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Returning to work post surgery

Posted , 17 users are following.

kim89222
kim89222

Hi, I'm due hip replacement surgery very soon but I'm concerned

my boss who is my husband will need me back at work before

I'm ready

I sit at desk, how soon can I safely return to work? He seems to think

everything will be back to normal in about a week post surgery

Thank you in advance

1 like, 39 replies

39 Replies

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  • brendahis
    brendahis kim89222

    Posted

    Hi Kim,

    I think your hubby is expecting a bit much. Everyone gets over op in different ways and times. I think a week is pushing it a bit. Maybe 3 wks you can sit at a desk, how much work you can do is another matter. After op everything is very tiring.

    Good luck.

    Brenda xx

  • sue1957Geo
    sue1957Geo kim89222

    Posted

    I was off 3 months, I work in a office, believe me you will have to put your husband right, you will not be working after 1 week.

    suexx

    • sue1957Geo
      sue1957Geo

      Posted

      I just sat and watched on iTunes what the op actually is, after 8 months get your husband to watch it, I tell you it's amazing, and you learn why you get pain in different areas.

      good luck Hun xx

      sue

  • kris1964
    kris1964 kim89222

    Posted

    No way. Put him right!  It is not just sitting, although that would be difficult enough!  You will feel amazingly tired for the first two weeks. Lots of us have not even been able to read a trashy novel without falling asleep!

    Take care. X

    • kim89222
      kim89222 kris1964

      Posted

      Thank you All, I'm feeling very alone and scared right now, I was hospitalized at the

      Beginning of the year with thunderclap headaches and I didn't have a day off work

      then.

      I'm just starting to realize what a bully I'm Married to ??

  • Lorna020247
    Lorna020247 kim89222

    Posted

    Hi Kim  Your husband is having a joke no way will you be back at work sitting at a desk more like 6 weeks and that could push it, its a big op and you will be very tired and need rest. Sitting at a desk not a good idea for your 90 degree for a start. Get him to talk to your Surgeon and perhaps he will undwestand better.

    Good Luck Lorna

  • Lorna020247
    Lorna020247 kim89222

    Posted

    I am amazed he could think you could be back so soon, i agree what you say he is a bully put him right straight away x

    Does he realise he will be cooking and doing house work washing etc he is in for a big shock.

  • maggie93798
    maggie93798 kim89222

    Posted

    I had 12 weeks off then a phased return. I do lab work Given a 6 week sick note before leaving hospital, GP topped it up for the other 6. My husband did all the washing cleaning and cooking for the first 2 weeks then I was able to do more and more. No way could I have worked at one week
  • Leslie4077
    Leslie4077 kim89222

    Posted

    You're getting lots of good advice, Kim.  I'm 4-weeks post-op and for me sitting up straight is still one of the hardest things for me.  I find it so uncomfortable.  I'm used to my recliner with a big pillow to prop iPad or books on.      Week One I could hardly do a thing -- walking to the bathroom was a real accomplishment.  I was stronger in Week Two but not much.....  I hope when your husband actually sees what a hip recovery looks like, he'll be more understanding/lenient.  Keep us posted,  Leslie

  • linda38528
    linda38528 kim89222

    Posted

    Hi Kim,

    I really think you should show your hubbie the video of the surgery.

    I cannot imagine being productive at work for several months - the physical and mental toll leave you very sore, tired and mentally, it is extremely challenging to focus and concentrate for any length of time.

    Time for a reality check - you will need care for all activities of daily living in your first two weeks and after that, time to recover. Not to mention the work you have to to recover properly.

    Have you been to an orientation session - bring him along if you can so the health professionals can re-orient him.

    With big hugs (don't be shy about coming back here for support),

    L

    • kim89222
      kim89222 cathy_58902

      Posted

      Try utube hun, I watched about half of one and turned it off,

      Good luck

      kim

    • linda38528
      linda38528 cathy_58902

      Posted

      Hi Cathy,

      Just Google it and you find many - both real surgeries and an animated version. 'You tube' has several available - we cannot show direct links here, sorry. There are several surgical approaches to a total hip replacement .. do you know which type you are getting (posterior, lateral, anterior, etc)? This will affect the type of recovery, restrictions and meds are used and the nature of the advice we can offer . ?

      Good luck . hugs.

      L

    • linda38528
      linda38528 cathy_58902

      Posted

      Just realized i can send links in private messages. Look for one from me shortly on your account.

      Hugs.

      L

  • Chloeparrot
    Chloeparrot kim89222

    Posted

    Hi Kim

    Oh dear, your husband is in for a shock if that what he thinks.  First of all you're going to need help for the first 2 weeks to do the most simple of tasks as you will either have a walker or be on 2 crutches.  You will also spend the first week asleep.

    Once the first week is over you will find that you have the attention span of a gnat and then you will fall asleep!  

    I note that a number of people have suggested that hubby watches the online operation and I think that would be a really good idea.

    I'm self employed so I know about the pressure to return to work.  I am now 4 weeks post-op and can manage to do 2 hours per day in my office and that's it. It also means that I have to have a nap afterwards too.

    So, to summarise:

    - No you won't be returning to work after a week

    - Hubby needs to watch the operation on line

    - Don't expect too much of yourself too soon

    - More importantly, don't allow hubby to expect too much of you too soon

    Good luck

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