My boss feels I can return to work in 3-4 weeks after a vaginal hysterectomy

Methinks he probably Googled it, Yes it is minimally invasive (I had one done last December) I was lucky in as much as I experienced no pain but it is still MAJOR surgery, it will all depend on what work you do but I think 2 weeks is pushing it, it is usually 4-6weeks minimum.

Hiya

I don't understand these bosses? Did he google your recovery time like mine did? You have not had your surgery yet and every person is different in healing!! I had TAH and removal if ivaries a week ago today and I have advised my manager after she rudely googled my recovery that I will be back when I am fit enough to do so and my manager is female!! Take your time and return when you and your gp says so x keep me informed thinking of you

Nic

There is no way you will be ready to return to work and your consultant will provide you with a letter to that effect

Hi Marketa

Good luck for your operation.  Everyone reactions differently to this major operation but usually it is 6 weeks minimum before any thought can be given to work.  I don't know what you do for a living, but even the easiest job can take it out of you until you have completely recovered.    

Hopefully your GP will support you in this, if not your surgeon will.

Warmest Wishes 

Jacqui 

Hi Mareta,

I went back to work 1 week post op, due to the fact I was on my 3rd surgery before we did the vagional hysterectomy and I went back to work after one week. If I had more paid leave I think 2 weeks would have been better, for me personally. The major issue I had returning so soon was pain and pressure when sitting to long, extra swelling. I'm not 2 months post op and feel fine. If you have paid leave or FMLA where you are I would take a no less than 2 weeks off Good luck to you! Erin

The hospital will give you a fit note for 4 weeks straight off. If you aren't feeling up to it before it runs out see your Gp and tell them that. I did and got another 2 weeks. Went back this week and wish I'd asked for a few more weeks as although I've taken leave to have shorter week I'm rediculously shattered. Plus they keep saying take it easy in the same breath as this needs to be done by end of day!!! Whilst you are under a doctor's note they cannot do anything to make you come back. All depends on your policy for pay when off sick if you can afford it. Good luck but don't rush back it's still a major op. Mine was laparoscopy so similar recovery times to you.

you cannot judge before how well you will feel afterwards. Consultants and GPs sould be the ones who decide when you are fit fot work not your employer

Hi Marketa

Typical attitude of a man - no idea whatsoever!!

I wouldn't worry too much.  I had the same procedure in January and my surgeon automatically gives a 6 weeks certificate for recovery.  It is true that where the op is done vaginally it is less invasive and as you have no external wound, healing is generally quicker.  I had no pain or discomfort at all from day one.  The downside is that because you feel so well (I felt like I was on holiday for 6 weeks!) you tend to think you can do things which you shouldn't do.  I was careful not to lift anything but nothing was said about other movements and I twisted awkwardly when I was just pulling out a plug from behind my sofa and as a result I must have torn stitches and had a very scary bleed at 2 weeks post op.  So be warned not to make any bending, stretching etc moves.

Anyway, you might want to speak to your consultant's secretary to find out whether he also automatically gives 6 weeks recovery time.  I did feel that I could have gone back to work earlier (I'm a secretary and sit down a lot) but in reality I wouldn't have been able to carry files or run up and downstairs etc until the six weeks was up.

Good luck with the op - I'm sure you will be fine and just in time to enjoy 6 weeks rest while the weather is still hopefully warm!

Shani xxx