When to return to work post surgery?

Hi Valleyregirl,

I'm also 6 weeks PO and I've just been signed off for another 4 weeks. I've read on this forum that 12 weeks is the norm but again, everyone is different. I am very fortunate in that I get full pay sick leave for 6 months with my employer and so I don't feel like I have to rush back; they're also keen for me to return only when I'm ready.

That said, if I had to return to a job where I was standing for 5 hours a day, I would feel a little apprehensive. It's a long time. Part time and/or a pahsed return sounds good. Listen to your body and your GP and hopefully you'll achieve the right result. Good luck to you.

Dawn

Sounds far too early to me - but we are all different.

I will be pushing for about 12 weeks, and then to a phased return, say Mon/Wed/Fri on the first week, then increase slowly.

Hi Valleygirl,

My thought is that if you have a choice to wait longer, then wait longer before you return.  If you need to return, your idea of part time sounds sensible.  I did not go to work uintil six months, but I had the choice, so I am lucky.  But even at six months it was a challenge, but my last THR was a revision and those are worse.

Remember to get new shoes to replace the ones you wore at work.  My excellent surgeon made getting a new pair of shoes for post op mandatory so that I did not fall back into the old worn pattern in the old shoes when I walked improperly because of the bad hip.  Slip ons, good grip on the bottom, closed toe and heel, which I am sure you have to wear anyway for your job.  

Good luck when you go back!  You will build your strength as you go forward.

Take care

Dawn, USA

I find myself in a remarkable situation where my surgeon and employer have (independently) come to the same conclusion. Namely, that I will be signed off for 12 weeks and then have a phased return.

I think I will have about 3 to 4 weeks of rehab (light duties) after that. My Manager has offered the option to go back after 8 weeks - just for an hour or two for a few days a week. The thinking is that it would:

(a) Break up the boredom

(b) Help me phase back into work mode.

In conclusion, I think 12 weeks for a physically demanding job is normal.

Michael

Hi Valleyregirl, 

I agree - if you have a choice, wait a little bit longer - Great to hear that you are feeling good, however your body is still needing a lot of energy to heal, hence getting tired/exhausted very soon - part-time sounds great - every other day maybe for a couple of hours instead of 5 hours straight -Is there also a lot of lifting, bending and carrying involved?

big warm hug

renee

 

I run a coffee shop, standing all day involved. I felt ready to go act at 11 weeks. I did two days the first week had the weekend to recover and then went back full time. I think six weeks is too early for your type of job, you will still be very tired. My recovery was excellent but it still takes time. Tony

Hi Valleygirl

I am 2 weeks in and had in my head 6-8 weeks.  However I may revise that.  My job does not involve a lot of standing so it may be easier for me but I will have a phased return.  I could do a lot of work from home so it suits me fine.