Can I go back to work in 2 weeks??

Hi Sisters!

I'm a little freaked out right now. I'm combing through the archives and found that some people didn't return to work for 4 to 8 weeks. I was hoping for 1 to 2!

I'm self-employed and my job is rather sedentary, mostly computer work and face-to-face consulting. However, the clientele I work with are people with unstable health conditions and they need my help. I also need to be gone as little as possible so that I can take on new clientele on a regular basis.

I know that each person is different and that recovery times will vary. I'm just trying to estimate when I can tell my assistant to start scheduling me appointments again (i.e. how long will I be out of the office).

I'm otherwise healthy (except for a well-controlled autoimmune disorder) and relatively fit, and I'm not quite 35. So I'm hoping that those factors will work in my favor?

I'm more than a little anxious about having to take so much time off. I'm grateful for any light anyone can shed on this! Thank you in advance!!

Hugs,
~ML

Everyone heals differently and you can not predict how fast or slow you will be. It's probably best to ask for the full 6 weeks off, then go back early if you feel better sooner.I had DaVinci and could never have returned at 2 weeks. My head was still all foggy and I was so tired I could barely take a shower without having to rest. I couldn't even follow a TV program or concentrate to read a book. Good luck!

Hello maidenloin,
I'm 30 yrs old and had LSH on May 17 th.I agree with cath.I returned to work at 2.5 wks and so regretted it.I did have some complications unrelated to my hysterectomy but I believe has still had my recovery harder.Since you do have an auto immune disorder it is also possible surgery being a stresser could cause a flare.I don't know which you are dealing with but from some research I've done on lupus any type of stress you body goes through can cause a flare.Also,since you work mostly sitting from what I'm reading.I would like to share that sitting for extending periods is just as bad as standing for me.If you would like more stories I started a thread about recovery time.Search diff. between LSH and dvh,return to work in two weeks.I'm personal going back to part time next week because this past week was do hard on me.You may do just fine and be ready in 1 wk,but if not its a lot harder to get that time if you already have apts sch,but if you take your 6 wks you can always decide to return early or part time whenever you are ready Best wishes and cyberhugs and we will see you on the other side.Just remember to pampered the princess and you only get one chance to heal right,so take the time needed for yourself so you do not pay for it down the road.

I went back to work at 5 wks, but was cleared for light duty at 2 wks and might have been able to go back then. Surely not at one week. I'm older, not in shape, but a fast healer anyway. Sitting didn't bother me but a lot of ladies do say sitting for a long time is difficult. I'd suggest working back into work slowly, not a full load to start. Maybe it will work out at 2 wks but probably not full time. It's the brain fog and fatigue that can be the deal breakers sometimes, not just soreness. I hope your recovery goes well.

I agree with Greyown. Start by scheduling a couple of appointments when you go back rather than a full load. You might do fine. I am 10 days post op DvH, and if I had to go back to work part-time on Monday, I could (I found the first 5 days easier then days 5-10 though). I do get tired, and I find sitting straight up for long periods of time difficult, but I could do it. I think your best bet for what you need is two weeks off, then part time for the next week. You are young, and I think that will help. I am 43 and in pretty good shape.

Since you have some time to prepare, I suggest you do some arm, upper body, and stomach exercises. That is what I did, and I am so happy I did. I also lost 10 pounds (could still stand to lose 20 more). It seems my upper body already was ready to compensate for the weakness. I also was really good about taking iron and eating meat. I was anemic and worried. My gyn wanted to give me a blood transfusion three months before I had my surgery. I didn't want that to be an issue, so I did what I needed to get my count up. It worked!

If you think you can, that's half the battle.
First, will you need to drive? Many Dr's don't clear us to drive that soon?
How much work can you do from home?
I had my hysterectomy on a Weds. I didn't even turn my phone or computer on til Monday. That week I did phone support and emails. I only answered my phone when I felt good. Did emails at my pace.
Day 10 I worked 4 hours in office, but I had a driver.

Starting Day 14, I picked up two 4 hour days a week. (Usually Mon and Thursday) Still using a driver-I have a good sized commute.

When I hit the one month mark I went back "Full time". Which has been daily, but typically I have left after 5 hours.

Just listen to your body. I know you are a care taker and want to help others, but take care of YOU first.
Schedule people that will understand if you need to rebook them or postpone them. Hopefully, you can schedule a lot of established clients that you really like working with and will be understanding of your surgery.
You may be a little 'foggy' and feel disorganized or forgetful. So let people know up front.

Thank you very much for the responses!

I do like the idea of easing back into things part time.

I guess, too, that it will make a difference as to what type of surgery I have. Right now we're hoping for the minimally-invasive robotic method, but depending on how I respond to the general anesthesia and how cooperative my tissues are coming out (LOL) I *may* have to have go the abdominal TAH route. (Vaginal isn't an option for me.) I guess time will tell

Today I will start telling my co-workers and clientele that I will be out for a while but luckily there IS another person in the office who can take over at least some of my work, and I can "direct" from behind the scenes at home.

Whew!

Thanks again!
~ML

I had a DaVinci and returned to my job at just 2 1/2 weeks, but I could really only do the work thing. When you first return to work you will be reminded by your body that you had major surgery. Good luck and try to ease back into the normal swing of thing.

I am a telecommuter and work from home, and I took off 3.5 weeks after a TAH. After 2 weeks, I was feeling pretty good, but I got tired very easily. My first week at work was last week, and by the end of each work day, I was wiped out--and I don't have to deal with clients, just a computer.

My recommendation would be to take the maximum that you can afford to take. I would have taken a bit longer if I could have, but as it was I used up every penny of sick pay that I'd built up. Remember, you only have one chance to heal properly. Don't short-change yourself!

I started working from home on day 6 post-op, and went back to work today, day 17. I could have gone back last week, except for the one hour subway commute. I'm timing my commute to avoid rush hour - I need a seat, and I don't need people whacking my stomach with their bags!

I think you may be able to return after two weeks, especially if you can work short days if needed, but it would be a good idea to allow for longer, just in case. Good luck!