Going Back to Work

[brs0660]

Greetings all.:fdbk:

I am scheduled to go back to work on Monday. My job is fairly sedentary, but I am still apprehensive. (Honestly, how am I going to get my afternoon nap in:hehe.

Seriously....any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

Barb
RTKR 4/14/09

 

[Texas]

Barb, I don't remember how far out are you from surgery?

 

[brs0660]

7 wks

 

[ship4]

Pace yourself!

 

[loggon]

I am at 9 weeks today and I could not work all day.

I have been working a little each day but I have my own
business and I can get up anytime and ice. (Like I need to now)

You will be OK as long as you pace yourself. Can you take breaks
and ice? Can you put your leg up?

Good luck.

 

[Texas]

Me either. Maybe as Jo would say, I think!! Can you ease back into work and not full speed ahead? Just be careful dont over due it. Alot of people go back to soon and end up back out again. Just take it easy. Try not to do to much. We are still here for ya, let us know how you are making out with it ok.........keep us posted. I will nap for you ok lol..

 

[Judles]

Kim.....YOU???? When was the last time YOU had a full night's sleep!!!

 

[Judles]

Barb......what kind of job do you have? Can you find a quiet place for yourself. During your lunch break? You will be exhausted the first couple of days....please be aware of that! You'd be surprised how tiring it is just getting through the day! Mentally AND physical exhausted! Definitely pace yourself!! !

 

[Texas]

I had my suregery on 4-3 so probably 4-1, (the night before nerves).lol. Yep!!!! I still know one night I will shock myself and sleep thru. Just hope its soon.

 

[brs0660]

Thanks for any and all suggestions.

I am a special microbiology supervisor (TB, Fungus and Viruses). I have 15 direct reports. AND have they missed me!!!! :wub:

I should be able ice my knee periodicaly thru the day...actually work is where my ice packs came from :hehe:. Dr felt I should be able to make it all day...if I melt down..I AM GOING HOME.
Barb
We have a quiet room with a fifteen minute max usage. I think a little POWER nap would help.

 

[brs0660]

Kim...I hereby bequeath you my afternoon nap

Barb

 

[Texas]

Aw thank you HIGH FIVE !!!!!! I will cherish every minute!!!lol

 

[Jamie]

One thing to keep in mind is that your coworkers and bosses will see you as "healed" once you are back in the office. They can't SEE the pain or fatigue you feel. So it is important that you only do what you can and then STOP. It is okay to say this is all I can do today and I must get home now. I'll be back tomorrow. Remind them that you DID have very major surgery (if all else fails...show them a video of the surgery -- that'll get 'em) and you must come back to work at a modified pace or you'll be out for a day or two if you overdo it too much!

 

[Josephine]

On that same point is why I always advocate that you have a specific agreement, in writing, about the terms of your return. Hours of work being phased - start with just a few, 4 hrs x 3 on alternate days first week, 6 hrs x two on alternate days the second week, 4 or 6 hrs every day third week, and so on. What ever you feel you can cope with. You should be able to plan being back to normal hours at the end of a month.

Plus put in some caveats about rest periods and unscheduled early departures if you find you can't cope some days. If it's all on the nod beforehand, people will readily forget it, unintentionally or deliberately!, but makes life unnecessarily difficult and one thing you must not do is ever, ever start guilting yourself into toughing it out.

 

[brs0660]

Thanks...all of you! I will let you know how it goes
Barb

Jo..I particularly like the idea of putting it in writing. My boss reminds me of Chef Ramsey on TV.

 

[Judles]

Oh....yikes, Barb!!

 

[brs0660]

I survived my first day back. :evil:

Had PT this AM and then off to work.

Took pain 1/2 pain pill at lunch today...helped. Tonight I am elevating and icing. The area around the knee cap and above the knee are oh so sore.

Boss gave me a list of about six projects due yesterday at the latest

At any rate I survived day one:wub:

Barb
RTKR 4/14/09

 

[Texas]

Aw sorry I guess they are not understanding. I hope your ok by the end of the week.........Dont over do it............I hope your knee gets better soon !!!!!!! hang in there...we miss ya !!!!!!!!

 

[Jamie]

Boss gave me a list of about six projects due yesterday at the latest

At any rate I survived day one:wub:

Barb
RTKR 4/14/09

Barb, boy it's evident that your boss is clueless as to what you're going through. Stay assertive!!! Your health is number one right now. If they abuse you, it will take longer to get you back at 100%. Don't let anyone guilt you into doing more than you are able.

 

[Judles]

Oh Barb! Seriously,,,,,,move slow! Take it easy!!