BACK TO work post op 3 week

Where do you live? Did you get a 3 week work release from your surgeon? If youre still uncomfortable I'd check back in with your surgeon or GP. Im a stay at home mom, but ive seen many ladies on this forum talk about getting a standard 6 weeks off and then successfully requesting another 6 weeks off.

Most have full 8wks off. You're crazy if you return to what you describe as your job as you risk the repairs failing. 

I’m in California, so I don’t know what your work rules are. My MD took me off work for 6 weeks with lifting restrictions. My job is also sitting for long periods of time with a laptop. Just the computer tote was more than my weight restictions. I felt bad for my coworkers having to cover for me, but they were super supportive. I found that a very frank discussion of what my surgery entailed left very few questions about my recovery. (Yes, I actually told them that my vagina was being cut open, rectocele tissue removed, and a new vaginal wall created). Don’t risk a failed recovery. Talk to your surgeon about more time off.

Best of luck.

Regards, Susan 

Thank you ladies I love in the UK I have a phased return certificate for the next 2 weeks just not sure how to say what I can md cannot do. 

I think 3 weeks sounds much too soon to be returning to work, my physio told me at least 6 wks and up to 12. If you really need to return can't you work from home in your role? I'd probably suggest short hours allowing yourself plenty of time to get ready and get to work, 10am until you physically and mentally feel you have done enough. I was given a 4 week sick note immediately, don't understand why every hospital seems to do things differently.

Jennifer I’m in the uk and 6 weeks post op anterior repair. I’m seeing GP today to request another 2 weeks off as no way i could stand or sit for too long let alone stay awake for a 12 hour shift. My surgeon signed me off for the full 6 weeks without me even asking. This is my second surgery and I did too much last time. You really dont want to go through this twice!

Hi Jennifer sorry if this is too late for your 9am call. Just seen this. I have had a similar op to you and also work in HR. A phased return to work can adjust what hours you can work, where you work ( eg from home) or adjust the types of tasks you are able to do as you recover. It would be quite reasonable for you to only work 3-4 hours in the first few days of returning to work, or work from home etc. and build up your hours and duties over the 2 to 3 weeks of your phased return. A responsible employer would not want to risk your recovery and you will undoubtedly need to gradually return to work over a period of weeks. I recall a different op I had a couple of years ago, I was 2 weeks off work then the following week I worked only 3 days out of 5 the following week and only for 3-4 hours and gradually built up my hours and days working over the following 3 to 4 weeks until I could do everything as normal. If you can work from home for an hour or so and get used to conference calls, working through emails etc. before biting the bullet and driving into work and sitting or standing at work. You may need to ask others to carry your lap top for you etc. If there is an occupational health dept at your work or a professional HR department, you may find it easier to talk to them rather than your manager about what reasonable adjustments are required to support your recovery and eventually a safe return to work.  Hope this helps.