Returned to work too soon?

[justgrace152 33]

Hey everyone, I’ve been kind of a lurker until now...
So I am 6 weeks post op, I returned to work 3 weeks ago at the start of the school year.
I am a k-8 library teacher, on my feet all day, teaching all day, moving books and bins all day. By 1:00 I’m so sore I am starting to hunch over and get nauseous. I’m finding it very difficult to sip Water all day...it’s hard to sip and teach at the same time.
Did I go back too soon? I’m having a really hard time taking care of myself while trying to do my job well.
I feel like such a wimp.
On top of it, my doctors office is being really reluctant to give me a note in case I need a day or two off.
Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

[Matt Z 4,139]

26 minutes ago, justgrace152 said:

Hey everyone, I’ve been kind of a lurker until now...
So I am 6 weeks post op, I returned to work 3 weeks ago at the start of the school year.
I am a k-8 library teacher, on my feet all day, teaching all day, moving books and bins all day. By 1:00 I’m so sore I am starting to hunch over and get nauseous. I’m finding it very difficult to sip Water all day...it’s hard to sip and teach at the same time.
Did I go back too soon? I’m having a really hard time taking care of myself while trying to do my job well.
I feel like such a wimp.
On top of it, my doctors office is being really reluctant to give me a note in case I need a day or two off.
Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

Sounds like it... and you need to figure out how to get that Water in... because that requirement isn't going to change as you heal. I made the mistake once to forget to drink my water, we had headed out to the Vineyard, so between packing, driving, the ferry, etc. It was a long time without water. Then I started to get very sick, nauseous, light headed, dizzy, etc etc etc. Thought it was from lack of food... but it was dehydration. Don't worry about feeling like a wimp, take care of yourself and your health!

[GreenTealael 25,413]

Hi, get a travel coffee cup with a really good lid & handle. Use it for all of your liquids.

Then don't let it leave your hands. At All. You can do this! It gets better with time, B Vitamins, Protein Shakes, proper hydration...

Oh and start an "Internship" where students do alot of the grunt work for you...

Safe Journey!

Edited September 13, 2018 by GreenTealael

[MarinaGirl 609]

Sounds like you did go back to work too soon. Do you have restrictions on how much weight you can pick up or move around? If you do you may need some accommodations until those restrictions are lifted.

You’re most likely nauseous because you’re dehydrated. Please be a squeaky wheel about your need for a doctor’s note with your surgeon’s office. No time to be nice or a people pleaser. Advocate for yourself and if they won’t help, try contacting your PCP for assistance. Be determined about this, not defeated. Good luck.

[TakingABreak 2,733]

I will echo what MarinaGirl said, and be your own advocate with your surgeons office if you feel that you need to take additional time off or if you need restrictions at work. If they aren't helping, reach out to your PCP.

Getting your fluids is very important. Set a timer and carry a bottle with you everywhere. Most importantly, find something you like to drink. You will be less likely to drink if it doesn't taste good or satisfying.

[Ed_NW 684]

sip sip sip

[justgrace152 33]

Thanks everyone for the support. I got in with my PCP this afternoon, and I’m hoping she will hear me out and help me focus on my health instead of work!

[Swanton_Bomb 522]

You can set alarms on your phone (or better, your fitbit, the alarms are less intrusive) to remind you to drink Water.

[ItsJustMeToo 42]

I went back after two weeks, and have a physically demanding job. It took me a few weeks to feel 100% as far as meeting the physical demands of my job. I could do it, but was a bit slower. I completely agree with the hydration recommendation. Even now I find that it's important to focus on hydration or I struggle to keep up with the physical and mental demands at work.

[NYJenn 1,463]

You’ll be tired for awhile, it’s normal. Keep up with your water!

[AJP 132]

I will be going back next week. Was able to take the time so I did. But I still tire out easily. Just want my energy back!!

[J San 1,071]

Am I wrong or are you trying to get this note from your PCP? It seems that way from what you typed. You should ask your surgeon for the note, I can't imagine they would have any issue giving you one. Also you should be able to get some type of medical note to restrict you to light duty. There is normally a maximum on how much you can lift for the first several weeks. You should also ask your surgeon for this note. Work out a way to get that Water in and best of luck to you.

[justgrace152 33]

J San it is my surgeon who was giving me a hard time funny enough.

[J San 1,071]

47 minutes ago, justgrace152 said:

J San it is my surgeon who was giving me a hard time funny enough.

Damn, wouldn't have figured that. I wonder what his reasoning is? That just makes no sense. Sorry your dealing with that. Hope you work it all out and feel better.

[sillykitty 10,776]

Also get a shot, or start taking a B12 sublingual. At about 3 weeks post op I started feeling shaky and like I was going to pass out with the smallest amount of activity. A B12 shot from my surgeon seemed to solve the issue.