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Sick Leave

Posted , 16 users are following.

lorene30860
lorene30860

I had my TKR just over 5 weeks ago and have been on leave since then. There was a 2 week section in the middle when I was on "holidays" but nonetheless I have not returned to work since the operation. I have to say that I still at this stage feel totally incapable of working at my job - at a computer - I am always feeling the need to change positions ie from up to down, and from down to up, which I cannot do once I return to work. Also, by the time I complete the required exercising, walking, icing, physio appointments and dr appointments, the day is practically taken care of.

I'm wondering how long people in my situation have had off work. I saw one post some time ago where the patient said they'd had 12 weeks off but I'm wondering if I should be moving back to work yet or am I pushing it?

1 like, 60 replies

60 Replies

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  • susan33930
    susan33930 lorene30860

    Posted

    I'm at 9 and a half weeks and have tried to go back to work a little bit but also struggle with sitting at the desk.  Did 3 hours on Monday (kept getting up and down when I remembered to) and during the night and on Tuesday it was awful, painful at night, more uncomfortable during day - came up really swollen and hot, so spent most of the day icing.

     Thing is I work for a charity and there is so much to do and they are struggling to cope without me,  and I feel guilty that at this stage I can't do what I should be doing.

    • lorene30860
      lorene30860 susan33930

      Posted

      Hi Susan

      I reckon you need to care for you atm. I know the charity work is important but if you hurt yourself further you will be off longer. Best wishes. 

  • patsyrose
    patsyrose lorene30860

    Posted

    Hi Lorene

    I had 6 weeks off for each of my knees.  I work at home, on a computer, and the sitting does not do me any good (and, I believe) caused the issues with straightening that I subsequently suffered.

    It is difficult to take those regular breaks, particularly when you get caught on conference calls.  As always, the 6 week appt with the consultant is always for after the 6 week certificate expires.  I would see how you feel, and then visit your GP if you feel you need longer off.

    Patsy

    • lorene30860
      lorene30860 patsyrose

      Posted

      Thanks Patsyrose. My specialist appointment is on Wednesday, so I will see what he says then. I'm so over this constant pain, not sleeping and emotional breakdowns. I was so not ready for this! I wish I'd had some kind of fore-knowledge of what I should have expected. Oh well - one day at a time! Thanks for your information. 
  • joan42572
    joan42572 lorene30860

    Posted

    I'll be at 8 weeks tomorrow and my surgeon says I am "well ahead of schedule" in my recovery, yet I don't think I ould possibly handle going back to work (fortunately I am retired). It seems we all suffer from similar problems - soreness which makes it necessary to change positions frequently, and since that happens a lot to night, not sleeping well too. Also as you mentioned, keeping up with your exercises is very important - twice a day recommended - so I think you'd find that difficult if you went back to work. 

    Take as much time as you can and you will know when you're ready to go back.

    • lorene30860
      lorene30860 joan42572

      Posted

      Hi. Thanks Joan. I know I'm not ready. I'm so emotional though apart from the physical recovery. It's really been an uphill battle. 
  • janice83811
    janice83811 lorene30860

    Posted

    Lorene there is no way you can go back to work this early in the game. when I go bacl I will be 12 weeks and if I feel not ready, I will not go back. I got a family leave. The law isbon your side if your doctor agree. You have to fill out the paper work. If he don't he not a good Dr. Mine told me id I feel that if I not able to perform my job he would give me extra time in the end you only hurting yourself.
    • lorene30860
      lorene30860 janice83811

      Posted

      Thanks Janice. I know, from reading the advice on here, that I would be silly to even think about it at this stage. My specialist appointment is on Wednesday, so I will see then. Cheers and thanks for your advice. 
  • martinarvelo
    martinarvelo lorene30860

    Posted

    Heavens no . . I would think twelve weeks is about the minimum!  As you say, all the ncessary icing, elevation, exercising takes up so much of the day . .no time left for going to work!
    • martinarvelo
      martinarvelo janice83811

      Posted

      Ah yes. . you have to be brave to go back to work after eight weeks, as Lorene is contemplating!  I think in the USA you don't have as much job protection as in the EU . . . .or such free medical services either.  I'm sure a lot of Spaniards (where I live) are not aware how lucky they are compared to other countries regarding fee health care, job protection etc. . . But we don't have your lovely Rocky Mountains, or lake Tahoe . . . . . . . .
    • lorene30860
      lorene30860 martinarvelo

      Posted

      Hi Martin. Yes, I've realised I would be silly to even think about going back just yet. I've taken on board what people on here have had to say. Thanks you for your input. 
    • lorene30860
      lorene30860 martinarvelo

      Posted

      I know, after reading all these comments, that 6 weeks is too early. I have the sick leave there, so providing my surgeon will continue my leave I will take it. It's still an emotional rollercoaster and the pain is continual, with little sleep in between to make it better. Thanks. Oh, by the way, I'm in Australia. 
  • ElaineA
    ElaineA lorene30860

    Posted

    Hi lorene30860, I have been off for 13weeks and I am definitely not ready for work. Someone I know didn't go back to work for 12months. It's a long haul, don't push yourself so hard.
    • lorene30860
      lorene30860 ElaineA

      Posted

      Thanks ElaineA. I realise now that I would be silly. I was not ready for the toll the surgery would take - both physical and emotional. I am a mess emotionally - I think I'm wearing down from pain, lack of sleep etc but it is all within normal I think. Thanks for your advice. I hope you do well. 
    • ElaineA
      ElaineA lorene30860

      Posted

      I can understand the emotional mess. Oh how I sobbed. Yes it is pain, the painkillers, morphine, and lack of sleep. All of it. You will find you get less emotional when you can sleep better, believe me. Though I still have my moments. Take care and keep letting me know how your are gettting on. A trouble shared and all that... x
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