Already Being pressured to Return to Work

I would definetly work with your HR Dept right away. I believe you are protected by FMLA and HIPPA laws.

Document, document, document!! Keep good records and GET WHAT HE IS SAYING IN WRITING. I totally understand your fears, and my best wishes and good vibes are headed your way...

LoriGH,

You work for a company that is contracted to do work for a client. The fact that that client is the government makes no difference. In fact, the government is also obliged to adhere to all the same rules. They can not threaten your job.

Della Street (good name, by the way) is correct - keep a log of what your boss says and when he says it. Written conversation records are a legally acceptable form of documentation. Protecting your health is very important, but, in this economy, protecting your job and benefits is too.

Another thought - don't suppose you are in a union? (figure if you are, you would have mentioned it?). And having done this myself, I would consider secretly recording him (make sure it is legal in your state; where I am, it is legal if one party knows the recording is taking place; you can check with legal aid or something like that to find out for sure. I actually did this with the help of a friend--small recorder in purse during a very bullying session with a former boss. Never had to use it, but boy, did it feel good having it in my possession.

I feel so lucky not to have these worries.
I don't have a very hard, manual job like truck driving. You really must give yourself time to heal well before you go back. While your incision line is still pink it is weak. Your internal stitches will be the same. Until scar is white you are vulnerable.
A hysterectomy is major surgery along the scale of a heart bypass.
Check out what employment protection your company give to people (especially men) get following such surgery. Do they get the same level of harrassment?
I am from the UK, so I can't give advice on the legal protection over there, but the advice already given seems very sound to me.
Good luck!