Difficulty working

I'll bet it is extraordinarily difficult for you to be on your feet for 8 hours a day at 12 weeks with a fast-paced job, plus commuting to and from work. I so wish you didn't have to return to work yet, or that you could have returned at fewer hours. I have no suggestions about how to work from home, I'm sorry. I can only suggest that you do your best to educate those at work about you are capable of physically, and what you cannot do. Hope they can understand! 

Hi Vanessa,

I feel for you too.  The eight hours might be tolerable if it was not fast paced.  Do you have a pair of really comfortable shoes?  A pair with a lot of cushion?  For I image the floors you stand on are concrete? Also, If you can, try taking a few seconds many times a work shift to pump the blood up from your legs by rocking from heel to toe and back.  It works wonders for alleviating fatigue.

Another tip would be to have another pair of shoes to change into for the second have of the shift.  You could wear a pair of support tights or hose to help with fatigue also.

I used to work 12 to 14 hours a day and I learned all these tricks.  But I did not have a THR. Since my THR's, I have found that wearing a support pair of tights keeps me feeling all together.  Tight. Less pain, better circulation.  Then when I would go home, I would lay for 15 minutes with my feet and legs propped up, like on the back of my sofa and do stretches into the air.  That felt wonderful.

 I think you are wise to begin looking for another job.  I do not know of any legit home jobs, for I too have tried to find the same and all I can find is questionable. There are people who find them, but I sure would like to know how.

Lastly, I agree with Annie, that you need to educate them about your surgery.  Oh, I just thought of something funny but effective, direct them to the YouTube video of a THR so they can see what you went through!

I wish you well and am sending you strength...

Dawn, USA 

Hi Vanessa, 

Wow, that is tough ... You are right about people thinking that once you had the THR surgery, you should do things better than before - we will, but it takes time -

I started to volunteer in a senior home for a couple of hours a day 2-3 times a week - I can tell you that I feel bruised, stiff, muscles are achy etc when I come home and I am 24 weeks post-op from 2nd THR ...

One of the other volunteers has broken her wrist: very visible right - cast was already removed but her fingers and hand were still swollen - It is not that I don't sympathize but for some reason, when you can show them something, there is more understanding ...unless you meet someone who had gone through the same thing -

I know you feel responsible and want to really keep up the pace required, however, you are physically not ready yet - 

I am sure you have talked it over with them, maybe to work fewer hours - it is time to speak up, darling - you come first now - 

Question: do you like your job otherwise?   

Take care and be kind to yourself - 

big warm hug

renee

 

Hi Vanessa, 

I had to be retired on ill health from my job as I could no longer get up and down off the floor (I worked with small children). It was lifechanging and devastating but I had to think of a new career that fitted with my restrictions.

My partner works but we have had to change the standard of living we had and after I recover from my 2nd  hip (two weeks old) I will return to building my new business.

After the first hip I couldn't imagine returning to 35 hours a week on my feet and certainly not now. I don't think any of us who were working in full time physical jobs were ever advised that things would have to change. 

I wish you luck finding something else, Vanessa, not putting added stress on your hips is so important

Is there any chance you could go to your GP and explain the difficulties? Possibly you could be signed off for another few weeks? That sounds tremendously exhausting and is not good for your recovery.

If you can afford to, could you not speak with your employer and reduce your hours? 

I am having the same issue with people thinking you are suprerwoman after a certain period of time, in reality you do need to rest more, make time for your physio etc etc you may well not be back up to your normal speeds for a while longer yet. 

I hope you find a new job or a solution to the current one. I don't think I would be able to work those hours continuously either... 

i KNOW how you feel, today I am 8 weeks out, been on my feet 8 hours a day as well.(security) I have developed plantar fascia in my good foot, so it is painful to walk, on top of the hip. I am just going to work and hoping one day it will be good. I walk slow, and the muscles in both legs ache. Some of my co workers are great, yet others do not care. Par for life I guess. Looking for another job is also tough. Wish you the best!!