Returning to work

Looking for advice on how soon to return to work. My surgery was 15 days ago. I had laparoscopic surgery with three small incisions. I am a loan officer and sit at a desk but do get up and down frequently. I am having more pain in the last week than I did my first week of surgery, most likely because I am doing too much. I am not one to sit around.

Im in a similar situation with job im returning to. I had tah and am heading back to work on monday at 18 days post op but only planning on doing half days to start off. Ive had aches and pains this week and by late yesterday afternoon was definitely looking for some pain relief. I think its best to just listen to your body as everyone is different. All the best.

It's important to remember that every woman is different; two women having an identical procedure can have drastically different healing rates, tolerance for pain and coping skills.

Listen to your body and (if you have time available) take it!!. I had my procedure on the18th of October and returned to work part time on the October 23rd, and full time starting October 28th. So far, I haven't had any problems with pain; but I'm very tired (so much so I am jeopardizing my healing rate by returning to work so soon.)

So, DO take care of yourself. I went back to work because I had to...not because I wanted to. Please don't put yourself in the same situation if you can possibly avoid it!

Please be careful and listen to what your body tells you. I am one to hop right up and not sit around. I had a tah on the 16th of October and went back to work after 6 days. I had to as I just opened a salon/day spa. My surgery was a surprise and only had 2 days to prepare. I am now paying the price for it as I feel worse today than any other day. My body was telling me to take it easy and I told myself, 15 more minutes and I will sit. Now, I am back to the doc tomorrow as I have the worst burning and shooting pains since surgery. I

hi,
I went back to work at 4 weeks - full time, high pressure, long hours, commute etc. I was feeling great and energetic but once back at work I was TIRED (until 3 mths post op) and developed a huge swelly belly that persisted until 4 1/2 months post op.
Suddenly I got why people recommend taking 6-8 weeks.
With hindsight, I wish I had taken 6 weeks off even though I was bored by the 2 week mark.

My doctor insists on a 6 week leave. I feel great, and think that I probably could go back sooner, but can't go back without a release.
Take your time if you can, and listen to your body. Everyone is different and there isn't a right wrong answer!

Yep, I had DaVinci (uterus, cervix and one ovary - fibroids and stage 3 endo) and feel great at two weeks, but my doc is insisting I take at least 4-6 weeks off. Because week 5 is Thanksgiving week, and I had an already-booked vacation scheduled for the week following, I am taking the full six weeks and my doctor is pleased. I have a desk job, but a long commute and a pretty demanding schedule, as I normally work 10-11 hour days, not counting my (at least) two hours in the car each day. Bottom line, you need to listen to your doctor. If doing things exhausts you or causes pain, that is your body telling you you are not fully healed yet. You only get one chance to heal properly, so don't push yourself if you can avoid it!

I had a total hysterectomy via da Vinci on Oct. 16th and returned to work after 3 wks. I am a middle school special Ed teacher and although it can be a little stressful at times, I am able to sit or stand when I need to. Physically I was fine, but mentally I needed to keep my mind working. I was extremely bored and knew that my students needed me. Everyone heals differently and I was fortunate that my recovery was smooth. Listen to your own body and do as much or as little as your body will allow. I am still taking it easy at home and rest as soon as I get home. Housework is still being done by DH, so that helps.

Good luck and listen to your body.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Amy Aicher Looking for advice on how soon to return to work. My surgery was 15 days ago. I had laparoscopic surgery with three small incisions. I am a loan officer and sit at a desk but do get up and down frequently. I am having more pain in the last week than I did my first week of surgery, most likely because I am doing too much. I am not one to sit around.

Hi Amy! I suggest you take more time... I know you are anxious, but if you are able, DO take at least 1 more week. My doctor told me it is crucial to allow your body to heal.. we may start feeling 'pretty good' and get bored... but you need to take care of YOU right now. Your body needs this time now to heal WELL.Hang in there hystersister! Best to you.

I can SO relate to all of these posts. I am going in my 5th week and haven't really done ANYTHING physical except laundry and cook a little and I only really started that this past week. Mentally, I feel that I'm ready to return to work but physically, if I'm honest with myself, not really. I know that I am physically too weak to handle going back to work now, no matter how bored I am. I wasn't in good physical health to begin with, being 50 pounds overweight. I'm praying that once I have completely recovered from my TLH, it will serve as a catalyst to motivate me to try to get healthy again. I tried so hard over the last 2 years to exercise and lose weight with no real results. I even hired a personal trainer and just couldn't drop the weight. So this will be a new beginning.