10 weekers and others who just returned to work, how did it go?

Just finished my first full time week and was wondering how you all did. I started the week out fine, but today I was sore, really tired and felt irritable. My supervisor, who I really like, was driving me nuts. It seems the worse I feel, the more energy she has and the more she wants me to do.

I had worked a little before this and the same thing happened. Should I try to explain to her how I feel, or just "buck up" and deal with it? I know it has to be confusing because some times I'm fine and have energy, but when the energy is gone - it's GONE!!! Also, I don't know how to deal with the irritability, which is not normally me.

Suggestions?

How were your co-workers and supervisors?

Hi Sara This was my first full week back at work also and it went much better than I expected. I have terrific co workers so it was nice to be back socializing and catching up. I work pretty independently, and everyone was extremely helpful when it came to any lifting. I was definately tired by the end of the week, but it is my own fault because I have been going to the fitness center in the AM before work at 5:30....DESPARATE to get in shape and work off the christmas fudge! I have noticed the swelling starts earlier in the day...before it was in the late afternoon. I dont have any pain...just tighness and tingling with alot of numbness still. Is your supervisor a male? They cant possibly understand the healing process, nor can anyone that hasnt lived thru a hysterectomy. I wish you continued healing and a stressfree work enviroment. Take time for yourself in the evening. Happy New Year. Linda

Hi there, I'm at my 7th week and I started back to work right after my doctor approved it on this past Monday. I am not employed at one facility. I am a temporary worker who will eventually settle down into something permanent soon. So this week I wound up working only 2 and a half days.

The verdict, I am beat. I dropped into the bed when I got home, tried to watch a movie and woke up to find myself in darkness because my hubby decided to let me sleep. I applaud all you workers who worked an ENTIRE work week. But geesh, you're right, energy comes and goes quickly. I find I can bounce up at 5am and get to the job and work. But by 1pm the air starts to fizz out and by 3pm I'm screaming inside myself for 5pm to arrive.

I'll repeat the previous post's sentiment - When you get home, be good to yourself. Eat well, sleep well and know that you will get through this as your stamina increases. I don't know how one would pile on working out at a gym on top of a full work week, but hey, to each her own. But be smart and good to yourself. You're the only self you've got. Hysterectomy is MAJOR surgery, and they say real healing takes at least 6 months to a year and maybe more. So pace yourselves! Much love and luck on your recoveries. And don't be afraid to pamper yourself!

I started back to work this week - 9 weeker. Wow, tough!! The best story (I'm a teacher) is that one of my little kindergarteners kept staring at my swelly belly (it was almost 3 o'clock) and finally said to me..."I think you ate too many beans...." What do you say to that? lol.....priceless....even better than my 24 year old daughter asking if I was 'that' big when I was pregnant with her.....
Keep plugging along sisters...it always gets better.

I went back to work this week and feel like I am part of the furniture again lol
All the worries I had were unfounded and smoothed out so easily.
Everyone has been welcoming me back and the general air is that everyone feels the workplace is back to "normal", everyone is glad that they no longer have to fill in my position and say they don't know how I have manged to do it for so long lol
But Friday bought sadness as I detailed in a post in Friends without Faces.

But it is good to be back at work, and it makes me realise how much of a fantastic set of colleagues I have and how we can all pull together!

As of Sunday my DH and I thought there was no way I was going to make it through the week. Monday was rough but so great to be back and welcomed so nicely. I work with seniors in an independant living situation so alot of them baked dessert, gave flowers, etc. It was great since I hadn't heard a word from co-workers during my entire absence.

I'm tired this weekend but everyday I try to push myself a little harder.

Hope we all continue to improve daily!!

Hello,

I went back to work after my six week check up and it was difficult. I am a class room training leader and spend *all* day on my feet in front of a class room. My first week wasn't too bad because I just observed a class and then I was on vacation. But this past week was so much harder then I expected. I did full days 8:30 to 6:00, most of that time standing or moving around the room and by the end of the day I looked 6 to 7 months pregnant. The swelling was so bad that I split the front seam in a pair of pants that started out baggy in the morning.

I don't know how I am going to do this. I think what worries me is the doctor has told me this could last up to a year. ARGH!

All in all I have to say I feel wonderful, expect for the swelly belly, and I know I will get through that part too. After the cancer nothing seems insurmountable (sic)

Maybe someone should work on a spell check feature here?

Hi Sara,

Gosh, I always relate to your posts!
This was my first week back - our surgies being on the same date also 10-22.

Monday was awful, Tuesday was better, thursday and Friday were hard. This morning my DH left for a trip. I fell back asleep for 3 hrs - woke at 11!! That never happens. So, I guess I just very, very tired.

My biggest challenge at work is my boss. She is like the energy bunny She doesn't stop. There has not been any expression of empathy or understanding. She just loads the work on, etc. In my case talking with her does no good. What I have had to do is take care of myself by doing the next thing in front of me - not getting caught up in her whirlwind....putting in what I can (cause I too work hard but can only go so far - then I have to stop). I have had to go to our lounge and lay down...or to my car and close my eyes.
And the most important thing...leave on time. I even got weepy one day and had to call my dh. And, even got on hyster sisters once during the day to help me get through!

We are still recovering so go easy on yourself and rest - expecially this weekend. Naps, naps and more naps.
I am also looking for another job.!! But, in the meantime have to stay here...So the message is I just have to do my best, but not to the length that it hurts me.

Take care Sara,

Shelly

I too have just completed my first week back at work...I'm 7 1/2 weeks.

Thank goodness that although I had heaps to do, it was mostly routine kind of work and nothing too taxing on the brain.....

I work full time in an office. I worked until 3 the first day and added a half hour each day until today when I managed to work a full day without feeling like I would burst into tears with tiredness. Although I came home and fell into bed.

The swelly belly has returned with a vengence, and I have had some pain for the first time since week 5......not pain really just discomfort/tenderness......

I am finishing up (today) my first full week back to work. My surgery was 12/06/04. I guess that puts me at 5 weeks. It was great to get back and everyone in my office has been very considerate and helpful. I work at a desk for the most part and that hasn't been bad. I decided to start out real slow with my walking the stairs and such. I was pretty tired Monday evening and my DH was very considerate and made dinner and I went to bed on time. But, today, I really feel great. I keep telling people that I really believe that prayer and the fact that I was in fairly good shape before the surgery is why I'm doing so well. I also believe that it's because I found this website prior to surgery and I've been taking it really slow because of all the postings about ladies jumping in too fast and wearing themselves out. My normal routine for "working out" was the 6 - 7 miles that I walked 5 days a week. I walked to and from the train (total of 3 miles), walked all the escalators, and always used the stairs at work. This is my 6 - 7 miles a day. I hope to get back to there sometime in February, but I'm not pushing it. Anyway, from your postings, it's great to know that I'm doing well. God is good!