Posted , 12 users are following.
So after a lot of thought I’ve decided to go back to work on a phased return. My sick note runs out on 9th April. I’m on my feet for 6 hours a day Mon-Fri so will try 3 days for few weeks to see how i get on.
I will be 10 weeks post op by then. I feel very low some days so I may benefit from returning. Has anyone found their return to work helpful, stressful, the right thing to do?
😊
0 likes, 35 replies
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Irish_Al wendie67130
Posted
Hi Wendie,
Hope you are feeling better. I about 15 weeks post op and just getting back to work. This is my second TKR, most people feel down at various points during the recovery, so don't worry it is pretty normal.
Re going back to work, just be careful not to overify do it. 6 hours per day sounds a lot to me but everyone is different. Also if you have an understanding boss and colleagues it's helpful. I would suggest to ease your way in and build up to six hours. Havery you spoke with your surgeon or physio? they are the experts. You will get good advice here from people like Chic and many others. Best wishes.
Alan
Irish_Al
Posted
Oldfatguy1 Irish_Al
Posted
Hey Alan, I didn't know you were back among the semi living. I see you did the 2nd one. Sure makes us happy we weren't developed like a tripod doesn't it. After 15 years of fighting the left leg problems the right knee suddenly started acting up. My surgeon says he is now doing a new type procedure called navigation. You still have the basics of a tkr but the rehab time is cut in half. I told him he may be half my age but I think.I can still outrun him when it comes to cutting on me again.
You take care of yourself. I don't how the weather is in Ireland but in the middle of the U.S. it looks like we could be in for another 3 weeks if winter. I've seen years I had already mowed the lawn twice by now. This year its just started three up a bit. Early Easter, late spring. Take care and leave the chopping around to the Easter bunny
Irish_Al Oldfatguy1
Posted
Hi OFG,
Great to hear from you and glad you are well. Yes I had the left knee done at the end of November. I was doing really well with the first TKR and almost out of the blue, my left knee gave up. Had the MRI and the doc said no point in pussy footing around, so it's done now and on the mend.
Just back to work now so a bit tired but overall really well. Yeah the weather here has been on the cold side, some heavy snow a few weeks back (which we are not used to), again on St. Patrick's weekend and some forecast again for Easter, but it's minor when compared to some other countries.
Have you had the second surgery or is it planned?
It will be very interesting to hear how quick the recovery is using the new technique.
Be well,
Alan
Oldfatguy1
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Oldfatguy1 Irish_Al
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I ha e to put it off as long as possible. My wife's Parkinson's has gotten much more debilitating and her dementia has as well. I have to care for her as long as I can. I promised her faithfully that I wouldn't let her go to an assisted living or nursing home so I'm holding true to my word. Probably the only decent thing I've done in 60 years of marriage. She put up with all my crap for over 50 yrs so I guess its now my turn. For better or for worse, in sickness or in health has stuck with me. I spent 40 plus years traveling for a living and she raised 4 kids very successful so I Definately owe it to her. I don't want to even think about the knee as I'm sure I'm going to have to have back surgery first. With Parkinson's comes the falling and I picked her up from the floor a couple too many times and screwed up my back beyond cortisone injections. Probably wiil have to have a fusion of the L3/4 and need a month rehab. I have found 1 facility that can take both if us so we can stay in the same suite. Her for respite care and me for rehab. She's fighting for all she's worth not the go but will have no choice when the time comes. Old age and aches and pains aren't good combinations. Take care. Well talk again.
linda84382 Irish_Al
Posted
wendie67130
Posted
Hi Alan, I hope you are well 😊
Yes I may just build up to a full day. I have literally just spoke to my boss and he is fine with me just doing as many hours as I can. So I can leave when I feel I’m getting tired so that’s a great thing, keeps the pressure off me a bit. I am so lucky.
I’m seeing physio and surgeon On wensday this week so will have a chat about it with them
Keep well 😊
max07424 wendie67130
Posted
wendie67130 max07424
Posted
Hi Max
You are at a very early stage of recovery Max. All I would say to you is remember we are all different and some recover quicker than others. I feel ready to at least tut to go back but listen to your body. I think for now you should take the time to concentrate on exercises, pain relief and getting some good physio before you return to work.
I decided that when I had my op 8 weeks ago, I would spend the next couple months making my recovery my priority as I want a functioning knee. Please don’t compare yourself to others. You will recover in your own time and you will know when’s your ready to go back.
Max are you still in hospital? THe staff should give you the right pain relief And ask for me more if you need it. Also they should send you home with supplies until you can get to your GP for another prescription. Are you in the UK? Never be afraid to ask medical professionals for help and advice and if you feel you are getting fobbed off then ask someone else.
It is a very long journey and it does get better. Keep reading And posting on here you will get some great support
Good luck with your recovery and remember it does get better 😊
wendie67130
Posted
Sorry for typos 😳
linda84382 max07424
Posted
Max I had my tkr 3 weeks ago. I was given time release oxycotin once a day with 5/325 hydrocodone, 2 every 4 hours. The oxy made me throw up so I had to stop that. Now I am taking 1 1/4 10/325 hydrocodone every 4 hours and it is handling the pain really well. Nights are the worst and if pain is bad I take another 1/4 tablet. I see a pain management specialist and I have to beg for meds. After this is over I will complain. I haven't been able to add a ibuprofen because I have been on blood thinner. Off that today so I am hoping 1 hydrocodone and 1 ibuprofen will do it.
You can't begin to recover until you get your pain under control. Call your surgeon every day if you have to. Be persistent. Praying for you.
CHICO_MARX wendie67130
Posted
Three months back to work is borderline; less than that is virtually unheard of. Many people who try report stiffness, swelling, limping and more, then get home in pain to ice and elevate, have sleepless nights and have to get up and do it all over again. I've read over 4,000 posts...very few people successfully return to work at 3 months; 4-6 is more likely.
Caveat: This is so very individual. A lot of it is based on how much exercise you've done to rebuild your dead quads, glutes and core to support the knee for 6-8 hours of work plus the commute. If you haven't done the rebuild work, your strength to handle the time on your feet will be very limited. PLUS...there's type of occupation, work requirements, age, ROM achievement, remaining meds, and so much more. In truth, the knee will tell you when you're OK to work again. If you're already out there doing 10,000 steps a day, day after day with no problem, you've got a shot. Push it at your own risk. We always hope the best for our fellow residents of TKRville...but going back to work is a very tricky and touchy subject. Hope you succeed...make good choices...the knee has to be given time to heal regardless of what our brain desires.
wendie67130
Posted
Hi Chico
I trust you are well 😊 yep I hear what your saying. I’m lucky I can have a phased return, others arnt that lucky. I will do as many hours as my knee allows. The team
I work with are great and will totally support me whether I work 3 hours 4 hours or 6. I will be 10 weeks p/o on my return and will definitely play it by ear. Reading on here about some, I’m lucky I’ve been able to have so much time off.
Hopefully it will be a positive experience let’s watch this space 😂😂
CHICO_MARX wendie67130
Posted