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Issues before returning to work at 6wks, is that too soon??

Posted , 6 users are following.

lara37
lara37

I have a quick question. I am going into week four post op from my surgery. It was supposed to be a simple laproscopic vaginal but due to adhesions found during surgery the doctor had to resort to cutting my lower abdomen to complete. I had to go last week for pain and slight incision discharge and was given antibiotics because it turned out to be an infection. I am walking pretty good but can't walk for long periods of time and sitting upright for more than a couple of hours puts me in a lot of pain, burning, and swelling. My concern is that I only have two more weeks before I am supposed to return to work and I am so scared that I am gonna have to go back before my body is healed enough and once I go back to work I will not be allowed to take any time off of work for days I might have to call out because 1) you get attendance points if its not a scheduled absence and 2) I have no PTO once I return. I am currently using my FMLA and Short Term Disability (I can have up to 12 weeks of Short Term) while out. How should I handle talking to the doctor if I am feeling like my body is not healing fast enough. I have a desk job but I work 8-10 hrs a day with only two short breaks to be able to get up and walk around and currently the pressure placed on that area (because I am also heavier and have a little belly hang down that puts extra weight on my incision site) is only tolerable for around two hours max before I have to lay down or lay back to relieve the discomfort. And now I have developed a pain right above my belly button and pain mid lower abdomen aside from the right side discomfort I already had. My doctor said it looked like I had had multiple surgeries prior to my hysterectomy due to the amount of scar tissue/adhesions he found once he got in there incuding some attached to my bowels that he also took care of during surgery my uterus could be removed so I'm not sure if that has anything to do with my post op issues I've had. Once again I'm just so scared to go back to work too soon and risk losing my job because I won't be protected under my FMLA or covered on my Short Term Disability for missed days once I return......sorry so long just wanted to explain the situation.....any feedback will be greatly appreciated smile .

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • froggy28
    froggy28 lara37

    Posted

    You can only go by how your body feels and id explain all this to your Dr. If it is worrying you and better to have scheduled time off with certification until you are up to it they should listen to you. I'm not sure what PTO or FMLA mean but if it is company policy it sounds like you are better staying off until completely ready to return. Good luck
  • Mrskiwi
    Mrskiwi lara37

    Posted

    Lara why don't you speak to your GP they will surely sign you off for another couple of weeks I'm sure they will do that for you. Hope you feel better soon x
  • claire35272
    claire35272 lara37

    Posted

    Hi

    Listen to what your body is telling you, speak to your doctor if you don't feel well enough to return to work . I know 6 weeks is the time we are told it takes to recover but we are all different, only you will know when the time is right for you. Please don't feel pressured into returning to work if you're not ready, could you do a phased return. From my own experience I went back after 9 weeks and my hysterectomy was straightforward but I am still tired 13 weeks post op and only doing part time at the moment.

    You only get one chance to recover .

    Good luck

    Claire

  • Ginagirl
    Ginagirl lara37

    Posted

    Any hysterectomy you should allow at least 3 months off work..to rest totally some people need longer 6 months to heal internally.. emotionally as well as physically.. With work it all depends on your job and whether you are paid Off Sick.. The Doctor will put you off as long as you need..if your wound is still open and not healed up you cant go back to work, you need rest and fresh dressings daily...until the wound starts to dry up. Abdominal is not just about visual scars, internal as well ..which take longer. I guess you are in the USA .. I dont understand your Benefits system over there I am in Uk. Just get your Doctor to sign you off ..then you have documentation. If it gets nasty with work take them to unfair dismissal tribunal if it comes to that.. But in the meantime put it in writing to your Manager and keep a copy.. letter them each step of the way, to inform them of what is happening.. I am sure they will understand or threaten them if they dont.
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