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Returning to work

Posted , 15 users are following.

sue37592
sue37592

I am 6weeks post op and was wondering how long people stay off work for, I am a teaching assistant with 5year olds so on my feet all day either in classroom or playground or dinner hall. My teacher said she thought i would be back by 6 weeks but I have not had my review appt yet so told her it would be another couple of weeks at least. I know physically I could not stand all day, my leg still gets stiff uncomfortable as day goes on and i am still really tired due to not sleeping well. Know everyone recovers at different rates but just looking any other opinions/ advice. Thank you xsmile

1 like, 82 replies

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  • pam92068
    pam92068 sue37592

    Posted

    Sue,

    not sure what pain meds you are on, but check with doc.  I started taking 2 extra strength Tylenol pm an hour before bed at around 6 weeks.  It did allow me 5 - 6 hours straight...and that was amazing.  At around 8 weeks doc changed my night time pain med to Tramadol...and said take the Tylenol pm too....I slept 8 hours straight first night.

    pam

    • sue37592
      sue37592 pam92068

      Posted

      Hi Pam, thank you, I'm taking cocodamol 30/500mg only as

      needed but usually in morning and at night and maybe the odd ipbrufen, i was on amytripline before surgery to help with pain and sleep at night but they haven't helped post op. I will see if i can get tylendol, i would do anything for more than 2 hours at a time, walk to freezer get more ice,go to loo, then lie awake a while and eventually sleep another couple hours. My poor

      husband , said I tossed and turned all night last night. Thank

      you xx

    • tracy2364
      tracy2364 sue37592

      Posted

      3 weeks + 2 days. I only take paracetamol at night's. Hate sleeping on my back. I also sleep in 2 hour segments. Get up, lol drink, sleep on back, try on side and then start the cycle again. My husband is in the spare room which is great as I don't disturb him and vice versa. Good luck for your recovery.
    • sue37592
      sue37592 tracy2364

      Posted

      You too Tracy, I also hate sleeping on my back, but can only get over half on back half side, I offered to sleep on sofa but husband said no, I'm 7 weeks and hve been told can take at least 12 weeks to sleep well!!! At least I'm on the homeward straigh ha ha xx
    • tracy2364
      tracy2364 sue37592

      Posted

      I,ve started rolling a candle under my foot of operated leg while sitting to loosen it, once I get a good bend I then push it with my other leg just that little bit further. Doing this four or five times a day and slowly increasing my rom and flexibility.
    • sue37592
      sue37592 tracy2364

      Posted

      I will give it a go, physio seems happy but i just want it further,thank you x
    • sueisobel
      sueisobel sue37592

      Posted

      If you can get the right night meds, then that will be half the battle.  The next may take a little time.  When you wake up in the night through pain, try and keep as still as possible, let the pain wash over you.  May take a while, but patience, when you reach an acceptable level, turn to a position that is comfortable and you should go back to sleep.  If you move as soon as you wake; your body will be tense as will your knee.  By not moving you relax. Don't switch on the light, read or go walk about as you will find it harder to go back to sleep.  As I said, it may take a little while as your normal reaction is to move as soon as you wake.  Hope it works for you.
    • pam92068
      pam92068 sue37592

      Posted

      Sue and Tracy,  I also hate sleeping on my back.  I have always been a side sleeper.  I practiced making myself sleep on back before surgery.  It helped me get to 100 percent straight quickly.

      pam

    • sue37592
      sue37592 sueisobel

      Posted

      Thank you. I will give it a try. I can see what you mean auto reaction to move. Xx
    • sueisobel
      sueisobel sue37592

      Posted

      You are very welcome, hope you find a way that suits you. Just remember to relax xx
    • pam92068
      pam92068 sue37592

      Posted

      Sue,

      suesibol's advise on moving techniques while sleeping at night really work.  Her knowledge has made a world of difference for me.

      Pam

    • sue37592
      sue37592 sueisobel

      Posted

      Hi Sue, when i woke last night the first time, moved ahh, ouch, awakw for ages as forgot your advice however when i woke the 2nd and 3rd time remenbered and got back over again relatively quickly, thank you. Hopefully will remember tonight! thank you x
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