TAH Going back to work too soon?

Hi everyone:

My DaVinci hysterectomy unfortunately turned into an abdominal one. I work from home on the computer. Is it realistic to think that I'll be ready to go back to work 3 weeks after my surgery? My boss is definitely giving me the bum's rush. I work for a very small company thus no FMLA.

I think you should follow what your body tells you and what your doctor tells you, your boss is not the one that will end up in surgery again if you push it and harm yourself. This is a time that we need to put ourselves first. Good luck

i'm going back after 2 weeks and an adominal. It all depends but I've been walking a mile every day for the last 5 days and that has helped

Hi Determined,

I totally understand the need to go back to work - especially if you are the only one taking care of the finances at home. I went back to work 6 days after my surgery - but would have waited if I had the option. However, you do need to listen your body. Is your boss aware that you had major surgery? Maybe he can make some sore of adjustment for you. I hope he is not totally heartless! Since you mentioned that you are working from home - do you use a laptop? It may be possible to set up things in your bed (with lots of pillows) in a way that you can do some work while still in a comfortable position.

I too agree to listen to your body. I worked out of my home at week one post op. And back to my restaurant after week two. However there were several steps I did to ensured a smooth transition. 1. I am a business owner so if I am not opened my employees have
no work and hence do not get paid. I
did alot of communication with them
preop to let them know my expectations
during my recovery. Secondly I take frequent breaks and rest with my feet up and be mindful of lifting restrictions.

What it boils down to is open and honest communication with your employer before your surgery and listening to your body post op. Somewhere you will need to find a balance that works for you.

I went back to work (in the office) after 2.5 week. If I were to do it over again, I'd wait 3-4 weeks. However, if I were working out of my house I think the 2.5 weeks would have been easier.

In regards to FMLA, you are covered by law, it's not a company option. Techinically your job is secure for 90 days unpaid if you've worked for your company for a certain period of time (most states are about a year.)

Good luck and listen to you body. I wish I did!

I have a desk job & was back at 2 weeks. Sort of wishing I had waited till 3, but I could work whatever hours I wanted, walk around as needed, & wear what I wanted so not a big deal. Expect to be really tired for the first week or so. After that, each week gets better. Just don't forget & pick up anything you shouldn't.

I had a TAH BSO, and went back to work at a desk job after three weeks but only did part time. I did part time for three full weeks. Now I am trying to do 30 hrs/week instead of 20 hrs/week. BUT you do need to listen to your body. For me, when my body tells me it is time to go home, I go home. I also was way to fatigued to go back to work for the first three weeks. So, as the other sisters say, listen to your body - return to work only when you can.

I set things up so that I was teaching online this summer (2 classes). I was able to answer emails (working, then resting) in bed about a week and a half after surgery. It was really the start of the third week before I was regularly doing online class work at a steady pace. I went into the office at the start of week 5 for 2 days (just to give exams)--ok the first day, wiped out the second day. I'm going in 2 days this week as well (end of week 5, start of week 6), just to do some paperwork and grading. I think I might have had a slower recovery than many--had pain and exhaustion continuing into week 3 and even still have cramping and tiredness if I do a lot of walking, like I did today shopping--BUT, I will say that each week is better as far as stamina and energy.

SO--long story short, I did go back to work on the computer, like you will, in week 3 with an abdominal hysterectomy, but breaks and naps were absolutely needed...I'd say I worked 5-6 hours a day, in chunks, and it was do-able.

Like others said, listen to your body and do what you are up to doing....

Dee

I also returned to work part time after 3 wks. I have a desk job and do a lot of work on the computer and phone. At 4 wks I was able to go back working my full 40 hrs. However, I am able to get up and move as needed and we have a very relaxed atmosphere at the small ofc I work at. Of course listen to your own body and only take on what you feel is comfortable. I have to say I have a wonderful and understanding boss that makes sure I am doing o.k and that helps alot also.