When to return to work??

[Skeet]

It's been 4 weeks (12-17) since surgery. I am debating when to return to work. I can work 100% from home on my computer. I was going to return yesterday, but realized that was way too soon. Now I'm thinking maybe Feb 1. Any feedback on timing for work? How have others done? Anyone working from home? I am still taking pain killers throughout the day. I can function, but my concentration is not great and I'm not as sharp as i would be off meds.

 

[JuneBug88]

My best advice on returning to work is go back when your doctor clears you to return. I had my tkr on 11/27 and I am thinking going back in Febuary, that is if I get cleared from my doctor. Right now I know I am not ready. I still cant drive with out pain.

Debbi

 

[Nancy Van Dam]

It has been exactly four weeks since TKR surgery on my left knee. It remains a bit of a struggle to get in and out of the car, but I can drive because my right knee is fine. I also wonder when I will be able to return to work. I am a teacher who travels between buildings. I also have to do a fair amount of walking during the day, as well as going up and downstairs and navigating icy walkways to and from the school buildings. It still requires a lot of effort and mental energy just to walk without a limp. That alone can be exhausting. I feel guilty for leaving my students for this amount of time, but I will have to return when my doctor clears me to do so. If you can work from home, you should not feel guilty.
Just do what you can for now and celebrate progress (however minor).

 

[Skeet]

Thanks for the feedback. My doctor is leaving it up to me regarding a return to work. He approved my leave until the end of February, but says the actual return date is up to me since I don't have to drive to go back.

I'm concerned that once I return, the folks I work with will forget I've had major surgery and am still recovering and expect the same level of contribution as before the surgery. I'm not yet able to provide that and don't know when I will be.

How are folks doing with concentration levels and energy? I wonder if working from home will make this easier. And I'm concerned that once I go back I won't have the chance to undo the decision.

Have folks gone back part time? How does that work?

I also worry that folks at work really don't "Get" what I've gone and am going through. This isn't as easy as it sounds. Major surgery affects you for a long time and I'm not sure how best to help them understand where i am in my recovery. Any advice? I want to set expectations appropriately.

Thanks again for the feedback. You all are the only ones who really understand where I'm coming from. I can't tell you how much that means to me!

 

[Skeet]

Nancy -

Keep in mind the energy required just to get yourself ready to go to work. The shower, dressing, drive in, etc. That can sap your energy. And your kids understand. I know my teenagers are much wiser with all this than I am at times. They keep telling me to take it easy, take my time healing, not to feel guilty, etc.

If you go back too early, you will do yourself and your students an injustice. If you don't have the energy to do all the walking and such, you won't be doing your best work in class. Be patient. I have to remind myself that my kids (and your students) look to me as a role model and by demonstrating how to take good care of myself, they learn it is okay to take time for themselves, too. I can relate to your guilt, but I'm learning that it is important to take care of myself first so that I can better take care of others.

I will keep you in my prayers that you make wise choices and allow yourself to heal.

God bless,
Skeet

 

[Josephine]

Good grief - 4 weeks is waaay too early! That's major surgery you've had there, sister!! You still have deep healing going on, recuperation and readjustment. I would strongly recommend you don't even think of returning until at least 8 weeks. People take 2-4 weeks off just for an arthroscopy! Be kind to yourself and don't rush it.

Also, if you can arrange a part-time return that would be good too. Start off with a couple of afternoons the first week, half days the second and so on. Back track it you have to or speed on if you feel up to it. Rather depends upon how obliging your employer is, of course.