Co workers

All my co-workers seem to think that it is crazy that I will be off work at least 6 weeks after my TAH/RSO. They think I should come back after 2 weeks. How can I get them to understand? This is hurting my work relationships.

I hear ya!

I have a lady at my work who had a hyst 2 yrs ago.

She keeps saying, "You won't need the whole 6 weeks off. When I had *MY* hysterectomy, I was back to work in 3-4 weeks."

Its so annoying when she acts like everything I'm going through has to be exactly like her situation was.

Hang in there, Poohbear.....you'll make it. Just try to ignore the idiots. {{{{{hugs}}}}

Steph

2 weeks??? Where do these people come from? Don't they understand that you are having major adominal surgery??

I don't know what you can say except that 6 weeks is what the doctors recommend. You could find some information online about recovery issues with a hyster - check out the site here or do a search for hyster recovery - there should be something out there about recommendations for surgeries.

Where did they get the 2 weeks from? Someone must have an explanation of that - it it has something to do with some else's surgery look into the differences between that and a hyster.

There was absolutely no way I could have gone back to work at 2 weeks. I was exhausted during my first week back and that was 6 weeks after the surgery.

I'm sorry that the people you work with are so insensitive. I was very lucky that the people I work with told me take the 6 weeks and then kept me from doing any major lifting/moving around until 2-3 months after that.

Hang in there - let us know what happens!
HUGS,
Car

I remember back when I told my dh about surgery. He said, "Well, you'll be up in around in a week to ten days, right?" He said this because his mom had a TVH 30 or so years ago and of course it was "nothing" for her.

When I met with one of the surgeons from my clinic to schedule surgery, I was sitting in the chair and the surgeon was typing furiously (he was a very intense Latino man). I said, "So my husband says he thinks I'll be up and around in less than two weeks." The look he gave me was priceless. He stopped in mid-keystroke, looked up and very slowly and deliberately shook his head. He said, "6 to 8 weeks." Then he went back to his furious typing.

DH, by the way, did finally come around after doing his own research, and he was a great supporter.

I would simply answer your co-workers that you are going on the advice of your doc who will release you to work when you are able to come back, but that he/she has told you it will probably be 6 weeks before you can return. You won't be able to come back until the doc give the OK and that should be the end of it!

Best wishes to you.

I went into my office at 2.5 weeks post-op for one day and what a mistake! I did it because everyone kept telling me how easy the surgery is, how young I am, and how I'd bounce right back --- I guess I was feeling guilty or like a loser because I didn't feel great yet and thought that going back might help me feel normal again.
Just showering and driving in exhausted me --- I needed a nap by the time I got my computer turned on. Everyone was really glad to see me and very supportive but still -- it was horrible. I came home after 4 hours and collapsed. Couldn't move for 2 days --- it wasn't worth it at all.
I'd advise you to get a note from the dr. and tell them that you plan on following dr's orders. If you feel great at 4 or 5 weeks (as I did) and end up coming back part-time at that point, they will be pleasantly surprised.

Hey Poohbear, I am currently doing my 6 weeks recovery. The Dr is the one to determine how long you need to be off. In my case I CAN'T go back to work until the Doc releases me. My co-workers (even though they are picking up my workload) are very supportive. Even after my 6 weeks (3 more to go!) I can only work half days for two weeks. Then I will be able to resume full time. I'm sure if you tell your coworkers it is out of your hands they would realize your not just wanting "time off". Good luck! ptlsmith

Thanks everyone!!!! Hugs to you all!!!!

I'm 6 wks postop. I feel stupid saying this because I am a nurse. I too thought I'd be back to normal in 2 wks because I am in good shape. I about died when they told me to be out 6-8 wks. I stayed out because I have my own counseling practice and I sit down and could rest between clients. You will be shocked how tired you get at first just showering and getting dressed (yes at 2 wks). I never napped and had to take naps. In fact I found this site postop because I was concerned about being so tired. Going back for me at 4 wks was doable but hard. Now at 6 wks I could easily go back. Listen to the girls and your MD.