1. Community
  2. Operations and surgical procedures
  3. Hip Replacement

Returning to Work

Posted , 7 users are following.

Barhi
Barhi

I went back to work today - 11 weeks post-op.  I thought I would share my

RTW Plan in case it is of benefit. 

I have also been given a disabled parking spot so that I have a very short distance to walk on these icy mornings.

Week 1 - 7 Hrs - 2 x 3.5hr days

Week 2 - 17.5 Hrs - 4 x 3.5hr days

Week 3 - 21 Hrs - 3 x 7hr days - suggest break between days

Week 4 - 28 Hrs - 4 x 7hr days - suggest break between days

Week 5 - 33 Hrs - split across the week

Week 6 - 35 Hrs - split across the week

Week 6 - 37 Hrs - split across the week

Week 7 - Business as usual

Yes, I know I am very lucky to have such a great employer!

3 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • DawnDedee
    DawnDedee Barhi

    Posted

    Fantastic Barhi! You are very fortunate! I wish you the best as you work your way back to full on work!

    Dawn

  • ian97093
    ian97093 Barhi

    Posted

    Hi Barhi, I am just beginning the process, I have to have both Hips replaced as soon as is possible, I have organised a sitting down role in the workplace, however I work in the public eye and will not be able to use crutches at work, I am in fine shape aged just 54 I have just 10 weeks sick with pay so will have to get it all in in that time, I am a quick healer just hope its quick enough.

    Hope all goes to plan, it looks like a good plan.

    Kind regards Ian.

    • Barhi
      Barhi ian97093

      Posted

      Hi Ian

      I have been crutchless on smooth surfaces for a couple of weeks now and on dog walks (in the New Forest, so ground is pretty rough) for about a week.  So, you could well be crutchless at 10 weeks.  It was interesting though that people mentioned today how much more stable I was on my feet than the last time I saw them two weeks ago.  It really is a daily improving siutation for me.  I spend less and less time looking at the ground I am walking on and more being able to look at my environment!

      I appreciate what you say about being in the public eye, but given how understanding most people are, could you not use crutches if you need them?  I was on crutches for 6 weeks pre-op to enable me to keep going in my job.  I host customers - some of them very high profile from well known companies and there were no issues at all.  Just a thought.

  • jeanp
    jeanp Barhi

    Posted

    Hi Barhi,

    That seems a reasonable phased return. Did you have to have any adaptations to your job (different seating, different ways of doing things?)

    My return is being a bit speedier. I did a couple of half days, just light admin stuff, before Christmas, then had two weeks off (I work in a college). From January 5th, the programme is:

    Week 1: three half days

    Week 2: four half days

    Week 3: two full days, two half days, one full day off in the middle

    Week 4: five full days – back to normal, with proviso that I can go home early if necessary).

    So I am back to full time next week. Think it might be too quick, but will give it a go. I had a hip revision on October 14th last year.

    Hope your return goes smoothly!

    Jean

    • Barhi
      Barhi jeanp

      Posted

      I don't think I will need any adaptations, but my colleagues will always help if I need them (like when we were searching in the bottom of a cupboard for some screen cleaner today - but then I realised I could just kneel down).

      The main pressure will come when I have a customer to host for the day.  This isn't planned to happend before 10 Feb, so I should be fine by then.

      Hope you cope well with the return to full time smile

       

    • ginger47520
      ginger47520 Barhi

      Posted

      When you get you new hip Barhi, you can't bend down on your knees. No bending or braking the 90° plane. When you heal and to get down like that it's very hard to stand up.you will need something to pull up on.

      Ask you doctor a lot of theses kind of restrictions

    • Barhi
      Barhi ginger47520

      Posted

      Hi Ginger - yes, I know very well about the restrictions - this is my second hio operation (my first was a BHR).  But you (well, I) can get on your knees without breaking the restriction.  Just go down bad leg first.  All you need is something fixed to support you when you get up (good leg first).  Saw the suggestion on here from someone who had young children and their physio suggested it.  It works brilliantly.
    • Paula8080
      Paula8080 jeanp

      Posted

      Hi Jean, I'm on the list and also work in a college.  I work in admin but do spend quite a bit of time going from office to office!  Do you teach?  I hope your back to work plan is going well and your first full week isn't too taxing!
    • ginger47520
      ginger47520 Barhi

      Posted

      I seeded what you are saying. I sure was surprised at seven months I was out side I knelt down to hammer stakes into the ground to hold my Christmas Angel.

      But I couldn't stand up. It was out front my house where every one could see.

      I had to crawl up the driveway to pull up on my car.very embarrassing.

    • Barhi
      Barhi ginger47520

      Posted

      When I knelt down to garden after my first hip operation, I made sure I had a sturdy bucket beside me as I weeded.  It acted as a bin for the weeds and then I used it to help me get up.  I'm looking forward to when my husband has pressure washed the winter slime from my paths and made it safe enough for me to venture out in the garden again this time round smile.
    • jeanp
      jeanp Paula8080

      Posted

      Hi Paula,

      I don't teach, I'm a classroom support person, which is a third of the money of the teachers, but a tenth of the hassle, paperwork, meetings! (and NO marking!) It can be interesting and varied, and I have learnt a lot (though A level Physics went straight over my head).

      There is a bit of walking between different buildings, but my timetable has been worked out so I don't have to go to the furthest one, or up and down more than once a day. I find it better to be moving around a bit, don't you? else you stiffen up.

      You say you are on the list - when is your op likely to be?

    • Paula8080
      Paula8080 jeanp

      Posted

      Admin pay is the same in education, particularly in Cornwall!

      It sounds like your college have been extremely accommodating and helpful so that's good.

      I've only just gone on the list and my surgeon said 6 months but I've checked on the NHS website and it says 13 weeks at the hospital I'm going to, so fingers crossed!  I think he was playing it safe with his figures.

      Take care

      Paula lol

  • Paula8080
    Paula8080 Barhi

    Posted

    Hi Barhi, sorry previous reply should have gone to Jean!  I like the sound of your return to work plan, will definitely be trying something along those lines when I have mine done! Good luck!
  • jennifer2000
    jennifer2000 Barhi

    Posted

    This is really helpful Barhi. Occupational health have said they will come up with a plan for me but it's good to have an idea.

    Thanks for sharing!

    Jennifer, UK

  • jill48316
    jill48316 Barhi

    Posted

    Sounds as though you are doing very well.  Think you must be a great employee too!  Hope it all continues well too.
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.