Time off work

Hi Cazy

You need to do what is best for you. I work with children and was told to take at least 3 months (it may even be slightly longer) and then go back in phase return. So being on your feet all day you need to be ready.

I hope the doctor listens to your request for longer off

Ann

You must do what you feel is right but the fact you are already questioning your ability to return must say something

I work in a microbiology lab,(in the hospital I had my op in), so a combination of moving and sitting as well as computer work. At the preop told to expect to be off for 3 months with a strong recommendation of a phased return to work. First 6 week sick note from hospital, second from GP with no questions asked. I was offered more time off but settled for a prolonged phased return after discussion with my GP.

Hi there, you are definitely not being unreasonable! You know how you feel and if you are ready or not. None of us really know until we get there. My job is a sit down one and i started back at around 8 weeks post op and i have slowly increased my time at work....at 11 weeks post op im nearly back at full capacity although i work part-time.

So do what you need to do that is about taking care of you and if you can so that you are not compromising your recovery. All the best.

Doctor will give you another 6 weeks, no question, you shouldn't even need to haggle. Once you have the extra 6, you will probably start to feel better (law of sod), but you can always go back to GP and ask for phased return (whilst signed off you cannot go back in UK as uninsured), but if you opt for phased, know your limits!!

Helen

hi, I def could not have gone back to work after 6 weeks and the doctor didnt bat an eyelid when I told him (did not ask) that I needed more time. For one thing, I had only been told I could start driving that same week and only short distances. I start back at work next week (12 weeks) and feel so much better! the difference for me was week 9. Physio every other week has helped such a lot!

I cant think how you could go back after six weeks and be on your feet all day! I am sure the dr will understand

I was lucky in that I could work at my desk at home which I started to do week two then gradually started visiting clients week three as I was also driving by then. I was fine but I would have liked more time to get my exersises and walking in but I would have been on statutory sick pay had I taken more than one week sick which I couldnt really afford to do. I would highly recommend taking as much time off as you can in order to get fully fit before returning to work.

The irony is that even sitting for long periods of time can be a challenge too! My job involves talking to people and I would be distracted by my foot looking a bit blue and knowing I needed to get up and walk......or I would be twirling my foot around while talking with people about the hard stuff in their life......trust your gut and it seems like your gut is saying you need more time, go with that voice it probably knows best : )

My initial sick note was for 12 weeks - it had to be extended to 5 months following problems.

My hospital sick note said 12 wks and stayed off till then. Also am currently having a phased return to work with reduced hours/duties.

Ask for another sick note as you have been through major surgery!

Not at all i was off 14wks with my first one. Getting my 2nd one tmw and already have a 12weeks line.

Good luck

Hi,

I had my THR R a year ago almost to the day. I am a substitute teacher and my surgeon put me off through to the middle of September. I initially thought this was going to be far too long, but found it challenging even at the start of the new school year. Definitely go for another 6 weeks, with the option for more, or a phased-in return, just in case anything wonky arises, or you're a little slower healing than some others.

On that note, don't beat yourself up if you do end up taking longer! My THR was at age 50, and I was very active before my hip started what I call the steep part of the descent into non-functioning, and I was off for the better part of 2018 between the pre and post-op.

Good luck,

M

The doctor told me to just ring and ask. I'm on a fixed term contract so they can get rid of me in August if they wish so probably be job hunting after everything is all done.

on another note - how did everyone survive on SSP? (Sick pay)

i went back at six weeks after both hips. i am a nurse but not hands on, i drive around different hospitals teaching other nurses so a mixture of sitting at a desk, driving and walking around. i work four days a week and was fine. I had on in feb18 and the other in Nov 18. 60 years old and reasonably fit although overweight still after losing 45 pounds. I love my new hips and am gradually regaining flexibility, I can finally cut my own toenails yeehah lol