THR Rick's Recovery Thread - Now A View from the Clouds (literally)!
- Thread starter Rick02809
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how are things?
Z15
graduate
Re: Out of work question?
Rick,
I'm living some of the the thought process you are looking forward to...
I'm now at 10 days after surgery, and feel at the moment like going back to work could be (but WON'T be) the biggest obstacle to a maximum recovery that many of us encounter.
When I was thinking of the question pre-op my focus was on when would I be CAPABLE of doing my job again. But here is the key point for me...Doing the exercises, the walking, the bike, the stretching, (the napping) PLUS as others say, showering and making meals is slower (more methodical) for awhile...I don't know when I will be at a point where I have the time for work. And yes, I could absolutely cut corners on the walk or the stretching, but that is exactly what I need to fight against.
As others have said, once back to work it's too easy to say...I'm just going to squeeze in this one phone call or one task before I take my walk and BAMMM....2 hours later you realize that it's too late and you are due for the the next task and you missed your walk.
One of my co-workers offered this as well...Work often adds SOME form of stress...and stress takes energy and focus that we should be steering toward healing.
I probably sound like I am justifying a delay in my return to work...and to some degree I am. I realize how easy it would be to start reading the emails and re-engaging on the projects..and I need to be diligent about staying focused on my new hip...
Hope that helps
Rick,
I'm living some of the the thought process you are looking forward to...
I'm now at 10 days after surgery, and feel at the moment like going back to work could be (but WON'T be) the biggest obstacle to a maximum recovery that many of us encounter.
When I was thinking of the question pre-op my focus was on when would I be CAPABLE of doing my job again. But here is the key point for me...Doing the exercises, the walking, the bike, the stretching, (the napping) PLUS as others say, showering and making meals is slower (more methodical) for awhile...I don't know when I will be at a point where I have the time for work. And yes, I could absolutely cut corners on the walk or the stretching, but that is exactly what I need to fight against.
As others have said, once back to work it's too easy to say...I'm just going to squeeze in this one phone call or one task before I take my walk and BAMMM....2 hours later you realize that it's too late and you are due for the the next task and you missed your walk.
One of my co-workers offered this as well...Work often adds SOME form of stress...and stress takes energy and focus that we should be steering toward healing.
I probably sound like I am justifying a delay in my return to work...and to some degree I am. I realize how easy it would be to start reading the emails and re-engaging on the projects..and I need to be diligent about staying focused on my new hip...
Hope that helps
Re: Out of work question?
Z you make some excellent points. This is not about whether you can do your job. It's about all the stress of getting there and back while still very much in the recovery mode.
Getting up and dressed for work, preparing a small breakfast, coffee, take the dog out, then commute to work (traffic, public transport) - it all takes energy. Then there are the hours at work requiring more energy.
One of the biggest hurdles for most is that of stamina. It sometimes take awhile to regain stamina following major surgery. If you don't give yourself time to do this recovery can take longer.
Rick - good idea to play it by ear. You simply can't predict how you will react to surgery.
Z you make some excellent points. This is not about whether you can do your job. It's about all the stress of getting there and back while still very much in the recovery mode.
Getting up and dressed for work, preparing a small breakfast, coffee, take the dog out, then commute to work (traffic, public transport) - it all takes energy. Then there are the hours at work requiring more energy.
One of the biggest hurdles for most is that of stamina. It sometimes take awhile to regain stamina following major surgery. If you don't give yourself time to do this recovery can take longer.
Rick - good idea to play it by ear. You simply can't predict how you will react to surgery.
DallasSarah
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Re: Out of work question?
Morning Jaycey and Z.....
Jaycey I thought the same thing, Z you hit important reasons why not to rush back to work. If you can afford and have opportunity to take the time off this is the best route to take. Focusing a 100% on recovering is the best plan!
Happy healing....
xxooxx
Morning Jaycey and Z.....
Jaycey I thought the same thing, Z you hit important reasons why not to rush back to work. If you can afford and have opportunity to take the time off this is the best route to take. Focusing a 100% on recovering is the best plan!
Happy healing....
xxooxx
Josephine
NURSE DIRECTOR EMERITA
Re: Out of work question?
Z you are spot on! and I have all that listed in my article Phased return to work
The thing to remember really is that so often when people think of going back to work they just think of the work.
They forget
~ having to get up earlier in the morning
~ getting washed/showered, putting on the 'face',
~ getting dressed
~ getting a fast breakfast and eating it in about 5 mins instead of casually
~ getting out the car
~ driving to work
~ walking from car to office
~ actually being up and about and unable to take intermittent proper rests during the day
~ walking from office back to car
~ driving home
~ putting car away
~ making an evening meal
~ probably feeding pets and/or others
~ washing up and then finding it's almost time for bed!
All of that is pretty much equivalent to a day's work on it's own but then you've got to do the day's work as well!
Z you are spot on! and I have all that listed in my article Phased return to work
The thing to remember really is that so often when people think of going back to work they just think of the work.
They forget
~ having to get up earlier in the morning
~ getting washed/showered, putting on the 'face',
~ getting dressed
~ getting a fast breakfast and eating it in about 5 mins instead of casually
~ getting out the car
~ driving to work
~ walking from car to office
~ actually being up and about and unable to take intermittent proper rests during the day
~ walking from office back to car
~ driving home
~ putting car away
~ making an evening meal
~ probably feeding pets and/or others
~ washing up and then finding it's almost time for bed!
All of that is pretty much equivalent to a day's work on it's own but then you've got to do the day's work as well!
Z15
graduate
Re: Out of work question?
Shawnna, since cutting back on WORK is not an option, are there any corners of your life that you can steal some hours from. At the moment I could probably recover a few hours a week if I stopped reading BS so much!!! (just kidding...not gonna happen) I probably have a few things I do automatically (like staying currrent with the news) that I may need to rethink in a few weeks...
Good luck,
Z
Shawnna, since cutting back on WORK is not an option, are there any corners of your life that you can steal some hours from. At the moment I could probably recover a few hours a week if I stopped reading BS so much!!! (just kidding...not gonna happen) I probably have a few things I do automatically (like staying currrent with the news) that I may need to rethink in a few weeks...
Good luck,
Z
Desiree
junior member
Re: Out of work question?
Hi Rick,
I was told 12 weeks, but was back 5 weeks post op. The doc released me to drive 4 weeks post op, and I went to work a week later without any problems. As other members have said, it depends on your physical make up, how fast you heal, your stamina etc.. I was very active and did my PT religiously. I also started going to water fitness classes about 5 weeks post op, which helped TREMENDOUSLY. The more diligent you are, the fitter you are, the faster you'll be back on your feet/hips. Just remember to take care of your body, it will tell you when the time is right. Don't rush things. Be kind to yourself and your body. Best of luck to you!
Desiree
Hi Rick,
I was told 12 weeks, but was back 5 weeks post op. The doc released me to drive 4 weeks post op, and I went to work a week later without any problems. As other members have said, it depends on your physical make up, how fast you heal, your stamina etc.. I was very active and did my PT religiously. I also started going to water fitness classes about 5 weeks post op, which helped TREMENDOUSLY. The more diligent you are, the fitter you are, the faster you'll be back on your feet/hips. Just remember to take care of your body, it will tell you when the time is right. Don't rush things. Be kind to yourself and your body. Best of luck to you!
Desiree
Re: Out of work question?
Desiree.....I appreciate that you had a fast recovery, but I don't agree that it is the result of diligence, fitness, or anything that you did to make your recovery faster. It just was what it was - an excellent recovery and you are lucky.
The key to success lies in your comments about taking care of your body, listening to it, not rushing, and going with what works for you. I applaud your success!!! But I hope folks concentrate on your conscious decision to pay attention to what your body was telling you was right for you.
Desiree.....I appreciate that you had a fast recovery, but I don't agree that it is the result of diligence, fitness, or anything that you did to make your recovery faster. It just was what it was - an excellent recovery and you are lucky.
The key to success lies in your comments about taking care of your body, listening to it, not rushing, and going with what works for you. I applaud your success!!! But I hope folks concentrate on your conscious decision to pay attention to what your body was telling you was right for you.
dectjc
member
Re: Out of work question?
Hi Rick
My first THR was 3 years ago and at that time I was a Police Officer assigned to patrol. I took 5 weeks off, went back in on light duty, working a desk job, then went back to full duty at 5 months.
You have to remember the type of job that you do. Being a 911 operater is stressful and not the type of job you can have a "bad day" since people depend on you to be 100 percent.
Only you will be able to tell when your ready. Since you said you have sick time saved up I would recommend that you use it. I retired last year after 30 yrs on the job and looking back I would have taken more time before returning.
Good luck in your recovery.
Hi Rick
My first THR was 3 years ago and at that time I was a Police Officer assigned to patrol. I took 5 weeks off, went back in on light duty, working a desk job, then went back to full duty at 5 months.
You have to remember the type of job that you do. Being a 911 operater is stressful and not the type of job you can have a "bad day" since people depend on you to be 100 percent.
Only you will be able to tell when your ready. Since you said you have sick time saved up I would recommend that you use it. I retired last year after 30 yrs on the job and looking back I would have taken more time before returning.
Good luck in your recovery.
OP
OP
Rick02809
junior member
Re: Out of work question?
Seeing that I've been dealing with this pain for over a year, I know that I can tolerate the pain. I've become adjusted to the pain and have a higher thresh hold today.
I'm not overly concerned about the commute to work, 2 minutes by car. We designed our comm center to be ergonomic, so I will be able to sit or stand to do my job when I go back. Most of the guys are telling me take your time, however, I get bored at home fast. Which means I'll be walking or PT in the down time. Thank you all for your input, it helps tremndously!
Seeing that I've been dealing with this pain for over a year, I know that I can tolerate the pain. I've become adjusted to the pain and have a higher thresh hold today.
I'm not overly concerned about the commute to work, 2 minutes by car. We designed our comm center to be ergonomic, so I will be able to sit or stand to do my job when I go back. Most of the guys are telling me take your time, however, I get bored at home fast. Which means I'll be walking or PT in the down time. Thank you all for your input, it helps tremndously!
Re: Out of work question?
Hi there Rick,
I have been back at work a couple of days now and whilst it is manageable I would highly recommend taking as much time as possible to recover before going back. It has been one month since my op and at the moment work is not too busy so I have plently of opportunities to walk, stretch, undertake exercises etc. I would struggle a bit more if work was busy.
After day 1, in which I did sit a fair bit of the day,my hamstrings were certainly feeling it. Thus I made sure that Day 2 onwards I would be more active in my approach to stretching, walking and exercising.
If I could afford the time off I would certainly have an extra 2 weeks off at least (6 weeks minimum), but in saying that circumstances sometimes don't allow for that and you just have to go with the flow and do what you have to do.
Good luck with your op and recovery.
Hi there Rick,
I have been back at work a couple of days now and whilst it is manageable I would highly recommend taking as much time as possible to recover before going back. It has been one month since my op and at the moment work is not too busy so I have plently of opportunities to walk, stretch, undertake exercises etc. I would struggle a bit more if work was busy.
After day 1, in which I did sit a fair bit of the day,my hamstrings were certainly feeling it. Thus I made sure that Day 2 onwards I would be more active in my approach to stretching, walking and exercising.
If I could afford the time off I would certainly have an extra 2 weeks off at least (6 weeks minimum), but in saying that circumstances sometimes don't allow for that and you just have to go with the flow and do what you have to do.
Good luck with your op and recovery.
OP
OP
Rick02809
junior member
33 Hrs in the hospital and home
That's right folks, they sent me home tonight at 5:30 PM. I'm typing this from the comfort of my living room. I've been home about 2 hrs and am glad to be here. Let the icing begin, The PT will be here tomorrow for my daily round of torture... No pain, no gain!
Even the nurse said "I've been on this floor for 6 years, and you are the 1st patient to go home the day after your surgery!"
That's right folks, they sent me home tonight at 5:30 PM. I'm typing this from the comfort of my living room. I've been home about 2 hrs and am glad to be here. Let the icing begin, The PT will be here tomorrow for my daily round of torture... No pain, no gain!
Even the nurse said "I've been on this floor for 6 years, and you are the 1st patient to go home the day after your surgery!"
Z15
graduate
Re: 33 Hrs in the hospital and home
Rick,
You must be a star....good for you. :yes 4:
Let the healing begin!
Z
Rick,
You must be a star....good for you. :yes 4:
Let the healing begin!
Z
Jen
senior
Re: 33 Hrs in the hospital and home
Excellent news Rick! It sounds like the surgery must have gone very well. Rest up and let us know how things are going when you can. Good luck with PT tomorrow!
Excellent news Rick! It sounds like the surgery must have gone very well. Rest up and let us know how things are going when you can. Good luck with PT tomorrow!
haldox
post-grad
Re: 33 Hrs in the hospital and home
Yay! Glad your home and well.
Yay! Glad your home and well.
tashia
alpha
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Re: 33 Hrs in the hospital and home
What good news. Hospital are not a place everyone caves to be. There is not place like home. do take care and don't overdue it. tashia:doggieshmooze::yes 4::flowerysmile:
What good news. Hospital are not a place everyone caves to be. There is not place like home. do take care and don't overdue it. tashia:doggieshmooze::yes 4::flowerysmile:
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