returning to work post op?

I am scheduled for a TAH w/ BOS on 12-07-04. I work a very strenuous job as a firefighter/paramedic. My dr. says I can return to work in mid-January (approx 6wks). I do very heavy lifting ( a cot alone with no patient on it weighs 75lbs.) Do you think 6 weeks is enough time to recover for this type of work? I don't think my doc quite understands what all is involved in my job, though I have tried to explain it. I don't want him to think I am trying to get out of going back to work, but I don't want to do any damage to myself either.



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34y/o TAH due to endo, severe pain and bleeding. Also have a deep pelvic infection with fever for 2 months uncontrolled with 4 rounds of antibiotics.

My husband is a firefighter/paramedic and knowing all that is involved with your job and how I feel in my recovery, which has been very blessed so far, I'd really have to say that there is NO WAY you can safely return to work after only 6 weeks. Obviously, I'm not a doctor but I'd hate for you to be back in the hospital after a 6 week recovery because you returned to work too soon. I'm sure your employer would prefer for you to take 8-9 weeks off to heal completely & properly rather than a 6 week leave then another unexpected on for possibly even longer.

Good luck and best wishes for your upcoming surgery & recovery!

s
Kari

Thanks for the info Kari. I was really wondering about going back that early. My doc thinks we can just ask for light duty, but there really is not light duty at work, unless I can work in the office. I guess I will see when the time comes.
Tell your DH to be safe out there!

Alisha

I had a tah 5 weeks ago, and although I've had a textbook recovery, no problems anywhere, I'm feeling fab and have been for 2.5 weeks, there is no way that I would be lifting 100 lbs right now. I think 25lbs is a strugle at best, good luck, see how it goes,and as you progress you can make alternate arrangments

At 6 weeks I couldn't handle the 10lbs of paperwork that had gotten dumped on my desk awaiting my return, much less anything heavier. I struggled to make it through 8 full hours at my desk job without curling up under my desk for an afternoon nap. My own personal opinion is that no way would I have been capable of doing strenuous work like you do at 6 weeks.

hi im 6 weeks post op today and i went back to work yesterday,i care for children in my home.i work 11 hours a day.1 of my kids is 9 months and i found lifting him a struggle, today wasnt so bad,there is NO WAY you will be able to lift in your job for at least 9/12 weeks,i also had a tah.

Hi cfdmedic,
Thank you for asking this - I've been searching & find such conflicting info on this! Your job is much more strenuous than mine (family daycare provider), but there seems to be enormous differences in recoveries & advice re lifting.
My doc advised me 4-6 weeks, I had taken that very literally, but I'm not sure what to expect now. Also like yours - there is no such thing as 'light duty' - it's all or nothing w/very active day. Lifting is not like what you need to do - mine's only 15-35 lbs at a time, but it's constant thru out a 10 hr day, and just me. I also get the sense dr doesn't quite understand about that -
I'm sure it will all work out somehow, but is so stressful trying to plan appropriately for leave. We depend on my income - I am not looking for time off (& this certainly isn't sounding like time "off"!), but don't want to risk a more complicated situation.
Good luck to you & best wishes