Going back to work...

[WorththeWeight 0]

Sorry for starting a new thread but need some advice/opinions ('course that's why I'm here!).

I'm going back to work after one week. I feel pretty good, off the pain meds, have a 50/50 desk job. I mean, I work at my desk but I'm up and down a lot from 3rd floor to 1st floor for meetings, observations, etc.

I didnt tell anyone at work that I was having the surgery (well, one co-worker but he doesnt remember). I told everyone I was gonna be on vacation for a week.

My question is...for those of you who have gone back to work within a week or less, was it ok? Any words of advice to get through the week or am I just being stupid? Since I've been at home, I'm really sore if I don't move around after abt 30 minutes or so...I can't really "sit" for more than an hour or two without SEVERE discomfort at the port site.

Sorry for the long post. my doc said she wouldnt release me until I'm ready but I think a week is plenty.

Thanks for any advice you can pass along....:whoo:

[steph_co 9]

I went back to work at 4 days post-op. I have a pretty physical job as a night security officer. Getting in and out of the patrol vehicle at least a couple dozen times per night, walking up to what probably equates to about 20 floors' worth of stairs, walking around properties, etc. I was a little weak at 4 days post-op but I think by 6 days post-op I was not feeling weak anymore. The port pain continued until *about* 10 days post-op, but that was mostly because of my belt and having to bend at the waist so much getting in and out of the vehicle.

The portion of my job spent sitting at a desk between patrols, or even just walking in general was fine. Getting in and out of the vehicle gave me the most trouble. I think you'll do good. No extra precautions necessary.

[Longhorn 1]

I went back on the fifth day. I'm a college teacher and tutor. On the days I tutor, I go from table to table to work with students, so I'm up and down a lot. On the days I teach, I have 75-minute classes with two-hour breaks in between.

I felt a little weak and sore and I used that time in between classes to rest. However, there is no place to lie down and bending over to put my head down on a desk (in a private office) was impossible due to my port pain. So I never really could get comfortable enough to nap. I thought about bringing an exercise mat and laying down on the floor but each day, I felt better.

I was very tired that first week back and went to bed as soon as I got home. But by the end of the first weekend after I returned, I felt almost completely back to normal. There are many people who didn't know I had surgery. If you told people that you getting over a cold or something, they'll accept it. Just give yourself permission to take it easy and rest when you can.

Have a good week!

[WorththeWeight 0]

Thanks for the info! Very helpful! I went back to work yesterday and by abt 3:30, I was so tired I thought I wouldnt make it...I left an hour early and came home and fell asleep on the couch within 15 minutes of getting home.

Today is better. Still tired but I made it the whole day. Still have more discomfort at the port site than I thought would by now. It'll be two weeks on Friday.

Wish I had restriction already...pretty much anything is passing through right now...maybe next year!