Returning to work - advice please!

Posted , 4 users are following.

Hello! I'm just over 8 weeks post ORIF ankle surgery and am planning to go back to work in about 10 days time. I work in retail so am on my feet all day. I'll do a phased return, my Physio had recommended one day on/one day off... Will probably do three six hour days initially, with a break every two hours to elevate my leg. Just wondered if anyone has been in a similar position & had any advice ????

Thank you!

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    My personal opionion is your will have a rough time if you are on your feet.  I am back to work after surgery doing my desk job which consists of being up and down so elevating by foot is not much of a option so I go home every night with a very swollen foot.  My surgery was April 15th and I feel I have done extremly well except for the swelling, can't really wear shoes I am in a NIKE flip flop type shoe and I still wear my sock.  Hopefully it will work for you I will be waiting to hear how you do.   

    • Posted

      Thanks Kathy. Will let you know how I get on.
  • Posted

    Hi Julia! I was just told at last appointment (which was two days shy of 10 weeks post op) to stop using the boot and crutches. Prior to that I was partial wt bearing with two then one crutch and had walked without any crutches once at physio. I stand 8 out of 8.5 hrs at my job. Surgeon feels that I will be fit for that by September 1st when I am supposed to return. That will be about 14 weeks. He said if I don't feel I can stand 8 hours a day Monday thru Friday by then he is fine with partial shifts to start. The problem is IF my employer will go for that. I like the sound of your return to work transition but at week nine? Not sure. But then again I wasn't even walking/hobbling then! How is your walking coming? How long have you been able to walk? Sorry for the questions I just feel like the limp will never go away and something is causing my knee to hurt. If you or anyone can enlighten me on this walking journey l'd appreciate it. Best to you, Julia. Please post again so we know how you're doing. Hoping we will be skipping and jogging soon!

    • Posted

      Hi Lisa!

      Lovely to hear from you. I really hope we will be skipping & jogging soon too!

      I'm pleased to say my walking is come along pretty well. I can get about a home without crutches and can manage OK outside with one crutch. Can walk without the crutch outside but feel like I need it for extra stability when the terrain isn't 100% flat. I limp too but it is getting less prominent .

      Uhmm I'm not too sure about going back to work either. I will be at week 10 if I go back on the 16th. In the first week I need to do 19 hours which is half my contracted hours. And increase by 2.5 hours each week. Will see how I get on this week but I may need an extra week off. Am keen to get back ASAP as I mom longer receive company sick pay.

      Hope you've had a good weekend.

      Very best wishes

      Julia

  • Posted

    I'm hoping to go back to work as soon as possible.

     

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