Returning to work what is too early?

I have not seen my doctor since my surgery on 8/19. I was orginally told 6 weeks. But wondering if anyone went back at 4 weeks? I know I will need to return with light duty since I have to lift up to 50 lbs at work. My concern is all the walking and possible stair climbing I might have to do.

I don't want to take a chance of bring back any of the pre op pain. I feel awsome - my family has been making me stay down for the most part. We have a few brief outings...and no real problem after them.

So when is too early? Had a Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

I think that a few of the Lap Ladies might have gone back to work after 4 weeks. One of my managers did, but with reduced hours. Worked her way back up to the normal hours she worked.

thanks

Walking and stairs would be fine. But not lifting. But check with your Doctor first even though you feel good which is great to hear.

My surgery was the 19th too...I'm planning on going back in about a week and a half. I'm a nurse so I can't do full duty but I'm going to go back and do either unit secretary work or be a sitter for patients. I only work 3 day 12 hour shifts but I think to start I'm going to do 1 day, half shift and work up. I won't be able to do full duty yet since I pull, push, lift, etc patients. My friend went back to work at 2 weeks...she sits at a desk so it didn't bother her. Listen to your body and don't push it.

Wow - my LSH was 8/19 also and I find anything beyond 3 hours of awake time and I am beat. Today my friend came over I showered pulled my hair up and she drove about 1 mile for us to eat and I was beat. Slept 3 hours. I wanted to go back to work 4 hours a day by Wednesday this week and there is no way my body is ready. My 2 week post op is tomorrow.

Based on the posts here I was really confident I would be back at work by 2 to 2 1/2 weeks and now I am realizing that 4 is more like it.

The strange thing is I have yet to be bored. Just in the past few days have I begun to get frustrated with a 30 min activity wiping me out for 2 days. But never bored, just no energy, interest, or desire. IT's worse since my DH has returned to work.

Heal well the first time!

I was back working a week after my surgery

I think it's wonderful that so many of you have recovered quickly and have had the energy and stamina to return to work so quickly. I do believe that is not the norm and that some of you are blessed with healing quickly. Each person is different and needs to listen to not only your DRs orders, but to your body as well. This is the one and only time to heal correctly. Listen to your body! If you read the boards you will also read many women who went back early and are very upset with themselves. Wishing all strength, energy and most importantly the wisdom to know when to go back to work.

Hi there,

I had a lap too and went back to work at 2.5 weeks. My doc approved it reservedly, but had wanted me to take off at least 4 weeks. I should have listened to her (and everyone else). But I figured since I sit most of the time, it wouldn't be a big deal. I was wrong.

Here are some things to consider:

1. Lap surgery is still BIG surgery on the inside, even though it doesn't seem like it on the outside.
2. Mental stress can be just as hard on your recovery as physical. My belly gets HUGE following a mental workout.
3. If you go back to work too soon, your co-workers most likely (even subliminally) will treat you as if you're back to 100%. See #2.

Everyone is different, of course, and not everyone is able to take off weeks and weeks of work. But if you can, take ALL the time your doctor recommends. You won't regret it.

Hi,

If you can afford to stay home I would suggest it. Returning to work is a HUGE step. Once your back work thinks you are back to normal.

If you need to return for financial reasons, call your dr and pick his nurses brain. She can really tell you if its a good idea for you. She will also be speaking to the dr on your behalf.

My nurse thought I was nuts for wanting to return to work. She tried talking me out it. Between the dr and the nurse I was only released for half days (getting over tired is a bad thing and they wanted me to be able to nap in the afternoon). The other restriction that I was given was no lifting of any kind until after my post op visit.

Mac