Rest or build my stamina?

I am 4 1/2 weeks post-op and will be going back to work in 1 1/2 weeks. At this point should I rest as much as possible, or try to do things to build my stamina so that I can stand on my feet for 7 hours when I go back to work?

How about a compromise? Start by walking just a little more than you did yesterday. Tomorrow, if there was no problem, walk a little more. Just don't lift if you haven't been cleared for it. Keep any guidelines that your Dr set for you in mind.

I think we have to keep moving, otherwise we will feel worse. Plus, I really believe some exercise will make you feel better.

So I 2nd the compromise.

Exercise can't hurt. Walking is usually a safe bet. I went back to work after two weeks. It wasn't the standing that was the problem, it was sitting up-right.

I wish I knew the right answer to that, I wondered the same thing. I have felt pretty good so I have been walking 2 miles everyday since 2 1/2 wks post op. I am now 4 1/2 weeks and back to work 1/2 days. I do sit in an office and all is good except today I have been on my feet most of the day and my lower back is killing me. I would suggest anytime you can take a break, to get off your feet. I wish you the best of luck.

This morning after getting my kids off to school I thought about going back to bed and taking it easy today. Then I changed my mind, showered and went for a pedicure and shopping. I bought some long shirts to hide my swelly belly when I return to work in 1 1/2 weeks. I am home now and can rest, but I feel really good about the decision to go out. (I hope that I feel this way tonight when the soreness sets in). I actually felt human again and going out was probably just what I needed to do that.

I'm struggling as well and am 3 weeks post-op. I feel absolutely exhausted, so am also torn. I know the more we lay around, the more tired we get. Yet we're tired from recovering as well! Definitely a fine line between the two.

I've been trying to be up and moving as much as I felt ok with since surgery. The night of my operation I was up every 2 hours. Not by choice, but because my bladder was full and I felt like I had to go constantly! In hindsight, I'm glad I was up and moving around as often as I was, even if it hurt at the time

I've been slowly increasing my walking and "up" periods as well. As mentioned above, I'd slowly increase the activity. If you're used to resting and then go out shopping for hours the next day you'll definitely be feeling it.

Best of luck to you!!!