TAH 6 weeks post op question: returning to work?

I'm 6 weeks post op and go to see my Dr next week for visit. I'm feeling great. He told me at a previous visit that I could begin to try normal daily activities again and if it hurt don't do it, just listen to my body. OK. Here's the question, I have a residential cleaning business, will I most likely to be cleared to go back to work? I've been able to do everything so far without problems. The only problem I'm still experiencing is tenderness on the inside where my incision is and sometimes a burning sensation there as well. This isn't new though LOL, I've been feeling this for a while.

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Originally Posted by treeborne I'm 6 weeks post op and go to see my Dr next week for visit. I'm feeling great. He told me at a previous visit that I could begin to try normal daily activities again and if it hurt don't do it, just listen to my body. OK. Here's the question, I have a residential cleaning business, will I most likely to be cleared to go back to work? I've been able to do everything so far without problems. The only problem I'm still experiencing is tenderness on the inside where my incision is and sometimes a burning sensation there as well. This isn't new though LOL, I've been feeling this for a while.

Treeborne I could have written your post. All went well. My Dr. released me to go back to work at 5 weeks. I am an elementary school teacher. She also released me to have sex after 6 weeks although I am not in a relationship at this time. But there is a BUT...just as things were looking rosy and that I was going to be free of complications I got a "hiccup" my Gyn/surgeons word.

All of my appts. went well no pain, no spotting--both post op exams at 2 and 4 weeks included internal and external exams. Then after my first week of school I started to spot,,,just a little not too bad and I had increased pain in the surgical area. Like a good princess I called my gyn. for advise and an appt. was set up for me. I had this appt. yesterday morning but of course I was no longer spotting. I had both an internal and external exam and it was painful. She could not find any problems with the vaginal cuff that would have caused the spotting but she was surprised to find I was swollen. The area was between the vaginal cuff and my belly button--at the center of my incision. She also tested my vaginal PH level which was abnormal. I was diagnosed with a vaginal infection. I am now on Flagyl twice daily for 7 days.

There is a point here. Like yourself everything was going fine then I hit a road block. I think it had a lot to do with my going back to work and overdoing it. Take it slow Princess Treeborne. If you do go back to work pace yourself and take many breaks, avoid heavy lifting, and rest, rest, rest when you get. home.

I agree with middlesister, ease your way into work as best as possible. The twinges and pulls are normal. I had them for a very long time, although they were manageable. Being cleared doesn't automatically have to mean that you jump right back into things full force. Take your time when you can, make it a point to rest and remember to continue to listen to your body. If your twinges and pulls ever become more than what you have already experienced, give your doctor a call. I wish you continued success in your recovery

Lots of (((HUGS))) to you

Thank you wandatd and middlesister64! I have a helper to come with me for a little while when I go back to work. I don't really do any lifting with my work. However, it's very physical with lots of movement. I promise I will be careful, listen to my body, and get plenty of rest when I get home. Thank you both very much. Middlesister64 I hope you feel much better soon!

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Originally Posted by treeborne I'm 6 weeks post op and go to see my Dr next week for visit. I'm feeling great. He told me at a previous visit that I could begin to try normal daily activities again and if it hurt don't do it, just listen to my body. OK. Here's the question, I have a residential cleaning business, will I most likely to be cleared to go back to work? I've been able to do everything so far without problems. The only problem I'm still experiencing is tenderness on the inside where my incision is and sometimes a burning sensation there as well. This isn't new though LOL, I've been feeling this for a while.

I work as a housekeeper at a hotel, and easing back into it is definitely the best thing. This is my third week back, and was lucky because my boss has been taking it easy on me, giving me less things to do. Today was a bit of an issue though, because they wanted us to move dressers. I thought I would try it, the dresser didn't budge, and I've had pain ever since.

So slow and steady, it's good that you have help. And you're lucky there's no heavy lifting. Just be careful

I had to return to work at 5 weeks (economics) and I work in a factory. Everything I do involves lifting, pushing, pulling and stretching. I was miserable after just 2 days. My back ached, my belly ached, I spotted heavier and I was trying to be very careful to not lift much at all. I could feel everything and now, I am really feeling every little stretch. The body takes time, so if you must return to work, you really have to ease yourself into it. Lifting is the worst, and I found that sweeping has been difficult. All I can suggest is to take it slow and be careful.

Hi Treeborne, remember that the internal abdominal incision takes longer to heal than your skin incision. Pay close attention to pain, pulling and especially burning feelings in your belly near your incision. My doc cleared me for regular daily activities but cautioned that I shouldn't do any ab workouts until I'm 9 weeks out because healing is still taking place and that scar isn't very strong yet.

Good luck!