Back At Work

[Joiebean 53]

Hello everyone! So first day back at work. Packed my foods and liquids...just have to remember to keep sip, sip, sipping all day. Its kinda weird being back and feeling really different. Its like there is a whole new outlook. No coffee runs, no going out to lunch, well...considering my computer was upgraded in my absense and hasn't been fully restored yet (meaning all of my files, programs, etc are gone) I am just kinda..hanging out. How was everyone else's experience going back to work? I'm tired and my attention span isn't the best. Those LONNNNNG emails from the boss got put in a "to be read" file.

[circa 333]

I go back to work today too - I work from home so its not like I have commute or anything I dunno - I don't really like the project I'm on and perhaps might be put on another project which is both daunting and exciting at the same time. I mean, I can handle the project I'm on now - but the fact that a new one might be worse bugs me haha.

[jeweladdo 20]

Circa, I have my surgery scheduled in March. And I really don't have a lot of time to take off sick and/or vacation. I have an office job sitting in a cube working on a computer for the most part. Do you think 5 days off will be good ? My surgery is 3/30. Planning on returning to work April 5th. Does that sound realistic at all ? Thanks guys

[Joiebean 53]

My surgeon recommended two weeks at the minimum and I ended up taking 2 1/2. I was scheduled to come back (I have a desk job too) after two, but wasn't ready. I was still sore and my attention span was pretty bad. Side note, for some reason its common for your attention span to be bad after surgery so at least for me, I usually read like crazy, and during recovery, couldn't even get entertained with the idea of reading anything nor watching anything longer than 30 minutes. I think some people have gone back after a week, but that's pretty ambitious. I didn't have a lot of time either, but I requested medical leave and disability covered part of my pay, and then I was able to supplement the rest with sick or vacation time, so it really maximized the days I did have.

[circa 333]

Circa, I have my surgery scheduled in March. And I really don't have a lot of time to take off sick and/or vacation. I have an office job sitting in a cube working on a computer for the most part. Do you think 5 days off will be good ? My surgery is 3/30. Planning on returning to work April 5th. Does that sound realistic at all ? Thanks guys

I honestly could have gone back to work yesterday, however, I have had the easiest and most breeziest recovery so far. I got up and walked every 2 hours at least immediately after surgery. I drank my liquids, I walked every day. I have done everything to the letter, taken my antibiotics, etc. Cleaned my inscision sites. I think if you do that and you are typically a fast healer, its possible. But don't count on it. I have walked an hour every day since my surgery, not counting usual activity. I'm doing dishes, etc. I won't lift anything over 10 lbs and if it requires me to stretch to the point where it feels like it tweaks or pulls my torso, I won't do it. At least not yet. I wanna make sure my incisions heal properly.

That being said - everyone handles pain differently too. Everyone gets a different amount of pain. I don't have any pain from liver retraction ( I guess I shrunk my liver well!) I haven't taken pain meds since the day after my surgery. I'm VERY fortunate. If you don't feel comfortable, DON'T PUSH IT. You'll do yourself more harm in the end. I promise you that. I felt comfortable sitting at my desk so I decided why not? I also have the luxury of walking away since I work at home.

Talk to your employer and tell them maybe that's what you aim for, but can't promise it. I'm sure they'll be understanding - maybe even working half days for a week to get yourself ready to be back full-time

[jeweladdo 20]

Thanks guys. I think I will target a returning to work on April 9th. Circa, You have also given me a great idea to try to work half days if possible so I don't get too tired. I've heard a lot of people saying there get really tired easily. Thanks guys!

[favoredone 590]

I go back to work on Monday... My last day was Dec. 16th.. my surgery was Dec. 19th.... I teach high school and I was also in school.. my doc wanted me to take some time off and rest!!! I'm glad I did.. now I don't want to go back!!! LOL...

[indi1 66]

I don't want to hyjack this thread too bad, but Circa mention something about liver retraction pain. I had not heard of this before and dont want to be surprised so.... what is that all about?

[circa 333]

I don't want to hyjack this thread too bad, but Circa mention something about liver retraction pain. I had not heard of this before and dont want to be surprised so.... what is that all about?

If your liver doesn't shrink (mainly because of lack of pre-op diet) when they pull your liver out of the way, sometimes it gets sore. Happens more with bypass patients than others, but it can happen.

[indi1 66]

Thank you for that. I do have a pre-op diet, so I'm glad. :smile1:

[jeweladdo 20]

My BMI is 34.6 and I was advised to do the pre-op diet for at least 7 days prior to surgery because of exactly what Circa explained.

[Catracks 865]

I went back to work on Monday, Surgery was Jan 11. I asked them to adjust my schedule so I work from 7:30-3:30 with a half hour lunch instead of 8:30 to 4:30.

What this does for me is take an hour and a half off my commute time. LA traffic bites. I find that I still get fatigued in the afternoons.