Going back to work question

I am scheduled for open RNY May 8 - a Wednesday.  Was told I would be in the hospital until Friday or Saturday.  I would be home all the following week and could go back to work Monday, the 19th.  I have had a few people tell me that is crazy - but I only have eight vacation days left. Should I plan on being out longer than the week and a half?   I am the Senior Paralegal at a law firm with two attorneys - the only full time staff.

Thanks,

Deb

*each* person is different ... but personaly I think that you will be just fine!  good luck hugs, Britt

I was back to work and feeling OK after a week and a half. But I had laproscopic RNY. Everyone is different and heals at their own pace. I say if you feel up to it and you have a desk job, go for it. But if you feel like there is no way you can go to work, don't. don't push yourself. They can figure something out at work. It's important that you take care of you right now.

I had open RNY and was off work for approximately 10 days.  I have a desk job also.  I was told to get up and walk around every hour or so, but other then that you should be fine. Good luck Sally

Deb, I couldn't go back to work that fast...but, I am older (55 at the time).  I worked on a stool at a counter at a PC.  There was losts of twisting and getting up and down off the stool.  I was just exhausted and I was off 3-1/2 weeks.  I had to work 1/2 days for about 10 days to make it a full day.  All you can do is try it...everybody is different. Rosemary

Hi Deb glad you are discussing this and acknowledge the importance of this issue!



Consider asking what is typical for your surgeon for your surgery/age/profession what does he recommend?

Consider asking what he allows for people some will not release people for safety reasons before a certain time period. For example as a psych RN working in a hospital I needed 4 wk minimum to meet my job demands safely to avoid hernia to self.

Consider that you will most likely not be eating at 1 ½ wks as most programs do liquids 14 days. How will you be able to manage near constant sipping at your job (can you do this now) to avoid dehydration.

Consider at 1 ½ weeks not even eating and learning on the job with all those pressures how to eat slow, chew well and what will be safe foods that do not make you nauseated/vomit or dump....

Consider perhaps taking more time than anticipated as going back early is not as challenging as needing to take more time and cover that short notice wise.

Consider possible complications that could arise, I am not suggesting making a total what if list, just a contingency plan for what if you need more time for some reason beyond your control, prepare others too. For example I had a complication needed second surgery at 4wk out, I had developed adhesions that cut off my intestinal tract and making a obstruction/stricture at Y connection, this meant 4 more weeks of recovery so I was out 8 weeks. Sometimes things happen despite the fact we planned one way. Just being aware can help this.

Consider the time that is imperative to take care of your needs which are most important, relearning to eat, drink, take meds/vitamins, exercise and fit in the new lifestyle. Getting off in a rush may only delay or hamper you taking full advantage of the honeymoon/rebirth. So many of us focus on rushing back to life and forget to acknowledge this is about us and needing to focus on ourselves for success and happiness long-term. We get one honeymoon...I hope we use it to our full benefit.

Consider some go back in 1-2 wk without issues, consider I have seen people out months as the fatigue, nausea, etc really is too impairing. It is the extreme not norm but our bodies are undergoing a major stress/trauma. The world will go on, life, jobs etc without us they will find a way.

Consider that you probably are eligible for short-term disability, to augment your leave time.

Ultimately when you go back is influenced by many factors some you can influence and some you have no control over. Asking what is typical/expected can give you a good gauge and being open to needing more helps as well. I tell people the best time to have surgery may not be today it may be in a few months so consider that also.

Be well although I think 1.5 weeks may be cutting it close in many ways I feel more important it short changes you! Take all the time you can possibly to be well and safe.