Post Op - going back to work

[BellaItalia088 21]

Hello, I was wondering what the average time off was for post op? I've heard most people go back after a week or two depending on what they do, and just wanted to see if anyone else had longer periods ? I am trying to decide on whether or not I should ask to apply for the short term disability pay

Thank you

[catwoman7 10,922]

I went back after three weeks but could have gone back after two if necessary. I was feeling fine after two weeks - just very tired.

[BellaItalia088 21]

Thank you [emoji4] my manager asked me today how long I thought I'd be out of work, and I've heard mixed answers.. I'm hoping to be out as little as possible, but mostly I just can't wait to have my surgery done [emoji173]️

[AK_Bookworm 116]

Today is my first day back... I'm 18 days post op. I'm tired but I think it's more from not sleeping last night since my sleep schedule got thrown off while I was home recovering. For the most part I feel good

[monica91355 27]

I met with my surgeon last week. He's going to put me out for 4 weeks. I get fully disability pay so taking as much time as needed.

[klingie84 91]

Went back to work after 10 days...RN

[Jennrn1027 2]

4 minutes ago, klingie84 said:

Went back to work after 10 days...RN

How did that go? I am also a nurse in the ICU and it was suggested to take 6 wks off

[klingie84 91]

How did that go? I am also a nurse in the ICU and it was suggested to take 6 wks off

Not allowed to lift so that's a pain. I'm tired but it's dueable. Plus trying to make sure I'm drinking is cumbersome when busy but I gotta do it.

[BellaItalia088 21]

5 hours ago, monica91355 said:

I met with my surgeon last week. He's going to put me out for 4 weeks. I get fully disability pay so taking as much time as needed.

I think I may be able to get disability as well, but I am not sure how to go about it. Would I just need to ask my HR department? I have never been out of work for so long.

[AZBlackhawk 122]

I'm having surgery later this month but my surgeon's office said at least 2 weeks and at my 2 week appointment doc will release me to work if everything is fine. I do a lot of walking and standing so I'm hoping 2 weeks is good. If I had disability I would probably stay home longer just to heal fully and not worry about fatigue.

[HurricaneU 131]

Hello, I was wondering what the average time off was for post op? I've heard most people go back after a week or two depending on what they do, and just wanted to see if anyone else had longer periods ? I am trying to decide on whether or not I should ask to apply for the short term disability pay [emoji4]
Thank you [emoji4]

At least two weeks. I have a office job which does require some movement outside and walking around, but I avoided all that my first 2 weeks back. If I could I would have taken 3 weeks. Just the many adjustments and recovery from surgery is alot to deal with and having to work is too much. The pain and working was not a issue at all. It was adjusting to the meds, Vitamin intake, sippping Water, very low energy, and having to concentrate on my work and employees was the issue. I was so disconnected with everyone for the first week or so.

[monica91355 27]

I think I may be able to get disability as well, but I am not sure how to go about it. Would I just need to ask my HR department? I have never been out of work for so long.

Yes - talk to your HR department and they will tell you what to submit.

The disability policy at my work is self funded and self administered so I just need to submit the FMLA paperwork.

[Sadiebug 206]

My Dr. wrote me out for 4 weeks (and I was approved for STD for that) but I ended up going back after 3. I got a bit bored sitting at home and was ready to get into my normal routine. I found it took me 2 weeks to feel better and then I used that 3rd week to get into more of a 'routine' with my Protein, Water, Vitamins etc.

[emirn1 39]

16 hours ago, Jennrn1027 said:

How did that go? I am also a nurse in the ICU and it was suggested to take 6 wks off

I'm an RN and ended up taking 5 weeks off-- I probably could have gone back after 4 but any sooner than that would have been a struggle.

[BellaItalia088 21]

Perfect. I just spoke with one of the HR reps and she said I'll have to use 7 days of sick pay / vacation time and then I will be able to get short term disability, it doesn't pay my full normal pay check but anything is better than nothing

I hope I get my surgery date soon!