When is the right time to go back to work

Hello lors23

I think you should do what's best for you listen to your body. I wad manager at grocery store after my hip revision and i tried to go back but could hardly make it 4hours. I'm on disability and have been for 2 years i live in California . I unfortunately have sciatic nerve damage from my revision hip surgery.

I have hip dysplasia from birth left side. Nobody really understands the pain we have and recovery is slow process. I have learned from this site and some doctors is to be patient and listen to your body. I'm going back to school to train for something sitting down which is also hard to do.

Take care let us know how your doing

Jackie

As has been said many times we are all different and heal both mentally and physically at different rates. I went back after one hip replacement after 12 weeks on a phased return. At 68 I had already been working part time, 3 days a week, for a couple of years. I found this is a good work/life balance for me. I did consider complete retirement but like you knew I had to do something and decided to go back. Very glad I did. July is still some time away and your sleep pattern and pain levels may well have changed for the better by then. For what it is worth I would give it a go and see how you get on, from what you say the possibility of part time will still be there in the future. Better to make the part time/ change of direction decision when fully recovered.

Dear Laura, 

I read your post a couple of times -  Good to have it written out ..

It feels as if you feel a bit pressured to make up your mind and give them (your work) an answer in the upcoming meeting about a phased return to your job in July - 

How about taking off the pressure - go to the meeting and listen to what they offer - the hours, the days ... it is still 2 months away - maybe working part time will give you additional time to figure out what and how you want to fill in your time ..

I also understand that you don't want to string them along ..you are a dependable and loyal employee , no question about that - 

or, another option, be honest with them ... at this point you are physically not ready to come back - 

It is tough, sweetheart and I so understand how difficut this is - however, this time you have the opportunity to choose for Laura !!!! take this opportunity - you have a loving husband who fully supports you ... 

don't allow anybody to put pressure on you ... ultimately it is your choice - problem is that for some reason we feel that we need to defend ourselves - 

as for feeling invisible --- I know what you mean - try to bless them - 

("how come you are still walking with a cane?  still in pain? still limping?...etc")-

Put Laura number one - no need to make yourself sick about it - for each surgery is a healing time - we had 2 - the 2nd one when the 1st one was not healed yet by a long shot - 

There is nothing wrong with you, you are not weak or anything -- you are healing your body and mind after major and traumatic surgery ---

angel blessings and peace of mind

big warm hug

renee

 

Aloha dear Laura - how terrible to feel so pressured! You want to be further along in recovery but your body is saying no. How frustrating that even your mother says this. I would have to tell everyone in a calm way - mom or work or even doctors - I'm trying but my body obviously needs more healing time.

I'll be thinking of you as you go to your work meeting & hoping you tell them the truth - that this week you are not ready to go back to work, but it may be different in July.

Sending prayers your way,

Soos

Hi Laura,

I think I have been lucky, got through my op and back to work in 13 weeks.  I work in a supermarket,so very physical.  I was dreading my phased return of 5 hour shifts, I normally work 6 or 7hours, but it seems to be working out. 

You go by how your body feels, only you know what it is like, maybe you will feel different in a couple of month, but if your not happy in your job and your not tied to it financially,maybe try it part time,to see if it's def not for you.Maybe this is the break you need to find something else. In the long run it has to be your choice.

Laura,

I know exactly what it's like - I was off for 5 months, after my botched operation and failed revision.  No-one will understand, but you can do it.

You need a good phased return to work - I started 3 days per week on 4 hours, and gradually over a month I built up to full hours.

I am still dog tired at the end of the day, and exhausted at the end of the week, but I do have to commute nearly 2 hours in and 2 hours out of London.

After 7 weeks back at work, now using the Boris hire bikes which feels like a great step forward.  My main problem is the seating, my old chair that was very comfortable has turned into a horrible place to be.  The seat curves up at the sides, and that hurts my scar area.   I have found a flat sat that I can use which is much more comfortable, unfortunately it's not in my office, but a satelite office, so I only get to use it one day a week.

Great big hugs.

Graham

XXX

Thanks again yals l guess its only me who knows how l feel and when l will be ready.

Xxx