Returning to Work

[RKROB66]

This Question is for Anyone who may offer help.I did notice on a Post that Josephine has Experience in this Matter,However all Help is Appreciated.

I had a RTHR in Late August and have done well,I did have a Little Scare Early on with my Incision but all is well.It has been about 8 weeks and I still have some aches and pains mostly after being active,I also have some stiffness after I sit down and rest.I am However way better off than I was pre-op.I am Working on my weight,I am probably 35lbs over the Chart and I realize this will help in all Areas if I bring that Down.My Question is at the start I was taking Pain meds as Prescribed then I kinda went through a period I didnt need them as much,Then as I started getting better and more active I needed them again.At present I take them when I need them period.At 8 weeks is this normal? I am Below the Recommended Dose and when I run out,I have had no problems getting Refills.Is this something that will be a part of your life from now on? Should you use as needed????


2nd Part: Josephine

I work at a Manufacturing Union Shop that has an RN and Medical Doctor,I have been instructed that once my OS say's I can come back to work to call and make an appt. for a Return to work Clearance.The RN told me we have employees that have had THR and things have gone well.She also stated a NORM has always been about 4 months off Work.
My OS is Great but not real educated on a Union Shop,we have a bunch of different Job skills and I have about 5 or 6. I personally think one of them would not be a good Idea?? The PA told me that the OS usually releases on Light Duty for a few weeks then to full.If I go to full and they put me on a Job that is Bad for me what do I do???? Should the OS leave Limitations for me?? Josephine ANY Help here would be very Appreciated!!!


Thanks,

 

[Josephine]

Hey Rob - I think you should be needing pain meds for a little while longer. You're about on the cusp of needing them and not needing them. Don't worry about taking them, just do so when you have a bad day. You'll find, as time goes on, the gaps between the bad days will gradually get longer and longer. But don't try to rush it.

As for the job - well, this is good! 4 months? So many folk on here have scared the beejeebers out of me by returning in 4 weeks! If it's on offer, do take it!

So you have the perfect cover of an RN and a doctor? Well, if you discuss these problems with her and keep her in the loop, she should be able to get you a return to light duties for a period should the need arise. I also suggest you get her to arrange a phased return to work which means doing a few short days over a few weeks. I have this suggestion worked out, just to give you an idea what I mean

week 1: Tues, Thurs 10-3
week 2: Mon, Wed, Fri 10-3
week 3: Tues, Thurs full day
week 4: Mon, Wed, Fri full day
week 5: normal duties

I think, after that, you should find you're able to do pretty much anything.

 

[Texas]

Hi and welcome i agree you probably will need pain meds awhile.....hang in there its gets better.........im a knee but i would go to work slowly .......dont go backwards........take it easy..........hope you continue to improve and do well...............keep us posted......)

 

[Judles]

Welcome, Rob! Sounds likes you're doing great! It's ok to take pain meds if you need them! Sounds like you're well on your way to a great recovery! Take care!:evil:

 

[Jamie]

Welcome to BoneSmart RKROB. So glad to hear that you are doing well after your surgery. You know, it's quite normal to need a bit more pain management as you become more active. But pain medication is NOT going to be part of your life forever. As your muscles get back in shape, you'll need them less and less. Just listen to your body and you'll know when it's okay to start tapering off.

You should not have any limitations with your job unless one of the skills involves something like bungee cord jumping... (a little humor, there). Seriously though...once you are through recovery, you should be back to a really normal life. I do think you are wise to take advantage of as much time off work as possible and then phase in your return to full-scale jobs. This is not a time to rush.

 

[JudyS]

Welcome. i used pain meds for about 4 months and noticed the same as you. As soon as I became more active, more pain. I was fired so did not have the return to work issue. I would certainly take off as much time as you can.
Let us know how it is going
judy