, staying awake or sitting all day is going to be hard enough. They can't do that.

My boss knows that I will likely be out the whole 6 weeks. I don't even go back to the doctor for another 3 weeks which is the 4 week mark. Everything I've read says take what you need...if your doctor says 6, take 6!

But, I had a TVH, so I'm not dealing with incision issues.
Do you have a desk job or something that is physically demanding?
I went back because I felt like going back and my doc is fine with it. But, I also have the flexibility to leave if I get tired or come in late if I'm moving slow in the morning.
If you don't think you are ready, then get a statement from your doc and take it to your boss or HR person.
Do you have a contract that states your leave policy or is it just understood? They can't force you back to work against medical advice, but, depending on your leave policy, they may not have to pay you for the time off. So, talk to your doc and check with HR or whoever handles that for your business.

Good luck!

What kind of surgery did you have? I had a LAVH w/ removal of uterus and rt ovary. I felt great after the surgery. I returned back to work 13 days after my surgery. I do office type work so I am sitting all day, but I keep my legs up, (I put my pc tower where I can put my feet up), and I stand up and work when sitting for too long. I did get a letter for my employer from my dr ok'ing my return to work. Your doc should support you if you do need more time to recover. The normal recovery time is about 6 weeks, but every woman heals differently. I may have gone back to work, but I will not let myself or others forget that I am still healing and what I can and can't do is still very limited.

ames1972

What kind of surgery did you have? I had a SAH because of fiboids causing excess bleeding during my periods. My incision opened 1 1/2 inches after the staples came out and was deep. Had a home care nurse for a week but I also learned to pack the incision. The incision was doing well (closing up, no infection). When I saw the DR last week I asked when would I be released to return to work. He asked what I did (office job but not continually at my desk, moving around). Then he asked, "When to you want to return?". My job has many "light duty" components. I came in 2 days (not back to back) last week and have been in 4 days this week. I was instructed not to lift and do not bend over to pick anything off the floor. I asked if staying at home would make the incision close any sooner and he said, "No". I have been taking it day by day.

Next week I return to have the incision checked. It is much shorter and not deep like in the beginning. I am still packing it.

Good luck with your decision.

check into the FMLA laws. depending on the time you've been with your current employer, # of employees etc... you could be eligible for up to 12 weeks of leave (doesn't mean paid though) your doctor is the one to release you and if you're not comfortable going back so soon DONT! I went back 1/2 time at end of 3rd week and full time this last week. take it at YOUR pace take care of YOU!