When to return to work???????

Hello everyone. I am 15 days post op. I had a LAVH and gall bladdersurgery. Doing well, I think. I have started HRT-Climara. I have the opportunity to be off work for a total 6 weeks or return next week. One minute I think I am ready to go back and then the next minute I think not. I go for my first Dr. visit Friday.
Deliza

Take the full six weeks because you'll need more time to recover than you think!! I have just returned to work after 6 weeks and I'm glad I waited because I'm not in pain now and can sit up and stand longer. You don't want to go back too soon and get hurt and have to take off even longer.

Becky

This question comes up often, and everyone has a different opinion.

I had a TAH and had returned back to work on day 9 post op. I quit taking pain killers before leaving the hospital. When I returned to work, it was for minimal hours and minimal days.

For me, the important thing was if I was tired or sore, GO HOME. Did not matter if I planned on being there for two hours and only made it an hour. My employer was fine with this. They even had restrictions on what days I could come and for how long. They were very cautious of what I did, primarily it was answer phones, process wage changes, attend safety meetings. There was no lifting and if I had to take a file to the back room, someone was there to do it for me. There were only two times during my recovery that they actually asked me to come in at my convience to finish a task. I am the only one who does insurance enrollment and balance the insurance bill. There was one bill that came in on my 'off' day and one individual needed to enroll his newborn.

I do not regret going back to work early. The first week I worked four hours, and by week five I was up to 25-30 hours. On week six I worked 35 hours and went back to full time on week seven.

I had no problems driving and was allowed to drive at day 8. I had no problems with pain, sitting or standing.

In my opinion it is up to you when you go back to work. Most importantly do not over do it, and rest if needed.

Good luck in your decision on whether to return to work early or not.

Be careful. I went back to work fulltime yesterday and it went ok. I had to leave early today because I lifted something too heavy and my supervisor made me go to the dr. It really hurt. I went by dr office on the way home and everything's ok, I'm just sore.

Becky....how is driving, at six weeks post op which is in about 3.5 weeks for me I will be doing three 8 hr days of driving across a few states for our move..........

Lisa

I say wait the full 6. I was going to try to go back next week and then thought WHY???? Why not take the full time to heal right ... and besides I have Eleven years of extended sick time accrued and working in a hospital NEVER had all the holidays off, so this year I AM. It's my pampering.

I started working from home 6 days post op. Vag hyst/both ovaries remain, urethra diverticulum removed. From home I was fine. Surgery was 11/7, went in for a couple hours per day week of 11/27 and was fine. Started back f/t on 12/4 and was very tired at end of day. Finished day 4 of f/t and doing fine. I don't do any strenuous work and try to elevate my feet a couple times per day! I feel great! Everyone is different though. Listen to your body! If you're tired..go home or lay down. NO LIFTING! I go to my 6 week appt on the 12th. I'll let you know what happens.

[quote=MrsNurseLisa]Becky....how is driving, at six weeks post op which is in about 3.5 weeks for me I will be doing three 8 hr days of driving across a few states for our move..........

It takes me about 40 minutes to get to work each morning and at 6 wks I don't have any problems with soreness. Make sure you stretch your legs every so often. You might want a seatcover that is cushioned and gives you extra support. I had to start driving and sitting on a pillow 'cause I was a little sore "down there".