question about computer work post-op

OK, now I'm confused.

My surgeon told me I should be able to do some computer work from home by the third week of my recovery.

But I read in the recovery do's and don't article here:

"NO sitting for prolonged periods (i.e. in front of a computer)"

I have told my work I'll be able to answer emails and maybe do a couple hours of work a day in the third week.

Is an hour on the computer in the morning and an hour in afternoon in my third week realistic? (I'm lucky to have a super comfortable ergonomic chair - don't know if that makes a difference)

I know everyone heals differently and it's impossible to say what will happen, but I'd like to be prepared and not give my work any unrealistic expectations.

Comments appreciated!

Hi shegeek:

No, I don't think an hour each in the am and pm will be overdoing it, depending on your own recovery of course. I'm in my 3rd week after a TAH and I'm spending that much time at the computer without any ill effects. After about 15 minutes I get up and walk around the apartment for a few minutes, then go back to it. I also don't sit in a regular chair, I'm using a lawn chair so I'm slightly leaning back (not reclining!) and I've got the keyboard on my lap. I still can't sit up straight for any length of time, at least not comfortably.

I've also seen some ladies here post that they have a laptop that they put on a counter top and then stand up to use.

I should also mention I'm not a 'fast' healer by any means so I figure if I can do it, most others will be able to do it too!

HollyK

Good question shegeek!

I'm hoping after about 2 wks post op to be able to do some work on my comp at home. That's what I've told my work and how I'm not going to lose so much pay being off. (It's a small company and doesn't qualify for the FMLA.)

My desktop is in my living room and I'm hoping with the wireless keyboard and mouse I can figure out a way to surf (er, I mean work ) from the couch.

Good luck to you and I hope you're feeling well enough to do so quickly.

Thanks girls for the tips and good wishes, back at ya!

My home office is in the basement (stairs stairs stairs), as a designer I kind of need the big monitor setup down there, but perhaps if we get the internet going upstairs, I can answer emails standing up in the kitchen at other times.

Luckily I was setup to work from home already....and my nice little mac laptop only weighs 6 lbs or so!

Hi shegeek,

I have my business in my home, and needed to return to work asap. I was out of work 3 weeks prior to my hysterectomy (since 3/26) and really can't lose anymore work. I started back to work last week at 2 1/2 weeks postop and am putting in approx 20 - 25 hrs. I had an LSH/BSO, so my abdominal pain has not been too bad. However I have been taking dilautid for chest pain. This makes me a bit foggy so I work slower...I do database/programming - but at least I can work. I work in my home office at the desktop and try to get up frequently. My biggest hurdle has been my lack of enthusiasm to return to my work.

Good Luck in your recovery and easing back into work!

thanks seagate

I guess if you're able to handle some database programming I can maybe handle some xml by week 3 or 4. I was wondering about that aspect of my job. Design is a little easier to do than code when your brain is fuzzy.

I am working in software dev, so code mistakes are BAD NEWS. I want to make sure I'm all there before I start delving back into that.

Hi,

The problem with computer work is with sitting, which puts a lot of pressure on your internal healing tissues. So, if you're working at home, you need to either get up and walk around every 20 to 30 minutes for 10 minutes at a time, or you need to devise a way to sit in a reclining position so the pressure is eased. (I worked by putting my laptop computer on a lap desk while I sat in my recliner.)

The other problem may be brain fog. The combination of lingering anesthesia effects, pain meds, hormonal fluctuations, and insomnia can make it very difficult to think straight that soon after surgery. You may not be doing your best work and may be more prone to making mistakes.

It is doable, but please remember to take it easy. This time is meant to be spent healing, which should be your first priority. You only get one chance at a good recovery.

s,

Lisa

Thanks Shashi

I'll remember to use common sense and not push it.

I do remember that computer work the day after my polypectomy (which started this whole crazy ride) was a no go cuz it made me dizzy.

The reclining thing is a good idea - perhaps I should plan on working from my couch instead.