How long off work?

I was wondering how long people take off when you have a manual job. I am having a hernia repair and the sleeve done at the same time. Part of my job involves unpacking pallets of heavy stock I was thinking 5 to 6 weeks. I also want to use the time as a readjustment and focus period of the change I am making. I have plenty of leave so no issues there.

I would agree. My hernia repair was more painful and took much longer to recover from.

Good luck on your upcoming surgery.

Most of us have lifting/exercise restrictions for 4-6 weeks, so I think your plan sounds good!

That sounds like enough time but please be careful when you do go back to work. Use proper lifting techniques and maybe a belt for your hernia repair

The general rule is no more than 8 lbs for 8 weeks for lifting/pushing/pulling - you get it. If your job requires this kind of weight, keep that in mind as you schedule time off. Being that you're also repairing a hernia, though, they may put you out longer because hernias are often caused by lifting/pushing/pulling something heavy and the last thing you want is to re-injure yourself before you're completely healed.

Now, on the general front of recovery without hernia repair, I can report that it was a good six weeks before I felt like myself again. Fortunately I was off for 8 weeks, total.

I have a very physically demanding occupation, running my own business. The doc told me to plan on eight weeks recovery so as not to bust a gut. I followed his advice closely, and did not do any real lifting or moving of materials or machinery until I was cleared by the people at my practice. I am back to doing what I used to, and have been pretty much since those eight weeks were up. It took me a little while to get back to full strength, but it wasn't too bad

To give you an idea, I move stuff that weighs up to 400 lbs or so on my own - not lifting it, mind you, but horsing it around to where it can be used as it needs to be.

If you can get 6 weeks, it would probably be a good idea to take it. Ask your surgeon before surgery about your lifting restrictions; many people aren't cleared to lift more than 5lb before the 6- or 8-week mark.

I agree with above. Make sure to get lots of protein in after surgery so you can heal well! :)

My surgeon gives 6 weeks but will let his patients go back to work depending on how good they are doing. He wanted to know I was drinking, getting in my protein, and that I was off the pain meds. I was released to go back after 4 weeks, but with lifting restrictions for the remainder 2 weeks. No more than 5 lb for the 1st 4 weeks, then they increased it to 10 lbs. He also said no bending at the waste for a 6 week duration. I have a desk job so I was okay.

I took six weeks off, but wish I could have had a few more days.