Return to Work

Hello Ladies,

I am six weeks post op TAH and my doctor has released to me return to work at eight weeks. I had a sling procedure done on three weeks ago and the Urologist has released me for the 14th with no lifting over 10 pounds. My disability has to be approved through a disability carrier at work but so far I have not been given the approval by them to be paid. I know this is a silly question but has anyone taken the time the doctor has given or gone back to work sooner. I am still having pains and my energy level is not back to what I would like. Should I try going to work Monday and see if the pains will ease?

I do have a sit down job. The majority of my day is sitting and the Urologist told me that if I went back sooner I should move around more at work, if not the pain will be more constant. Any advice. My concern is not being paid if the carrier does not approve me to return at eight weeks.

Have a Happy and Blessed New Year.

((((((pastor's wife))))))

Going back is such a worry. We feel we have to go, especially when there are financial concerns, but how to know whether we will cope?

I can only tell you my own experience. At six weeks I still felt exhausted, with grumbling cramps which got worse when I did too much. My GYN signed me off for another two weeks.

At 8 weeks, I went back, initially part time. There is no way I could have done full time. My job is very demanding, but I decided to do sit-down stuff and catch up with all that had piled up while I was away. I had two main problems when I went back. One was not being able to concentrate on anything for more than about 30 minutes. After that, I would feel totally exhausted! The other was the pain. It increased during the day. It would get so that by lunch time I was very uncomfortable, and could not go on. The only thing that made the pain get better was lying down for an hour, with some tylenol or ibuprofen.

So, besides listening to your doctors, what am I advising? I know that salary is a worry, but I still suggest you take it slowly and listen to your body. If you are tired (and you will be, for some weeks to months yet!), rest. If you are hurting, rest. Don't try to do full days from the start - you may precipitate a real set-back! Plan on going back part time for at least a few days, that way you will get some idea of how much you can really take.

As Shashi says, you only get once chance to heal properly, so do it right!

Big s

Hi...I'm not sure, I just know my employer won't allow me to come back to work unless I have a signed release from my doctor...so even if you want to come back they may not let you.

Good luck.

Mary