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Time off work...nurses especially

Posted , 3 users are following.

nursey1966
nursey1966

Hi all,so how long did you have off work after your hysterectomy?Particularly if you work in the Nursing profession like me and do 12 hr shifts and spend alot of time on your feet and pushing/pulling all the time?.I will have had 12 weeks off when expected to go back but i dont know if i will be ready if that makes sense?.By the way i had Total hysterectomy and BSO on 29th Jan 2016,and it was done abdominally.

1 like, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • joful69
    joful69 nursey1966

    Posted

    Hi there I've had the same as you but laparoscopic, I've had 6 weeks and 2 weeks holiday, I am a nurse but on the community. My job is not as physical as yours, I would say you need to go back on a phased return. Can I ask are you on HRT

  • nursey1966
    nursey1966

    Posted

    Hi Joful69,no i am not on HRT,i have only just started getting surgical menopausal symptoms,so am currently trying a natural remedy,Sage i think it is,sold in Holland and Barett.I will see how i go on these and if no good,i will see gp about HRT.i was recommended to have 12 weeks off cos i had my op done abdominally.I will see occupational health before i go back,as i want a phased return as i dont think i could cope with 12.5 hour shifts after being off work for 3 months....
    • joful69
      joful69 nursey1966

      Posted

      Thanks for that, I'm struggling with the no HRT too, although I'm taking a herbal remedy too. Hope you get on ok with Occ Health, 12.5 hour shifts sound tough to me!!
  • marie_1964
    marie_1964 nursey1966

    Posted

    Hi, I also work on a very busy ward I had my op last June the best advice I can give is listen to your own body. I had a very supportive ward manager I went back six months later on a phased return and doing six hour shifts with the understanding of taking breaks as and when needed. I've just started feeling all the benefits of my op I'm now doing 12 hr shifts plus lots of swimming etc after putting a bit of weight on that I'm now starting to loose .
    • nursey1966
      nursey1966 marie_1964

      Posted

      marie 1964,can i ask if you had abdominal hysterectomy and removal of ovaries/fallopian tubes?.you say your ward manager was supportive,not sure mine will be if i take longer than 12 weeks like she is expecting me to take....i am getting quite anxious about it all cos i know officially i only have 4 weeks left off....i think its the menopausal symptoms kicking in,i feel like i wont be able to cope etc...
    • joful69
      joful69 nursey1966

      Posted

      Hi Nursey1966

      I'm feeling the same as you I go back next week, have got terrible anxiety about it all! I don't know whether it's the no HRT or the menopause itself, consultant recommended I go on a low dose antidepressant which I have done! Think you need to look after yourself as your on a busy ward, I'm personally forcing myself to go back as if I don't go back then I don't think I ever will!

    • marie_1964
      marie_1964 nursey1966

      Posted

      Hi, I had abdominal hysterectomy plus everything gone apart from one ovary smile I did want to keep both so I could go through the menopause naturally but they could only leave one. Sorry you don't feel you would not get the support you need I would go back to your doctor as everyones recovery is different. I really wouldn't of managed physically or mentally.
  • nursey1966
    nursey1966

    Posted

    so today i have received a letter from my manager asking me to go into hospital next week for an interview about my sickness...as its been "long term"...i have had 9 weeks off now and still have another 3 weeks on my current sick note...they want to make sure they can do everything to help with my recovery and will refer me to occupational health.....jees they just cant leave me alone.
    • marie_1964
      marie_1964 nursey1966

      Posted

      Hi, I can understand them refering you to oc health if you feel your manager can't accomodate your needs. If you do go into work how can you possibly arrange anything if you don't know how you will be feeling when your 12wks are up ? You should automatically be able to go bk on a phased return if I were you I would speak to your doctor who surely would give you another sick not if need be. Don't feel pressured to go bk until your ready everyones recovery is different plus if you go bk to early you will end up going off sick again .
    • nursey1966
      nursey1966 marie_1964

      Posted

      yes i am going to see gp next week about starting HRT,cos i am not coping very well,not sleeping,tearful,very stressed and itchy!I will ask him to extend my sicknote and then go back on phased return after i have seen occupational health.
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