Question:
How long has it taken....
Hey everyone! I had my open RNY revision on 8/19. I am a school teacher and am supposed to return to work on Tuesday 9/3. It's strange because while sitting, laying, and doing nothing I feel awful, however, when I get up move around, take a shower, go for a walk, etc I feel like I am all better. The concern I am having is whether or not I should be returning to work on Tuesday. What if one of my students accidently bump into me or I do something that is typical and I forget about my incision. My principal is pushing me to return because she fears what would happen if I didnt. Meaning that my class would be off the wall not starting with their regular teacher. I feel ok. I am in a little pain, but who wouldn't be. I am still wondering if it is a good idea to go back so soon. I can't stay at home and do nothing. I spoke to my doctor and he says as long as I feel well enough to go back to work I can. So, I was just wondering what some of your stories were regarding your return to your "normal activities" and work. Thanks a whole bunch. — Erika B. (posted on August 29, 2002)
August 29, 2002
Erica, two weeks after an open RNY does not seem like enough healing time
to me, but I know of others that went back to work after only a week. If
you can plan it so that you can sit alot, that would help. Be careful not
to lift anything, like piles of books. I wouldn't be concerned about
students bumping into you, you should be OK there. Maybe give it a try and
if its too much, just tell the Principal that you just had surgery and need
a little more recovery time.
— Cindy R.
August 29, 2002
Erica, two weeks after an open RNY does not seem like enough healing time
to me, but I know of others that went back to work after only a week. If
you can plan it so that you can sit alot, that would help. Be careful not
to lift anything, like piles of books. I wouldn't be concerned about
students bumping into you, you should be OK there. Maybe give it a try and
if its too much, just tell the Principal that you just had surgery and need
a little more recovery time.
— Cindy R.
August 29, 2002
You may be pleasantly surprised at how well you feel in just a few more
days. I had lap rny July 2. I had planned to return to work July 15. On
July 11, I doubted I would be ready to go back the following Monday. Over
the weekend, my energy returned and I felt 100% better than I had just days
before.
— juvpd
August 29, 2002
Perhaps you can speak to your principal about a compromise. Go for half
days or get some volunteer parents in to help. Might be worth a shot.
— Cathy S.
August 29, 2002
I agree with Cathy, try and go half days. You teachers have a stressful
job, and it may be a little soon to deal with those hooligans (just
kidding) full time. You need to take care of your self a little right now.
— Vicki L.
August 29, 2002
If it was me, I would'nt go back any sooner than I had to.
— Danmark
August 29, 2002
Hi. I had a revision to RNY on May 9. It took me a good 5 1/2 weeks to go
back to work half days, then I did that for 2 more weeks. I, too, felt
great when I got up and moving around, but I can tell you from experience,
it is very short lived. I agree with everyone else who suggested half
days. Surely your principal would much rather you come back to work
completely healed rather than have you get sick in front of the children.
Good luck.
— Vicki H.
August 29, 2002
HI, I HAD SURGERY ON MAY 3,2002 AND I WOULD SAY IT MIGHT DEPEND ON YOUR
AGE, I THINK THE YOUNGER YOU ARE THE FASTER YOU RECOP, I AM 55 AND WITH
THAT SHORT OF TIME I WOULD SAY NO BECAUSE I WAS IN A LOT OF PAIN FOR THE
FIRST 3 WEEKS AND AFTER THAT I MOVED SLOW BUT NOW I AM DOING FINE. TAKE
CARE AND GOOD LUCK
— ROSEMARY A.
August 29, 2002
Hi
I was able to go to back to work 2 1/2 weeks after open RNY. I believe
that I would have been able to go back a few days earlier if my surgery
would not have lasted 9 hours. It took 3 days just for my body to start
functioning again. My job is standing almost all day. I was tired at the
end of the day, but I am glad I went back when I did. Also my doctor did
not have me wear a binder. I would wear one if I were you. It would give
extra support and protection if someone would happen to bump into you. I
would try to go to work. Surely if you needed something carried to or from
you car one of your students or co-workers would be more than happy to
help. Everyone is different. But if you want to try to go to work. I
think you should. If it is to much to soon for you. Your body will let you
know. I do not think that you could do any long term damage by going back
this early. My second week back to work I had someone on vacation so I
actually worked like 55 hours, Instead of just 40. I did fine. I did not
do much running around after work however. Work, Sleep, Eat. Work, Sleep,
Eat. I am almost 18 months post op have lost 110 lbs. Good luck to you.
— Jane L.
August 29, 2002
Hi -- I too am a teacher, so I understand what you're going through.
Although it will be a pain for your principal, you have to think of your
health, especially if you have the sick days to take. Remember -- the
beginning of the year means putting up bulletin boards, moving books
around, getting up earlier, adjusting to the schedule, standing all day,
etc. I had my surgery on June 7th, and starting back this week certainly
was an adjustment. I don't think there's any way I could have gone back in
less than a month. Only YOU can tell if you're ready, and if you're
questioning if you're ready...then you're probably not. Good luck -- let
me know how you are and what happens. :)
— Karen B.
August 30, 2002
I had a open also, with no complications, and I do day care in my home. I
went back after 4 wks. I was a little tired by the time thrus. hit, but I
made it. I'm 48, so I'm not a spring chicken either.
— paulsgirl
August 30, 2002
I'm a 49 yo school nurse and I returned to school after only missing 13
days of work. Was I tired? Yes! Did I nap after getting home? Yes! I was
ready to return and did just great. Good luck no matter what you decide.
— Frances B.
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