Terrified Teacher

Hi,

I am a teacher, too. My RATH/BSO was this Wed. I plan to go back for the last two days on June 24 and 25 - yes, our school year runs late in NY! I won't be in charge of students and I did most of the end of year moving before I went out on leave.

Ten years ago, I had ACL reconstructions done on my knees, 2 wks apart. The first few days after those surgeries were far worse than what I have experienced this week. As a teacher, you know how to break any task into baby steps. Just don't rush to accomplish too much too soon. Research is showing that multi-tasking is not a time saver. I am using these few weeks of leave to re-learn how to really just do one thing at a time. Treat yourself as gently as you would one of your students or colleagues. People feel honored when you ask them for help so allow them to do so for you. I trust you would be the first one to help someone else, especially since you are a teacher trainer. Take the time to truly heal this summer. Good luck and keep in touch!

Hi teacher20, and

As a college instructor, my experience was most likely different than yours will be. I was able to do a lot of sitting, and I only had two classes a day. Even so, I was completely wiped out when I returned. In addition to the other great suggestions already posted, I would suggest that during your first two weeks back, you schedule absolutely nothing besides work--no after-school commitments, no evening activities, and nothing on the weekends. You will need to rest--and that will probably mean lying down--as much as you can to allow your body to continue healing.

I'm glad you found us before your surgery. There are wonderful women here, and you will receive great support.