Hello Spangles,
A Phased Return at Twelve Weeks is what we normally recommend. I’ll leave an article below that helps explain why -
http://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/phased-return-to-work.5696/
You may be able to return at work if you’re doing really well. The problem most often is fatigue and lack of stamina and I’ve even heard concentration can be an issue. Also, if you did return at eight weeks, by the time you arrived back home, you’d probably be exhausted and want / need to rest for the remainder of the evening. I’ll also leave a current thread from the Hip pre-op side that a few teachers weighed in on. If you feel you‘d be interested further commentary from any of them, please tag them as I’m sure they’d happily weigh in.
https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/return-to-teaching-how-soon-after-thr.60898/unread
As far as turning on your side, I’m sorry you’re hurting and found it necessary to use an assistive device again. It is the right thing to do as long as it offers the support you need right now. I’m sure you disturbed some healing soft tissue. What I’d do is ICE several times a day, for no less than 45-60 minutes each time you ice. There are instructions on ICE in the Recovery Guidelines if you need a point of reference. Take OTC pain relievers for a time if needed. I’m guessing it will ease soon with rest and some dedicated icing.
Post Op Blues is very common at this point in recovery. You’re feeling a bit better, but lose patience and want your life back NOW. Any setback, like the turning in bed incident, feels magnified and you begin to think...What Next?!! Trust me, it will get better. Here is an article in case you haven’t made it through the Recovery Guidelines -
Post op blues is feeling depressed, weepy, nervy, shaky, fearful of the future, anxious, overwhelmed by what is happening to you, convinced it's never going to get any better and finally, uttering that most intense of all cries "I wish I never had this done!" It arises out of a variety of...
bonesmart.org
You feel lethargic because your body recently went through a “controlled” trauma and you’re healing. Your body is using energy first for healing, not leaving much for anything else. So take the fatigue and lethargy as a sign of healing and fall into it...literally
Our body does its best healing while we’re sleeping -
http://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/energy-drain-for-thrs.12415/
Here is a reminder of the reality of recovery -
I’ll bet you can relate to that little drawing.
Sending a hug and wishes for brighter days. They’re coming!
@Spangles