How long back to work after DaVinci?

Hi Kerry-

Everyone's recovery is different, especially in light of how extensive their surgery is and how well they bounce back. I was one of the very fortunate ones. I only had enlarged uterus/fibroid removal via daVinci. My surgery was Tuesday, June 29th, and I went back to work full-time on Monday, July 12th, so I was out less than 2 weeks. I felt fine my first week back at work - a little sleepy and ready for a nap in the afternoon, but I made it through with no problem. My job is an office job - not physical, but very hectic. If your job has any physicality to it - lifting patients, lots of moving around - you should probably be very careful about returning too soon. At my one week post-op appt, my surgeon walked in the exam room and said, "Wow!! You look great!!" so I probably could've gone back even sooner if I'd pushed him to!!

Good luck, Kerry!! Listen to your body and do what's right for you!!

My doctor told me that I could return to "my normal activities" at week 2. I took him at his word and returned to my job as a Medical Assistant in a primary care office. I am the only employee and take care of everything. I went in at 7:45am and by 10am I was dragging and in a good deal of pain. This ended my idea of being back to work for my regular hours. I left at 11:30am, got home and slept for 2 hours. The rest of that week I worked only 1/2 days. This week I am gradually working more hours. I made it all but one hour today. I pay for it when I get home though. I think 2 weeks is probably a little too soon for most folks. I still get lightheaded at times at 3 weeks. If you have the time, take it and let your body do it's magic!

want2live happy
Di Vinci supracervical -kept ovaries 8/17/10

I had my surgery one year ago. I went back to work at 2 1/2 weeks and every day at night I was sore, tired and achy. If I could do it again, I would take the extra time. Don't push yourself too fast because you can end up with serious issues. Try to pamper yourself and let your body tell you if it can handle being at work. It takes time to recover.

Thanks everyone! I actually ended up going back for half a day (at two weeks post op) on a Thursday and then 6 hrs on Friday. I felt like I did really well, but was definintely tired. I will probably stick to the part time schedule most of this week as well and see how it goes. I am feeling really good, but slept about 12 hours last night and needed another 3 hour nap today. Seems I still need to ease into my usual life!!! Thanks again for all your advice!!!

Kerry