Work Questions

For the post-ops -- how long did you take off work after your surgery? How did your employer treat you?

I took off 3 weeks but realize now I should have taken off longer. I am really, really having trouble these days making it through the day. I work at a university and we are covered under the Family Medical Leave Act so I went to talk to HR yesterday about taking more time off and I can do that...it's just....my boss will probably be rude about it. He was mad that I took off the 3 weeks after the surgery.

I have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow to see if he is okay if I take off a few more weeks. I am struggling so bad with weakness, dizziness and the overall feeling of walking death (as I call it).

I am wishing again and again I would have taking the full 6 weeks off to begin with.

I took a week and a half off, and went back to work for about 6 hours a day the first week back. It took time to not be tired, but I found the more I moved and the more I did the easier it got. Everyone is different.

Your boss really doesn't have the right to "be mad" you had major surgery, no matter what kind. In this day and age though it's scary to have your boss upset with you seems they can find any reason to let you go, so I understand your concern.

Glad your going to talk to the DR about this. Best wishes to you!

I took off 4 wks.... realized that wasn't enough and went to my boss about it.... he let me work half days from home 3 days a week for the next month....

I was out for about 8 weeks, but I had a post-op infection.  I was able to work part-time from home via the internet starting at about 6 weeks post-op, so that made things a little easier for me.  I also had a very understanding boss and co-workers, so was fortunate to be able to take the time I needed to heal. 

Don't let the rude boss keep you from taking the time you need to heal and recover.  He/she will get over it and if he/she gives you any serious trouble, talk to your HR rep about it. 

Good luck on your continuing journey -

Kellie

Personally I was out 4 weeks, of which 2 I had severe allergic reactions. Had I not had these reactions, I would have been ready to go back by week 3..

A friend went back in less than a week... but everyone is different.. Good luck to you.

I was off a full three weeks but was itching to get back to work.  for exercise following surgery (after the first week) I walked through all the big box stores (walmart, sams, best buy, kmart, lowes) through every aisle, and used a shopping cart for my balance in case I got tired.  I think that really helped me build up my stamina.

I did go in at 10 days out for a board meeting and was pooped after it was done.  Then @ 12 days I went in for a special event and had to leave early because I had overdone it.

At 3 weeks out, I was tired, but I just kept drinking my protein shakes to help with the fatigue. 

Be sure you are getting your minimum number of protein in for sure.  That will definitely help with the energy issues.

I took off 4 weeks, but actually my doctor only wanted me to take of 3 weeks.
I actually felt fine enough to go back to work, but it was christmas time, so I wanted to take off and enjoy it with my family. Sorry you are feeling so tired.
Hope you get some more time to rest.
Good luck on your journey...
Lynn

I took 2 weeks off - should have been 3 or 4.  However, I don't have FMLA or sick time or vacation.  No work = no pay.  The first week back was pretty darn tough, I went home and crashed every night.

Good luck!

I took off 6 weeks with fmla.  I transitioned back pretty smoothly.

I took 4 weeks.  Two weeks sick time and then Christams break (teacher).  I was tired for awhile after I went back but I was tired before surgery also.  I made it a point to be in bed by 9:00 every night for quite a while.  I also cut back on all those after school commitments and made sure I was home most days on time. 

I had a friend who is also a teacher who had surgery over spring break.  She was feeling so tired and mentally down, she took the rest of the year off (dr. advised).  So she was out 6 weeks.