Is returning to work after 5 days reasonable?

[Lala99 30]

My surgery was on 4/1. I originally took a week off but midway through that week I started feeling very anxious about going back to work.

I stressed about what I would wear that didn't irritate my incisions and how I would have the energy to focus on work stuff.

I also felt like getting down my liquids and Protein was a full time job and I was stressed.

I ended up taking an extra week (this week) and I am feeling stronger and better each day.

Long story long, I COULD have done it but emotionally I was not prepared. Good luck!

[Kindle 8,667]

Surgery on a Friday. Back to work Thursday. I have a very physical job, on my feet all day, bending, squatting, lifting, but still managed to do it. If I had a desk job I could have gone back on Monday. Luckily I had no complications, no pain, no nausea and was meeting Fluid and Protein goals by day 5. I was on liquids for 18 days so just made sure I had plenty of Protein shakes and other liquids to sip in between appointments.

I was optimistically hoping for two weeks but we got busy so I went back after just 6 days. I only got that long because days 4 and 5 were Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I own my own business so no such thing as paid time off, including FMLA. I was definitely tired when the day was done, but I had no choice but to go back. If I don't work, business is closed and no work = no pay. As a matter of fact, this surgery was the first "sick time " I had taken in over 5 years! Sure I've been sick, but that's no excuse not to work . I only missed a whopping 1 day when I had my gall bladder removed last Thanksgiving. (I always schedule my surgeries to take advantage of holiday time off).

[kmorri 1,689]

@@Ashoryb I work for United Healthcare as a project manager. A lot of the larger companies have telecommuting jobs available.

[BigTink2LilTink 723]

I was the exact same way. Took two weeks off, came back to work and was exhausted for about a good month. I was really okay until I got back onto soft solid foods again. And even then my body needed a few weeks of that to adjust. I would say take as much time as you need. We all heal and react to the surgery at different rates. Just make sure you are getting your Protein amounts in and water/fluids in per day.

Every experience is different. I couldn't have gone back in 5 days. I went back after 2 weeks & was SUPER exhausted even at that point.

[ld33 95]

I'm going to go ahead and file for STD and hope to return after two weeks. I just started a new job and didn't want to take off so soon but in the words of my husband " do whatever the doctor says do"

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[meatpie 25]

I had no complications or pain and there is no way I could have gone back within a week-but here in Australia it's common to be in hospital for 2-3 nights post op- as standard post op.

[TipTop in TX 81]

I had surgery on a Wednesday and was back in class on Monday. I felt fine and did not have any problems. I made sure I carried my rolling bags for books. I also sit down a lot while in classes. I was not in pain, except for slight soreness from trying to pick up and wash laundry.

I am 4 weeks post op and have only noticed a little tiredness in the past week, but I have been up late working on major projects and deliverables.

Each person is different, but I knew from my past surgical history, I would be okay.

[marypups 111]

I had surgery on a Thursday and was back in the office Monday. I have a desk job and went home a bit early that Monday afternoon to take a nap. The rest of the week was fine, though, and I worked all week, including some long days.

[rubia72 200]

No

[determinedtolive 134]

I had surgery on a Thursday and was back in the office Monday. I have a desk job and went home a bit early that Monday afternoon to take a nap. The rest of the week was fine, though, and I worked all week, including some long days.

Mine is scheduled for a Thursday and I plan on going back the following Tuesday.

[Watch.Me.Lose.It 17]

I went back 5 days Post Op and I'm so glad I did- Desk job. I had no problems at all. It kept my mind busy and off food... I can't IMAGINE sitting around my house bored for 2-4 weeks right after surgery.

[wowee 1]

Definitely wasn't in my case. I caught c-diff in the hospital and after 6 antibiotics I was able to go back to work after 5 months. Even without the infection, I personally still would've needed 4-6 weeks of recovery. Being very sore and swollen in addition to learning a whole new way of living was a pretty big change.

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[sadilee 1]

I was sleeved on 4/11 no sx complications but I had a bad reaction to the CO2 and anesthesia. No way could I have gone back. It was rough but better every day and an extra day or two will make all the difference. It's major sx give ur body some time to heal. Nothing wrong with having the FMLA. only helps doesn't hurt. Good luck.

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[betj 2]

I work from home, online marketing for several small businesses. I worked for 2 hours the day I was released from hospital & 2 hours the next day too. I haven't had any complications fortunately. I think you should try whatever you feel up to doing. One week, 2, every person & every job is different. I'm 3 days out from surgery & don't feel too bad.

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[betj 2]

Wowee & others: I feel so bad for you. Hope it's quick recovery for you now!

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