Question:
For all the teachers out there...how long before you returned to work?
I teach an upper elementary special education (learning disabilities) class and wondered how long it took for other teachers to get back to work. Did you start off working full days? What types of accomodations did you need in the classroom initially, if any? I know that doctors and others on this site say that it is okay to go back to light office work after two weeks and I was hoping to follow that--just didn't think that I would qualify teaching as "light" necessarily :) p.s. I am having an open RNY. Thanks for any input. — [Anonymous] (posted on January 19, 2002)
January 19, 2002
I had my open RNY on November 8 and went back to work on December 3 (a
little over 3 weeks post-op). I did not have to do anything any
differently than I did before surgery. I am a high school teacher and we
teach 90-minute blocks. I have always kept a mug of water on my desk and
still do. This helps me get my water in during the day. I found that I
have to go to the rest room less often than I did before surgery. My only
"real" problem was trying to eat my lunch in the time we have for
lunch, but I have conquered that little hurdle. Just pace yourself and try
to find time to rest a few minutes when you get home. I had no problems
returning to work when I did.
— Janice B.
January 19, 2002
i also had my sugery on 11/8/01 i had open i went back to teaching my pre
schoolers with in 3 weeks could have gone back sooner but could not get a
follow up viset until i was 10 days out
— melissa W.
January 20, 2002
I had my surgery on 12/12/01. I took 8 days off, but also had the
Christmas holiday ( just in case I didn't feel well)
I think 2 weeks is good, unless you have a lot of problems.
By my 5th day post-op I went shopping at Walmart, came home and took a nap.
I think you'll be fine to work all day, but come home right away and rest.
— Cindee A.
January 20, 2002
Like the first poster, I too teach high school on block schedule and had
very few problems returning after surgery. My open-RNY was 10/17 and I
went back to work 11/12. My co-workers and my students knew I had had
surgery, altho I wasn't specific about what kind, and everyone was very
considerate when I came back. I felt good enough that I probably could
have gone back a week sooner, but I'm glad I took the extra days anyway.
I too always had something to drink on my desk, so that part wasn't
different, and I'm actually having to use the bathroom less than before
(b/c I'm drinking less soda and more water or tea????) -- my only real
problem was figuring out how to eat lunch in the little bit of time we have
available, but like Janice, I've managed.
You'll certainly be tired after the first few days, but getting back into
your regular routine shouldn't be terribly hard. Good Luck!
— Sheri Z.
January 20, 2002
i was off for two months but then i had complications from sugery..im back
at work now and doing fine. oh, as far as probs at work no special
accomadations, but the caf food i could not eat so i bought my own. good
luck to you
— [Anonymous]
January 23, 2002
I also teach Special Ed. and had an Open RNY. After talking with my
surgeon and doing some research, I thought it would be in my best interest
over the long haul to take 6 weeks. I figured that I had become unhealthy
due to a lot of personal neglect and I wanted to change this pattern. My
principal was very supportive. I was still tired in the afternoons but
paced myself. Good luck and best wishes.
— Marsha N.
February 10, 2002
I teach in a middle school. My doctor thought 6 weeks would be a good
window since I had the gallbladder removed, suffer from anemia, hiatal
hernia repair and the sleeve surgery for weight loss. I would not think of
going back till then. 2 weeks before my surgery, I got a fever from my
students, had not had a fever for 16 years!, anyway, that taught me a
lesson...take the six weeks to heal properly and get the energy you know
you will need. Teachers are busy and are not sitting at their desk, the job
is very , very demanding..and bathroom breaks are few and far between.
— denise C.
February 10, 2002
School districts are very flexible. I would plan on 6 weeks and then if you
feel better go back earlier. I would at least take 3-4 weeks. In districts
I have worked in you can basically call on Friday and say "Hey, I'll
be there Monday". Plan for 6 weeks and then your body will tell you if
you are ready before that to return.
— Rebecca K.
January 17, 2003
I teach high school special ed and I had surgery, open rny, on 12/9/02 and
I returned to workon 1/6/03 full time. I had no special accomodations, I
just sit a lot more than I did before because I find that I tire real
easily. I just pull up a chair and work with my student at their tables.
Good luck, Julie
— Julie M.
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