Time Off Work?

[Hapamomma 72]

How much time do most people with desk jobs take off of work? I have paid leave, but need to get back soon. I don’t want to rush it, but also don’t want to waste time at home. I was wondering how much time most people are off before going back and what seems to be the most challenging when you return to work.TIA!

[wjgo 272]

I was discharged at 2:30. Back at my desk 4:30. In a small family business, no choice.

It would depend on what appearance you want to maintain, and if you don't want anyone wondering. You'll look groggy coming home, maybe next day too. You'll have incision pain, and I found myself walking with a slight hunch for a couple days. If you need to pick something off the floor, even sitting down, you'll feel it. Took a decent week until I could bend over and not visibly wince at the discomfort. One way of minimizing pain to stand from sitting was to hold in gut at incision area with a hand (or pillow cushion). I'd do this subconsciously.

Over a week until I could sleep normally. And sleep might be an issue. I never got good sleep because I toss and turn, and every ab crunch I felt it. I had 5 incisions, buts it the bigger one that hurts.

I'd say to plan a week. If you have a personal office, maybe you could be back in 3 days, but it won't be exactly comfortable.

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[chellechelle77 2]

I took three weeks off. Check with your HR Team. It should be covered by FMLA. I work a desk job and client based. I know that I will be emotional and this is why I took three weeks. Don’t want to take my emotions out on customers or peers. Was sleeved on 04/03 and so thankful that I still have two weeks to get myself prepared.

[Hapamomma 72]

Yes, mine is covered by FMLA and I have the sick leave to cover whatever time I need - so no worries there. A colleague had the sleeve and she was off work 2 weeks, but said she wished she had taken three.
wjgo- WOW! Your return to work so soon is AMAZING! You must be one tough cookie! It’s encouraging to know that it is bearable to return to work soon.


HW: 252
CW: 252
Surgery date: TBD - End of May possibly
5’4”

[sillykitty 10,776]

I also technically took no time off. I work from home, so except when I was in preop, op and recovery, I was working. I had no issue at all doing my "desk" job right after surgery. Physically it was similar to @wjgo experienced, soreness from moving around. If I had to go into my office I would have taken a minimum of 3 days, including surgery day, but maximum of a week. I also wouldn't want to be sitting at home if there was work to be done.

[sleeve21418 42]

I had surgery on Wednesday and was back at work on Monday. I honestly could have worked on Saturday if I needed to. My husband and I ran errands that day and I felt fine.

[Hapamomma 72]

Ok, everyone's input helps a lot! Sounds like I would be capable of going back to work sooner than I thought for sure!

[redhead_che 824]

I took 3 weeks. I felt awful. But I hadn’t had a major surgery in like 15 years so I knew there would be some physical and emotional adjustment.

[Hapamomma 72]

That where I am - It sounds like I will be capable ... but I do have the sick time saved up and work at a huge place, so taking 2-3 weeks is not a problem. I may do two weeks then one week work from home then go back in the office.

[misskim3297 13]

I took a week off (vacation time) and then worked from home for a week.

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[etc. etc. etc. 440]

I have a desk job. I did the surgery on Friday, then took the weekend and Monday off. I did half days on Tuesday and Wednesday and was back to full days by Thursday.

[Orchids&Dragons 9,047]

I stayed home one week, then a week of 1/2 days. I probably could have gone back sooner, but I was still pretty sore. Plus, I went home with a central line and I really didn't want to go back to work until I could shower.

[Dointhis4me 12]

I was sleeved last Monday 4/2/18 and went back to work today.
I have a fairly sedentary job where I sit 5-6 hours per day.

[nenes78 528]

I took 2 1/2 weeks. Sleeved on 3/7 and back 3/26. I do have a desk job but also have a lot of walking around the office as well. First week I was dead tired by the end of the day do to the low calorie intake from liquid/puree stage of foods. Now onto soft foods have felt a lot better.

[lex2287 98]

I work in law enforcement and I took 1 week total off. “Vacation” if you will. My surgery was on a Wednesday and I was back fighting crime on Monday morning.. I def wasn’t cleared to lift over 15 lbs so I took it easy.. I was really exhausted the first few weeks but now I’m at work at 530 in the mornings with no problem! Just wish I could get out of this stall I’m in!