1. Community
  2. Women's health
  3. Genitourinary Prolapse

Sick note runs out tomorrow...

Posted , 8 users are following.

SMM103
SMM103

I’m 9 weeks post a&p & SSF today, my sick note runs out tomorrow……….. My brain is up to going back to work but I don’t think my body is just yet. 

I have had significant improvement but still have slight stinging when urinating and am still having some yellowish discharge.  I have pain in my lower left side, general aches and pains in my bits and can’t comfortably sit for prolonged periods.  I had such a bad stabbing pain in my bottom it woke me up Saturday night.

I had another look this morning and note some improvement however, the entrance to my vagina is split in two and looks really strange and there is a piece of skin like a tag just outside my vagina which is bright red and sore.  My perineum has been sewn together really roughly leaving folds of skin and it feels so uncomfortable.... sorry if tmi?

I have previously been told by my GP that I do not need a post op check-up.

I know I have to phone the GP up tomorrow and ask for an extension to my sick note but I sort of feel guilty like I should be up and doing everything....  I also need to find the strength and fight to ask of a post op check? 

I am dreading it....  What do you think ladies?

0 likes, 50 replies

50 Replies

Next
  • Jan999
    Jan999 SMM103

    Posted

    The only person who can answer this question is you. You say your body isn't ready yet......there's your answer.
  • Alybee
    Alybee SMM103

    Posted

    Hi,

     you have got quite a lot of issues there, some people seem to  heal quickly and some not.  But really most are not ready to return to work until 12 weeks .  I would say you're not ready at all so do all you can to prolong your rest period . Do not even think of about being guilty, look what you have been through and you only have this one chance to convalesce properly. Everyone needs a postop check in my opinion - to be seen by  a specialist and also to ask questions if you are at all unsure or still have problems. Any soreness  and aching is telling you to take  it easy ..and wait. Good luck.

  • JoolsB
    JoolsB SMM103

    Posted

    Hi. Don't do anything until you feel absolutely ready. However, do try to insist that you have a post op check up. I had to wait 16 weeks post op for mine and then he just asked me how I felt, said I looked well and discharged me! Didn't check his handiwork. Seven months post op I developed problems which are still ongoing. Now, I don't know whether he would have pre-empted these had he examined me but ...........

    Good luck and you will feel better very soon.

  • karen08997
    karen08997 SMM103

    Posted

    Hi I am 10 weeks post op on weds and like you have been having stabbing pain in bottom one doctor said he mohrroids another said not lots of vaginal soreness still I am not considering returning to work yet I have stopped feeling guilty health is more important i have had some sutures removed that were extremely uncomfortable by my gyni and I have final check up this week it sure takes it out of you doesn't it. Hope things improve for you soon x
  • SMM103
    SMM103

    Posted

    Thank you everyone for your replies.  I think I just needed some reassurance from people who know what I am going through.  I think I just put too much pressure on myself to conform and get back to work and it is just so unusual me being at home looking after me.

    Thanks I will let you know how I get on tomorrow. xx  

     

    • Jan999
      Jan999 SMM103

      Posted

      I'm sure your doctor will give you more time off. One other thing to consider although I don't know how many hours you work but returning to work on a graduated return basis is helpful and remember you still can't lift anything heavy. I say all the time on this forum, listen to your body. Your body is telling you stay off work for a few more weeks at least x
  • ClaireM.
    ClaireM. SMM103

    Posted

    I am way behind you on this surgery having had mine less than 2 weeks ago however this was my 4th surgery in 3 years (rest were on my ear) so I have plenty of experience of taking time off and going back to work.

    Do not go back until you are certain you are ready. First time after 7 weeks I went back and it was too soon and it was tough. Get your certificate extended and rest up. Is there any way you can go back on reduced hours when you do go back? I have found all three times that a phased return can make life a lot easier.

    Finally, I have never heard of not having a follow up with any surgery. I think that is most odd.

    Good luck.

    • Jan999
      Jan999 ClaireM.

      Posted

      If you read some posts Claire on this forum I think 50% of ladies don't have a follow up. Something I don't agree with but it's becoming the norm.
    • SMM103
      SMM103 Jan999

      Posted

      Doublethink it's all to do with limited resources, an aging population and cost.... sounds like a common theme in health + social care.
    • phyl_40063
      phyl_40063 Jan999

      Posted

      Matron it's almost as if no one wants to take responsibility for how long we are off work or responsibility if things should go wrong. It's like they are saying it's up to ourselves, but if we can't negotiate enough healing time off work then it's our own fault if we go back to early, yet some will feel presurrised financially. It's a real quandary.

      Seems really unfair most women have worked their entire life and juggled care of family and home chores. I when they need a little time to recuperate no- one will say outright take as long as you need you've paid into system all your working life now is the time to get some payback.

      There should be more of a clear option without pressure to return too early.

      Phyl

    • Jan999
      Jan999 phyl_40063

      Posted

      I agree totally phyllis and that's why I think every woman should have a post op check with her consultant and not return to work until that appointment has taken place. He/she is the only person who can say everything has healed nicely and discuss your return to work. I know there are financial constraints for some but it should be made clear the time needed to recover prior to surgery for example you need this operation but you shouldn't consider returning to work until after your post op check. That's how it used to be but financial constraints in the NHS are it seems preventing consultants even seeing ladies post op. In my NHS trust all ladies have a post op check so why can't others?
    • SMM103
      SMM103 Jan999

      Posted

      I do Matron.  I just phoned the surgery and they said I can have a telephone consultation tomorrow.  l have previously phoned the hospital and asked for a post op check and the ward advised they would send my notes to the consultant and ask them to contact me.  I have not heard from them to date however, on my discharge document it states discharged to GP.  It is about budget and is a bit of a post code lottery.  How I would love to be resident in your area matron 
    • phyl_40063
      phyl_40063 Jan999

      Posted

      Competely agree with you there! But unfortunately it leaves a loop hole for employers to abuse, and in the long run costs the NHS much more when these ops fail and have to be redone!

      I would think that all of us hate being off work and want to go back as soon as possible and will cave in to pressure that much easier.

      Phyl xx💖

    • Jan999
      Jan999 phyl_40063

      Posted

      If the post op check was 6-8 weeks like it always was previously then I think it would help a lot of women because it would be very unreasonable for any employer to expect anyone who's had this surgery to return to work any earlier x
    • phyl_40063
      phyl_40063 Jan999

      Posted

      Got another meeting at work again today, my doctors ' not fit for work note' does not run out till around 10/11 weeks post op so still got 3/4 weeks. Hubby loosing wages again in order to take me over in car ( bus journey 2 hours both ways).

      Doctor also commented not to return unless light duties are guaranteed.

      Not feeling very confident after last time. Will be saying as little as possible!

      Think I could cope with being on feet for half of my shift but not so sure about bag poking issues now!

      Hope OH not there thus time as she refused to discuss light duties at all last time!

      Phyl xx😕😕😕

    • phyl_40063
      phyl_40063

      Posted

      Meant 'bag packing' issues!
    • Jan999
      Jan999 phyl_40063

      Posted

      Good luck phyllis and remember nobody can overrule your GP xx
    • ClaireM.
      ClaireM. phyl_40063

      Posted

      Long term and rare ear condition called Superior Canal dehisence syndrome. Surgery Jan 13, Sept 14 and Nov 15. Last surgery also resulted in an infection which lead to a week back in hospital. Thankfully my right ear which I have had the srugery on is now much better so hopefully no further surgery on that ear. Left though is a different matter!

      I am very lucky that my work have been so understanding. Last November I left work telling them it would be 2 weeks and didn't really get back until this year! This time I have told them 6 weeks as that is what the surgeon said, remains to be seen whether I manage that, less than 2 weeks post surgery it is just too soon to know.

       

    • Jan999
      Jan999 ClaireM.

      Posted

      I think it is very difficult to pin point when any woman will be fit to return to work after prolapse surgery. We would never tell ladies on discharge that they will be fit in so many weeks and that includes the Urogynaecologists. The nature of this type of surgery means no 2 ladies are the same when it comes to recovery and personally I think it's unwise to tell an employer when you will be returning to work because they hold you to it.
    • ClaireM.
      ClaireM. Jan999

      Posted

      You are of course right but I didn't appreciate that pre surgery! 
    • Jan999
      Jan999 ClaireM.

      Posted

      You wouldn't Claire. I don't think any woman would x
    • phyl_40063
      phyl_40063 Jan999

      Posted

      Thanks matron,

      Just back home from meeting, went much better this time. OP not there thank goodness, just me and personnel manager.

      My line takes me to 11 week's, agreed to do my first Sunday shift that she will splot between self scan and till checkout, so I'm sitting for half the shift. (That's quite good as I know I can stand and do my ironing for 2/3 hours.

      Hopefully half shift on till will not be too bad, she is giving me the Monday off as I have my consultant appointment around lunch time. So that's good as I will know if in going to cope at work and that will give me the rest of the week off to recover . Will then be back to just 2x shifts for a few weeks, no overtime for a while and she will do her best to make sure I have split duties (self scan/ till checkout) until we know what I can cope with.

      She also said if I feel I'm still not ready the week before due back to give her a phone!

      Feel much happier and safer with thus agreement in place.

      So still got just over 3 weeks to recover and build up strength of pelvic floor. Had asked Stephanie about any tips on exercises at weekend but still not got back to me yet. Will have to seriously get on with swimming now!

      Looking forward to getting back, but will have to be very careful.

      Phyl xx☺☺☺

    • Jan999
      Jan999 phyl_40063

      Posted

      Hello phyllis. That's more like it!! I'm pleased  it was more positive today and I know you'll feel much happier. xx
    • phyl_40063
      phyl_40063 Jan999

      Posted

      Yes Matron, much happier, can concentrate on getting stronger now!

      Phyl☺☺☺

    • SMM103
      SMM103 Jan999

      Posted

      That would be so good Matron, wish they all thought like you.  It would give peace of mind and reasurance that all was going well too x
    • SMM103
      SMM103 phyl_40063

      Posted

      Oh, that sounds really good Phyllis sounds like a much better result.  Good luck xx

       

Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.