LSH in a week. Recoup time?

Hi all,

I've done loads of reading on this forum so my question is really redundant. But I guess it's my concern at this point.

I can't afford to be out of work for a terribly long time, but I'm no hero and am not interested in pushing it either. My doctor hasn't even scheduled me to come back for a follow up until nearly four weeks after my surgery date. She said that she finds most patients don't have the oomph to get in there before then.

I have a desk job that requires a lot of attention and focus, but not long days (outside of the standard 8 hours) and its only a short drive from my house. I'm hopeful that ill be cleared to head back to work at my follow up (if not before) but won't have the flexibility to take extra days once I'm back so I need to be sure.

I've never had any type of surgery like this (just a hysteroscopy and wisdom teeth) so no idea how I recover.

What has your experience been like?

Thanks!

A lot of factors go into the decision of when to return. I returned to work very early, but I had dVH, which is supposed to allow you to return to things early. I'm a teacher, and it was very important to me to be there for the first day of school. My surgeon knew this from the beginning and was wonderful at helping me reach that goal. While I get through the day just fine, I am exhausted by about 5 p.m. and I need to rest most of the weekend. I think the fatigue factor should be taken into account. If there are people that depend on you at home, you may want to push your return date back as far as possible. I wish you the best for your surgery and recovery!

Hi Awetum -

I had a TAH BSO, so a different surgery than you are going to have.

I returned to work at a moderate stress desk job that also takes lots of concentration after 3 weeks, BUT I could only do part time work for another 4 weeks. And that was TOUGH, TOUGH, TOUGH. I was so exhausted, and had no energy or stamina to do any more than 4 hours per day for that 4 week period.

Everyone is different, and how quick your recover depends on your surgery, whether there are complications, and a myriad of unpredictable factors. If you have to return to work full time once you go back to work, you may want to make sure you definitely take enough time. You can always go back early.

Thanks for the feedback ladies! I started a new job three months ago and so am uncomfortable taking lots of time, although my team is very supportive and not pressuring me.

I am the sole breadwinner in my household, and while I am eligible for a reduced income under short term disability, it won't be enough to pay the bills and can take several weeks or longer to kick in. Coming back on a reduced schedule would remove the STD so it's not great a great option and really means I need to be ready for full time when I get back.

I'm not going to push it, but I do need to be mindful of getting back as soon as reasonably possible so I'm hoping four weeks is the max. Anyone have LSH who really needed more time than that?

I am going back to work today (its 1am and I can't sleep) umm I still don't feel up to it but I need the money. I also have complications with my surgery. Don't push yourself either. Take as much time as you need. Listen to your body

While nicely healed, I also had a lot of fatigue and don't think I was very sharp yet by four weeks. Everyone is different, maybe you are younger (I was 59). If your team is supportive maybe they will let you slide the first week or so. I work quite a bit on my feet, but my co-workers had let all the paperwork go during my absence so thankfully there was at least a week of desk work waiting for me when I got back. Honestly, I wasn't very productive, it was a shock just getting back into the routine of commuting, etc. Hope you feel up to it by the time you need to go back. Try to find little ways to rest during the workday (if you have an office, close the door and take a nap at lunch). My boss and co-workers were great to me. I'm the oldest in the group, they probably thought I might drop dead right in front of them!

I'm having a LSH as well. I have to take a full 6 weeks off from my job since it's physical labor ( fitness instructor)

I'm nervous about recovery as well.