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Returning to work after a tkr?

Posted , 9 users are following.

Clarkey1962
Clarkey1962

I'm due back to work after having 3 months off. I'm not worried about the actual return to work but the thought of the commute terrifies me. Has anyone else felt like this before returning to work and what advice would you give? I was thinking of asking to stagger my journey (outside of the rush hour) for the first few weeks at least. HELP! 😕

0 likes, 20 replies

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  • andrea30334
    andrea30334 Clarkey1962

    Posted

    I think you need another month off!!! But at our place we do phased return so if it makes you feel safer do that???I think ur not ready??? You need to be 100% sure about returning???
    • Clarkey1962
      Clarkey1962 andrea30334

      Posted

      I think I am ready but not ready for the journey!!! Think I will ask about staggered return though. It's at times like this that I wish I was a lady of leisure!! 😀
    • andrea30334
      andrea30334 Clarkey1962

      Posted

      Yeh I thought id be bored to tears and hate it cos I work full time!! But I love it unf im still to early only 7 weeks post op to be doing much so am gonna make sure I have time off to chill and do a bit when im more healed!! Yes I think I too would like to be a lady of leisure!!!
    • Clarkey1962
      Clarkey1962 andrea30334

      Posted

      Definitely especially now the weather is getting nicer ... pity the knee gets in the way!!! 😅
  • susan20089
    susan20089 Clarkey1962

    Posted

    Does your company offer a phased return to work after long term sick?   You should really start back doing shorter hours, thus enabling you to travel in off peak hours.
    • Clarkey1962
      Clarkey1962 susan20089

      Posted

      I'm think I'm going to ask them about a staggered return. I think they do offer that so will take advantage of it until I feel ready to tackle the rush hour!!
  • suzanne64053
    suzanne64053 Clarkey1962

    Posted

    Hi..definitely try and get a phased return. I did several weeks at half time and then a couple at 3/4 time. I didn't go back till 3 1/2 months and even with the phased return and travelling out of the rush hour I think I went back too soon and ended with my back going into spasm.
    • Clarkey1962
      Clarkey1962 suzanne64053

      Posted

      Oh no ... that's what worries me. It would be so much easier if the consultant said "I'm signing you off for 6 months with a phased return after that for a further 3 months"' I'd be well up for that!! 😀😀😀😀
    • susan20089
      susan20089 Clarkey1962

      Posted

      Does your consultant sign you off because with me, it was my GP. I would just either see gp or ring and she would just give me a certificate.   Only you know when you are read, not the consultant.  He will just discharge you from the hospital aftercare.  He will not know when you are physically and mentally ready for work.   I think 3 months is a good guide before you return.  
    • Clarkey1962
      Clarkey1962 susan20089

      Posted

      No it was the consultant. I do feel after 3 months that I'll be ready for the return but will try to phase the return rather than start full time straight away. Xx
  • elaine94716
    elaine94716 Clarkey1962

    Posted

    Hi Clarkey I am exactly the same mindset I cannot imagine the commute, I do car to station, then train, then either tube or bus.  Seems almost impossible. I am going to TELL them I'm coming back on a phased return of shorter hours for at least a month then see how I go.  I'm only 6 weeks post op so a little way to go yet but still worrying about it now.  I don't even sleep through the night yet so how are we supposed to concentrate on work.  

    You must try and get a bit more time off then tell them y will be doing part time for a while and play each day as it comes.  Good luck. Let us know how it goes x

    • Clarkey1962
      Clarkey1962 elaine94716

      Posted

      My commute is very similar to you. Car, train and then walk. Thankfully I don't need to take the tube anymore because that would be a killer!!! The thing is, I'm mentally ok and feel like I want to go back just for the routine and to start feeling like my old self but I think that is way off yet!!! Just wish I could sleep for more than 2 hours at a time and get rid of the tightness around my knee!!!

      I know I was warned that this was a long process but I didn't think it would be this hard! 😤 xx

  • kathryn42410
    kathryn42410 Clarkey1962

    Posted

    I'm almost 9 weeks post op and I've been doing some work from home for the last week. I am desperate to get back to work but my leg doesn't agree. I had other bits done to my leg as well as TKR and may need further surgery.

    What I've found the most surprising is that I can't sit at a desk for longer than 30 mins. My whole leg seizes up and it takes me 10 mins to get it moving. I live 30 mins drive from work (with no traffic) so can't imagine when I'll be up to that. On my sick note though there is a box that they can tick that relates to a change of hours. Why not see your Doctor and mention your fears? Work are obliged to allow you a phased return on medical grounds. It's not worth pushing yourself, you could put yourself back if you try to struggle through the 9-5 rush hour.

    Good luck x

    • Clarkey1962
      Clarkey1962 kathryn42410

      Posted

      Thanks ... I think I will definitely have sword regarding the phased return. I have a note on my certificate that says I must exercise every hour as my job means I sit at a desk all day!!! My knee seized up before the op and that is what concerns me now. Could be grounds for medical retirement?? 😁😀😀
    • kathryn42410
      kathryn42410 Clarkey1962

      Posted

      If you get anywhere with medical retirement let me know...I'm only 36 though so might struggle to get that through lol.
    • Clarkey1962
      Clarkey1962 kathryn42410

      Posted

      Umm ... that might be a challenge!!! But anything is possible!!! 😀😀
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