Question:
Return to work after 2nd surgery in a month?

HI. Had a peterson hernia repair about 30 days ago and some adhesions removed. Had another surgery for the same 3 weeks later. It's been a week since last surgery. Planned on going back to work today, but feel really bad. Some pain, lots of naseau and totally fatigued/depressed. I have a follow-up tomorrow. Should I still have pain? I'm so scared I'll be headed for the OR again...I can't miss anymore work. What has your experience been? Thanks for the help!    — Jeannie W. (posted on October 15, 2008)

October 15, 2008
Jeanie, I am so sorry that you have had to go through so much lately. It doesn't sound like you are ready to go back to work at all. Especially after multiple procedures. Rest is such an integral part of your healing process. I would leave it up to my surgeon to decide. A couple more weeks should really help. It is normal a week after surgery to still have pain and be tired. Post op depression happens as well, especially with multiple trips to the OR. You are worried, tired, in pain and weak and all the while wondering if something else will go wrong and oh by the way... there's a job. Although miserable, what you're going through sounds normal. Let us know how your follow up appointment goes. Please try to relax and rest and not worry. Get in a lot of protein and fluids and remember to walk periodically throughout the day. Do your deep breathing exercises and hang in there. Best of luck, Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic

October 15, 2008
I had hernia surgery on June12, 2008. Exactly 1 year to the date after my Gastric Bypass. 3 days later they took me back into surgery for a leaking intestine. I tried to come back to work about 3 weeks later and just could not do it. I stayed out of work for 7 weeks. It was horrible. You should be ok...but you really need to take it easy. If you do too much this soon after surgery you will be back in OR. Sorry I did not have better news for you. But everyone is different. You may heal quicker and it was hernia for both of your surgeries and you did have some healing time in between. My 2nd surgery was only 3 days later for the leak... Good luck and let me know how everything goes,
   — nellienormand