Returning to Work

I thoroughly enjoy this website and have learned heaps from it over the last couple of months (had TAH on 19 April) - but I must admit I get totally confused about when best to go back to work. There seem to be total extremes from 2 weeks to 4 months, depending on where you live, insurance, employers, doctors, etc. Here in NZ most doctors advise 6 weeks, depending of course on whether you're up to it at that time.

I've told my boss and my team at work that I'll be back part-time next week (4 weeks) as I am recovering really well (at least I think I am - I'm not due to see my doctor until 6 weeks) and I figured it would be much better to ease back into it gradually than to go straight into full-time at 6 weeks. I plan just to do a couple of hours the first day, then gradually build it up, with maybe a day off mid-week to recover, then go to four hours a day the following week before going fulltime.

My job is not physical, but I spend a lot of time dealing with people and it can be quite stressful, so I plan to keep it pretty low key the first couple of weeks - not let too many people know I'm back!

Does that sound feasible? Has anyone else done something similar and it's worked/not worked? Would appreciate your feedback.

Thanks
Kiwi Sister

Hi,

If your doctor has not released you to go back to work yet, then it's best to wait until s/he does. Only your doctor knows the extent of your surgery and how well you are healing.

Going back part time is a good idea, that way you can ease back into your routine, but I would wait for a few more weeks. I went back four hours a day at 5 1/2 weeks and full time at six weeks and was miserable, exhausted, and sore for several more weeks.

If you can take the full six weeks, do it. Trying to rush back to work too soon can lead to potential complications which could jeopardize your future health. You only get one chance to heal and this is it.

s,

Lisa

I took a full six weeks and am very happy with my decision. I was very tired through week 5, still taking a nap every day. Hot flashes started after week 2 and my sleep was interrupted every night. I cannot take hormones due to Cancer on both sides of family. I was very sore sitting at a computer chair at home for more than 30-60 minutes. With all those internal stitches wanting to heal, I thought, why not just let my body heal in peace?
Working part time would only have extended my recovery, I am certain of that.
By week 6 I was starting to feel more like a "normal" person again, and when I returned to work, I was energetic again and able to work full time without problem.
I am 55, had LAVH + BSO and rectocele repair. The last time I had a medical leave was when I gave birth to my daughter, who will be 24 yrs old in June! I earned the sick leave time and believe it was the best decision for me AND for my employer. When you are back at work, you should be READY to work. You can't hide and hope people won't expect you to do your job. In fact, I had a pile of work that sat for the whole 6 weeks, just waiting for me. I would not have been ready to take that on at week 4.
Just my opinion, I realize everyone is different.

IF you can afford to take 6 to 8 weeks and your Dr. allows it, do it.
I have to go back in four due to being single and little money coming in and I am very concerned about being able to do so, but have no choice.
I think your body needs time to heal and take as long as you can,
Just my opinon
Sharon

I think easing back into it is a good idea, but only if your Dr. says you are ready. I worked an abbreviated day (left a couple hours early each day) for 3 weeks. It was a good compromise for me.

Thanks for all your replies, ladies.
I know I should get a clearance from my doctor before I go back to work, but I can't get in to see her until 3 June!
I really feel I will be okay to go in for just a few hours each day, and if I find I'm getting too tired I can always take more time off. I don't need afternoon naps any more, unless I have gone for a long walk or done something particularly strenuous, and although I can't sit at the computer for too long I'm okay as long as I get up and walk about for a bit, which I do at work anyway. My job is only 15-20 mins away, so it's not too much trouble getting there and back.
I know I should be make the most of the time off, but I get so bored at home and I feel guilty when they're all covering for me at work when it's really busy.
I will go in for two hours tomorrow, but if I find I'm really tired afterwards I'll take another day off before I go in again. I think if I just listen to my body I'll be okay. I'll let you know how I get on.
Thanks again for all your advice.
Kiwi Sister