Back to work in 3 weeks??

I am scheduled to have a lap, TVH and a bladder sling on 4/16. My dr has told me that I can be back to work in 3 weeks......would you all agree? After reading through the "Your Stories" message board it doesn't sound like much of you were ready to work in 3 weeks. I am so glad I found this site as I really haven't had an opportunity to sit down with my dr to ask all of my questions in detail. It is a great comfort to know that I am not alone. The panic attacks started to creep in today and I know the next week and a half is going to be difficult as the anxiety really sets in. I have to learn how to give myself a cathetar on Thursday so reality is starting to hit that this is going to happen. BTW, did anyone else have to teach themselves how to insert their own cathetar prior to surgery? I believe this is bcuz of the bladder sling......the thought of inserting my own cathetar has me really considering eliminating the sling part of the surgery.

On top of the surgery I start a new job on Monday in which the boss is expecting my return in 3 weeks, hence the reason for my post. I want to make sure I have realistic expectations that I will really be up to getting back to work in that amount of time. Thanks to all of you for this amazing site!

I'm glad you found this site also! I had similar surgery for similar reasons. I went back to work part-time (I only work 25 hours/week at one job, and other job didn't "pan out" this semester). I went back at 5 weeks. I couldn't have done it at 3 weeks. I could barely do more than walk around the block twice at three weeks. I also had surgical menopause symptoms big time, the major one to affect my work: brain fog. Will your job require lifting? Ask your dr. about postop restrictions. My dr. gives more restrictive restrictions that last longer for prolapse patients than other patients. For example, I had surgery in December and am still not to do any heavy lifting until mid-May. I work at a desk, but last Friday was on my feet for 8 hours -- but not even straight through -- I had plenty of breaks, but swelly belly made a mild return anyway. You don't want to overdo it because we can undo all our dr's work. take it from me, I did!

I had a bladder sling, but didn't have to self-cath. The nurses at my hospital recommended getting a full-length mirror and placing it on the floor to help you self-cath.

My caveat: I did need a blood transfusion (3 units, two of which were my blood donated autologously), so if I didn't need the transfusion, I might have been more peppy.

Good luck!