Back To Work Reality Check

Hi Everyone!

I am having a TAH with BSO this coming Wednesday, July 18th. I've been reading other posts & am a little nervous. Not about the surgery itself, but rather recovery time. I am a self-employed bookkeeper, and my job involves driving from client to client & sitting while doing their bookkeeping. Since I'm self employed with no other source of income (no husband/boyfriend) I need to be back to work asap. I've scheduled my return to driving to clients on Monday July 30th. Is this reasonable given my job description? I'll be relying on my Accounts Receivable to support me during any down time....I will also be leaving for an active vacation (lots of walking/gentle hiking) on September 20th for two weeks - has anyone gone on vacation 2 months after surgery? And advice/experiences to share would be most welcome! I am SOOOO looking forward to no more periods & mood swings!!!!

Thanks!

JillianS

I was a self-employed bookkeeper/tax preparer when I had my TAH.

I was able to return to working on the computer at the house for short bursts at 2 weeks, but driving to clients for in-house work would have been out of the question for 6 weeks. It's not the driving so much as the sitting. Sitting can be painful post-op.

Your vacation should be fine so long as you work to gently increase your activity level during your recovery.

I am a self employed house cleaner. I was cleared to drive when I had my staples removed 10days post op I went back to work at 2 weeks post op. you should be ok driving. Take a pillow with you to sit on and get up to stretch I am sure your clients will understand. I am just coming back from vacation to an amusement park. Went there for 2 day and then to the carvers on the 3rd day.I rode roller coasters and did a lot of walking. When I got tired I rested while the kids rode something. I also drank lots of water

Thanks, Irmctexas!

I've been hitting the gym pretty hard the last couple of months in order to be fitter for the surgery. (and also to lose weight & get healthy) So I'm hoping to be able to get back to the gym at 2 weeks, even if it's on a treadmill. Also, July & August seem to be slightly slower months, so if I have to, I can limit myself to part time for another week or two.
You mentioned sitting was difficult - the furthest I have to drive for a client is 1/2 hour - were you able to find a comfortable position for that lengeth of time?

JillianS

Thanks, Dawnsy!

I'm going to British Columbia for two weeks. A few days in Vancouver, then up the coast for some hiking, whale/bear watching, etc.

Did you go any rides while at the amusement park? Did you have any issues with being bounced around?

I'm going whale watching which will be a bit bouncy - I'm hoping I'll be fit enough to handle it...

JillianS

I have one client that is over an hour away. I made it there no problem. I edited my post above yours.

I rode everything lol. Treadmill at the gym will be ok. But you need to watch your internal stitches I am not cleared for Zumba yet lol. I miss it do much. When in doubt ask your doctor. You will come home with a lot of no nos lol. I could not afford to be off 6-8 weeks. Just listen to your body.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by JillianS You mentioned sitting was difficult - the furthest I have to drive for a client is 1/2 hour - were you able to find a comfortable position for that lengeth of time?

That was about how far I had to drive for my doctor's appointments. I was sore but nothing too terrible.

Keep in mind that everyone heals at a different pace. I know there is no way I could have returned to work like Dawnsy is describing. You can also take zinc to help speed healing.

Jillian, I think I would avoid the grouse grind!! Hahaha, Welcome to Vancouver! Mention to the whale watcher guide and they may give you an extra life jacket to sit on. Have fun and wave to us when you get here.

Jillian -

Make sure you clear all exercising with your Dr. Some feel that atreadmill 'pulls' you along as you walk and is to hard on your abdominals.

Also having a small pillow or folded towel between you and the seatbelt can protect you from the seatbelt tightening over your newly stitched areas.