after lavh when do i return to work

i went in for my 4wk post op appt today. i discussed my concerns with my along with what was still ailing me. i told him that i still could not have a bm by myself, i am so exhausted, and my belly is still tender. i also informed him that i recently contacted a bacterial infection. i told him that i was concerned about going back to work now bc i was scared that i would injure myself bc my job is kindof physical. i told him i would prefer to take 6wks instead to make sure i have healed and give the stitches more time to dissolve. he gave me the clean bill of health anyways and which is fine and i am happy that i am ok, but if i still have stitches, i cant have sex for 2 more weeks, and i am exhausted, how am i ready to go back to work.

before my post op appt i called my boss and told him that i thought i would need to take the full 6wks and he was ok with it. my question is, if the doctor gives you the ok to go back to work, but i dont feel like i am ready, do i have to? my paperwork said 4-6wks for fmla and i was just wanting to take the 6wks just to make sure i do not go back to early bc of the work that i do? please respond bc i am so about how this works. thanks so much!!

If the Doctor gave you the ok, then it's ok, but you also need to listen to your body. Mine told me he wanted me to take 6 weeks because I have a Physically strenuous job. You're not required to go back to work if the doctor said ok to take the extra 2 weeks, unless he has already filled out his release form with the 4 week date. Check with your HR department.

I think your work will go by what the doctor says on the release form. My doctor wouldn't let me return to work until at least 6 weeks, and I have a desk job... I'm not sure I would have been ready at 4 weeks, but by 6, I was.

Laura

LAVH/BSO - 07-20-09

I have an office job and was told to take the full 6 weeks off. I think that it's up to you personally, and that if your FMLA says 4-6 weeks, then you should be fine to extend it. The advice to go to the HR dept is excellent!