Being realistic is a DOWNER

So, I'm reading all about these women that took 6 weeks off work and even then started out only working half days for the first week or two.

And... I take it I'm nuts for hoping hoping hoping hoooooping I could maybe return to work after a week?

I'm a longarm machine quilter (yes, I really am only 28!) and so busy with my waiting list (My customers currently have a 6 month minimum wait) and other projects I have to do and classes I have to teach that I was hoping to recover quickly enough to get back into the swing of things ASAP.

The more I read the less hopeful I am. Maybe *two* weeks? Please someone give me something here!

Editing to add: I'm having LAVH. We think. Depends what the lap shows.

I'm having a TAH. I was told by the doctor 6-8 weeks. However, I have read about some ladies who had a LAVH and has had a easier recovery. But I think you are pushing it to try to be back to work in a week...especially if you have to do any bending, lifting, or anything that uses your ab muscles. I wish you the best.

TIP: Do a search for LAVH on this site and see what information you get about recovery time. But remember everyone is different.

Imms 1981,

Customers can be stressful! I know! You will need to let them know there will be a delay. I tend to add to what I think I can do as far as 'delivery date' when I have any doubt. That way, if anything, you will improve it and the customer will be happy. Take some pressure off yourself. You need time to recover without pressure. You may be able to work but maybe not. You won't know for sure until the time comes. If you plan for six weeks and its only two weeks--GOOD . If you plan for two weeks and its six... .

LAVH is a little quicker than a TAH but everyone is different. I wish you a very speedy recovery!

Being realistic can be a downer... but you have to what the Dr orders. I had a TAH and I dont go back to work until 3/8/10. I was hoping for 4 weeks off and going back to work. My Dr quickly said, "NO WAY". He put me off for 8 weeks. I cant return without his written consent.
My cousin had LAVH and she was off for 4 weeks. She said that she still was tiring very easily but not any pain at that time frame.
It sounds to me like you use your arms quite a bit with you job. If so, that is pullling on your Ab muscles which in turn will not allow you to heal very fast. You need rest to heal correctly. Try not to push it if you dont absolutely have to.
Best Wishes for you!

I would ask your doctor about what he thinks is a realistic time line to return to work. I had a DvH with BSO and was not in any shape to return to work for at least two and a half weeks post op. I was so darn tired all the time that doing simple things was exhausting. You need to let your body heal or it will take a lot longer the second time. I have had two hospitalizations since surgery for one week each time. I think part of this was that I did too much too soon. My body just rebelled and said no way. If you have to use your arms a lot, you will probably be using your ab muscles and it will be hard. Wishing you all the best and yes being realistic is a downer but better to plan for more time than to be so disappointed when you need the extra time. I have figured out that it has cost me about an extra $3000 because I ended up in the hospital the second time. I lost time from work with no pay and also had the added expenses of medical bills including the hospital. It doesn't pay to rush it. Sending lots of hugs.

I had a TAH and my recovery has been great. At 2 weeks, I felt pretty much back to normal, but I was still taking it easy and resting between activities. I still am now at 3 1/2 weeks. I don't want to overdo and cause myself problems just because I feel good.

I'd say that going back to work at 1 week is probably unrealistic. If you recover well, you could probably work some at 2 weeks. I don't know how longarm machine quilting is done, but if you can sit, you can probably work more/sooner than if you have to stand. If you are able to lay down for 10 minutes every hour or so, you might be able to do even more.

i was really hoping to go back to work at 6 weeks but am waiting for my doctor to okay me. i had the robotic davinci surgery with very little pain and a smooth recovery but you still have to pamper your body and watch what you do. that first week they dont want you bending over at all or reaching for anything. i have a long list of clients who are desperately waiting for me to return to work but they also understand that ive had major surgery and need to heal properly or i could be out of work again with a complication. patience is the name of the game here, as difficult as it is. i know it has been for me.

I had a LSH/LSO and healed fairly quick; even so, the absolute earliest I could work was 4 weeks post-op. I took the 4th week off though because my energy level was completely GONE by Noon... So at 5 weeks, I was back to work full time. Still really tired in the evening (and I have desk job- not physical at all!). Last week (week 6) I was feeling totally physcially healed although some hormonal issues have now become my "issue")... but I can work with those for the most part. Even with the minimally invasive surgery I had - there was NO WAY I could have gone back to work at 2 weeks I phsically didn't get over that healing curve until the end of week 3-4. Good luck to you. Trust your body at all time and try to not to push past what it's telling you to do (like rest, or lay down or whatever...).

I am having a LAVH on March 3rd and plan to return to work on March 22nd. the doctor told me that if I follow all of the rule until then I can go back but only because I have an office job. I think you may be pushing it a bit to think that you can stretch and bend and pull that early. You have the rest of your life to think about, your customers need to be a bit more understanding. Take care of yourself.

I had a TLH 8 days ago and I wouldn't advise returning to work too soon. You should discuss this with your dr. Even if you felt OK, you still could do internal damage that could lead to complications. I know that isn't what you want to hear, but we only have one chance to heal correctly. Good luck with your surgery and recovery. Take care ~~ StarryNite