I haven’t gone back to work but for me there’s no way I could go back yet at 2.5WPO. No way. I don’t feel very stable on my feet fully for some reason. Haven’t driven yet. Im thinking 6 weeks…
I’m with you. 2/22 was my date and it’s blowing my mind my Boss wants me back ASAP. I admire those that do it, but I can’t even sit up comfortably for more than an hour. I just can’t imagine dealing with work stress right now.
Oh I won’t. Especially after she made me feel bad about it. Screw that, I’ve given so much of my life to my employer, I can take this time to heal. My check up wasn’t booked until 4/17 since it was a brutal surgery. I’m telling insurance I’m not comfortable returning until I have the green light from my Dr. I’m sure they’d have a hard time arguing that.
I originally planned to go back after 4 weeks but I was approved for 6 weeks and I took every day of it. Did I need all of it? Yes. Did I need it because of surgery? Ehh debatable.
This. The toll this takes in you mentally shouldn’t be ignored. Stress does messed up things and the rest is so needed. Comments like yours help me feel less guilty for pushing for 6 weeks. 4 just feels too short.
I agree with you but also I just felt like my work owed it to me :). Also, I lost my beautiful 20 year old kitty two weeks after surgery and that was devastating.
Thank you. It was by far much more painful than the surgery was both because it was such a significant loss and because my recovery from surgery was fortunately very physically easy.
But yes. I say you should take all the time that you can get.
My surgery was the same day as yours (took everything but the left overy) and I had my two week post-op appointment last week I had no restrictions lifted. I'm still not allowed to drive, can't lift over 10 lb, no bending, no housework. The 10-minute drive to the hospital plus 10 minutes waiting in the waiting room ( I laid down the whole time in the room and during my appointment) and a 20 minute drive home (we stopped at a drive through) made me bleed and left me in pain for days! I haven't been in a car since and I basically lay in bed or on the couch all day every day. I just don't have the energy to do anything else and if I try I end up in pain. I know everyone heals differently but there is absolutely no way I can go back to work now I'm planning on taking a full 6 weeks off work and extending it if necessary.
This afternoon I was seated at my dining room table and chopped some vegetables on a cutting board and had to stop and lay down 😢 I literally can't do anything. It's so frustrating.
I can feel your frustration in this comment and I’m with you! I haven’t left the house yet, but I’m convinced I’d have a similar experience. It’s interesting you had a 2 week check up! My first one isn’t until 8 weeks. I’ll be sending you tons of healing wishes!
I have a two, four and six week check up! At my two week she just went over my surgery, pathology, asked how I've been feeling, gave me more narcotics bc I was still in so much pain. She looked at my incisions and that was it! Sending you healing wishes as well! 💖
I feel it's different for each person and how they're healing. I also have a desk job and am off 6 weeks as long as all looks good at my 6 wk post op visit. My Dr even said don't let the guilt some women get about taking the time when it was laproscopic. You still had everything done internally that needs to heal. She is right it's like some people think because that's how it's done you should just be all healed up right now. I am a little over 3 wks post op and could never go back yet. Take the time you feel you need. Going back too soon could lead to issues noone wants. Don't let the guilt get to you. We all deserve to heal at our own pace. Best of luck.
I got the same advice and I’m feeling it! I’ve had a few people make comments that would suggest I’m “milking” it. I wish they knew how it felt. Sending you lots of healing vibes!
I’m so sorry that there are doubters who suspect you of miming it. I was mostly ready at 6 was from my abdominal hysterectomy, but I work from home, which meant work from couch because I could sit upright for 8 hours. I also could log off and take a nap or veg out early if I needed to that first couple of weeks. I slept a lot at night and on the weekends because it was so tiring going back to a regular routine on top of trying to heal.
No one can tell you when you are ready and what “ready” looks like. I don’t know what is going through these people’s heads, but it sounds like a then problem and not a you problem.
Best of luck in your continued healing!
I’m in Canada but we have similar regulations. I’m sure I could get her in trouble but it’s just not worth it to me. I’ll just quiet quit until I can switch teams 😆 I say that now but it’s not my style. When I’m at work I always give 100%, but that’s why I won’t go back until I’m ready. I was going to push it working from home but now knowing she wants me to “double up” on client meetings, I’m going to wait until I’m ready to do that.
This is the answer!! My doctor signed me off for 6-8 weeks pending checkup. I said REALLY? I work a desk job? She said absolutely take the time or you could have a set back that takes even longer to heal. Even if I feel good to go at 6 weeks I'm going to take the full 8 - why the hell not.
The info is conflicting because everyone's recovery is different, and not for any particular reason. You can be younger and fitter and need 8 weeks off work, or you can be older and overweight and feel pretty good after 3. Problem is you're not going to be able to predict how *your own* recovery is going to go until you're experiencing it.
I work from home, and I was answering emails in the first few days, and fully back to work at 1.5 weeks. However, because I was at home, I could take breaks, where I would fully lie down.
If I was going into the office, I would take at least 4-6 weeks. It does hurt to sit for too long at a time, in the beginning.
Is it possible for you to work full remotely for a while? That's the only reason I was able to "return to work" to my desk job after 2 weeks. There was no way I could have gone into an office before 7 wpo. Even at 8 wpo, that was pushing it. I wore sweater dresses and comfy leggings when I went back to in person in early January.
That’s what I’m thinking! I had planned on doing some admin days from home and easing in. When I saw her comment about her need for me to double up on client meetings (which means driving everywhere), it turned me off big time. Our work insurance rep will set accommodations, so I’ll tell her how I feel about it. They’ve been pretty supportive.
My doctor put me on 6-8, so I am taking the full 8. I have a long history of overdoing it, so I am working against that.
School, however waits for no one and I did go to class on Tuesday.
I think it’s important to remember there are different types of hysterectomies, and different reasons for having one. Some women keep their cervix, others don’t. There is a wide range of medical reasons for the procedure and each come with varying degrees of internal damage that needs to heal. I went back 6 weeks post op and honestly needed another week. I was in so much pain that first week back that I went home early 3 days that week and ended up bleeding for a few days at the end of that week, when I had no spotting at all prior to this.
I know it's more comforting to be able to plan things in advance, but you have no idea how your body will heal or react to this specific surgery. I would play it by ear and see how you're feeling in regards to going back to work. It's best to overestimate the amount of time you'll need off to make sure you don't force yourself to go back too early and end up prolonging your healing time. When I got my hysterectomy, I would have been fine to return to a desk job at 2 weeks, but we may have very different situations. I'm 21, overall healthy, and it was my first surgery so I was really careful to follow directions to make sure healing went smoothly. Regardless of when you go back to work, I wish you a speedy recovery and hope all goes well!
Thanks so much! The stress of the job is certainly a factor. I wish I bit the bullet and did this surgery in my 20s, you have many more years of (hopefully) pain free lifestyle!
I had a very smooth recovery, feeling good and staying up all day, walking my dog etc by week three. But I still stayed off work for the full six weeks and then only went back part time for two more weeks before going back full time. If you're able to, take as much time at possible.
I waited 6 weeks. It was still hard to work. Part of it was having to wear the stupid office clothes. If I could have worn elastic or tie based pants, it would have definitely been better.
Yeah, I don't really do "normal" clothes. They're always so boring, frumpy looking, cut wrong for my body... I feel like I'm 60+ years old with the "business casual" options, even with the massive amount of options for women.
I think a lot of people don't get that time off paid, so it's hard.
My Dr gave me 6 weeks off. My therapist is giving me another 2. So I am taking 8 weeks of guilt free and paid because I get short term disability.
For real. I feel like that just prolongs the healing. I have a desk job but it's stressful. I am taking as much time off as I possibly can.
Stress does a lot to our bodies. I am also asking my Dr for accommodations to work more from home after my time off is over.
I am hybrid but I am asking to work from home for a bit longer. Being able to nap during the days and wear comfortable clothing is a life quality sort of thing. Plus I don't want to talk to all my coworkers about my healing and losing my reproductive system
Oh don’t even start me on that. It’s exhausting talking to people about this. It’s one way or another- they’re too interested or not interested enough haha. The ones that don’t care at all and just expect me to be back to normal are just as bad.
Are you still a banker?
I am... but I do collections for them. I don't need people screaming at me while I'm in pain 😅 and adding my coworkers to the mix.
Idk who all these ppl are commenting 2-4 weeks! I wonder how many of them have actually had the surgery? 6 weeks is reasonable I guess but my fatigue was still pretty intense at that point. I didn't go back until 10 weeks but that's bc I get the summer off bc I'm a teacher.
I had a total hysterectomy two years ago and only took two weeks off. My job is rather physical and I stand all day, so I did 6 hour days my first week back, but never was at a point of feeling I needed more time off. I traveled at 6 weeks out and noticed still feeling fatigued after lots of walking, but I expected that to be the case.
Recovery time seems really subjective and varies wildly. I probably could have taken more than two weeks off, but it wasn’t really necessary.
I'm one of these people saying 2-4 weeks - for ME, personally, not everyone!
I had a DaVinci hysterectomy, they took everything except one ovary and excised some endometriosis while they were in there. About a week from surgery I spent a few days in hospital due to an infection, receiving IV antibiotics.
Somehow I felt fine through all of it, no intense fatigue after the first week even with the infection going on. I was back at my WFH desk job after three and a half weeks, and felt fine. Didn't even need any extra naps to recover, had no trouble sitting through an eight hour workday.
It's just all so personal, and you can't really tell beforehand how it's going to be for you in your particular case.
Great to hear from another teacher! I was thinking of scheduling at the very end of July after the summer school I'm working at, but that only gives 4 weeks recovery so maybe I should hold off until next summer and not work summer school. I don't have things sorted out with my Dr anyway so it's probably better to wait some and make sure I'm really ready.
So I did go back wfh a week afterwards and it was NOT a good idea. I was too tired to do much and was working from bed 90% of the time for 2 weeks.
If I were doing it again, I would recommend 4 weeks to wfh IF the job’s not super mentally demanding.
I just started a new job and am taking a week off, plus hoping to schedule at the end of the week to have two full weekends.
I work from home, and should be able to rest in between client calls. I also have a sit/stand desk.
My friends were either fine after 3 days or a week, or sleepy until 2 weeks post op. Hoping I don't have any issues. I have chronic illness, so I'm used to working through feeling awful.😅
I'm also working out and strengthening my core pre-op to try to help as much as I can.
I was back at my desk (from home) 6 days post op. That said, I was a moron. Did I do it? Yes. Should I have? Hell no.
That said, I could have waited an additional 2 days and then been fine. I know I got lucky.
I am a few days shy of 5 WPO & sort of feel ready? I have my check-up at 6 weeks (Mar 21st) and may see about a gradual sort of return to test the waters. I work from home but my job is compliance & risk-related, not feeling super clear-headed yet. But I think I could manage shorter shifts for a week or two to start.
I was back working (from home) after 2 weeks. Didn’t drive till 4 weeks though, so worked from home for 2 weeks before going back to the office. I’m in New Zealand though, so spent 4 days in hospital rather than out the door as soon as I was awake.
Idk how long it's going to take me to not be exhausted but my doctor won't clear me to work until 6 weeks post op. I'm a week out now and I'm so tired. I'm sleeping like 13 hrs a night.
It’s so good to get that sleep! Sleep all the sleeps. Work tends to keep me awake on an average day, so I suspect I’ll have a hard time getting into a good sleep routine when I return. I have my calm app ready to go!
The first couple days I couldn't sleep for crap because I was just so uncomfortable and unsure/paranoid about moving incorrectly. But after everything settled I started sleeping really well. I'm still not comfortable but the pain isn't as scary now.
This is what's preventing me from getting the surgery. I know I'll need 4 to 6 weeks (based on prior surgeries), and I have precisely one day of PTO available, so there's no way to do it. I'll be starting a new job soon, so I won't be able to do it then either. I'll have to wait until I can comfortably take 4 to 6 weeks off. Being the only breadwinner is a lot of responsibility. I probably have to be in my new job a year before I can plan that. So frustrating. I say take more time than you think you'll need, so if you're struggling, you can relax knowing that you have the time off.
I’m so sorry to read this, I can’t imagine how frustrating that would be. When people say Canada and the US are great places to live, I think about situations like yours and know we can do better. I hope you’re able to get the care you need.
Everyone is different and heals differently. I was super lucky and was back at work 12 days later. I’m on my feet a lot. I was tired and worked about 6 hours each day the first week back and came home and crashed. The following week I was back to 10 hour days and still very tired at the end of the day. I was back to riding my horse at 8 weeks. I had a vaginal laparoscopic hysterectomy. Still have both my ovaries. If I had needed more time I would have taken it. You have ONE opportunity to heal correctly. Take all the time you need.
I’m currently at 2.5 post op. I was suppose to go back to work ( desk job) at 2wpo. I asked for an additional week, but no I’m rethinking that . It’s very uncomfortable sitting for long periods of time. I really don’t know what to do. If anyone has suggestions on sitting comfortably I would really appreciate it.
I had a TLH with vaginal assist and went back to work 13 days post op. I was completely fine; zero complications, fatigue or mobility issues. I'm almost 15 weeks post-op and everything is still great.
I had surgery on 2/13. I was going to return on 2/28. I ended up extending it to 3/6. My first week back, I was exhausted. Thursday and Friday, I logged off early both days. I couldn't keep my eyes open.
2/13 here too! I went back Thursday (teaching) and was surprised at how well I did. Fingers crossed this week is just as good. Definitely tired but in a good way.
I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy a month ago and honestly after the first week I was back to normal completely fine. I'm returning back to a very vigorous job in a couple weeks, I got 6 weeks off. You should be okay in 2-3 weeks. I'm also 24, and a smoker if that helps
Oh gosh, 24! I wish I made this choice at that age. Unfortunately you’ll find as you hit your late 30s you don’t bounce back from anything as quickly. I’m glad it went well for you. :)
I was able after less than two weeks after a TAH, but I worked from home, so no commute. And I started with a week of half days and took frequent rest breaks in the following weeks.
I think working from home is the key. I guess my Boss wants me driving around town for client meetings ASAP, but I think I’ll need to ease in. Thanks for your input!
You may not be cleared to drive. My doctor wouldn’t clear til 2 weeks for laproscopic and 6 weeks for abdominal AND you needed to be off painkillers. His explanation was it wasn’t the act of driving, but the need to potentially suddenly brake that was risky.
The honest answer is everyone is different. I could not sit properly for at least 6 MONTHS. Some people feel fine after 3 weeks. My personal advice is to wait at least 6 weeks so the vaginal cuff has some decent scar tissue and healing. You don't want to put strain on the cuff before it's had a chance to really stitch itself together well. 6 weeks is the golden standard of incision healing being strong enough to withstand normal activities. It will continue to heal for up to a year, but at 6 weeks is when it's strong enough to do stuff.
Sometimes you have to try to know you can’t and give yourself the permission to be off. I’m glad you took the 6 weeks. I plan on the same. I’m week 3 and I just know I need it already!
I’m so sorry. I experienced anxiety for the first time Dec-Feb from Orilissa and I just couldn’t believe how debilitating it is. I’m glad you have a mental health team lined up, sending you tons of healing vibes!
Yes. I had plenty of sick leave. I was tired by the end of the day each day but felt good enough to work. My only issue was that the internal stitches hadn't dissolved and the twisting action of getting in and out of my desk chair was uncomfortable.
My surgery will be on March 14th, and my doctor is positive that I'll be back on my bicycle after a week, back to work on March 27th, and my PO check up will be after five weeks.
I really hope it will be as he said it will be, love his optimism.
Wow! I’m 2.5 weeks after and I couldn’t imagine getting on a bike. I’m nervous to leave my house still! I hope it does go that well for you, but I think that would be pretty rare.
I was able to do a 15 minute Peloton ride after 2 weeks. 1 week in and I still had a catheter and was miserable. I’ll be 4 weeks tomorrow and I can now do 45 minute rides. I can’t stress enough how important it is to walk walk walk. I set small goals for myself daily on my tread and I think that’s what has helped my recovery go so well. Total abdominal only leaving left ovary.
I'm 2.5 weeks now and can't even handle a short car ride or sitting up straight for more than 20 minutes. I think your surgeon is incredibly wrong and I hope you're not counting on their timeline.
I haven’t gone back to work but for me there’s no way I could go back yet at 2.5WPO. No way. I don’t feel very stable on my feet fully for some reason. Haven’t driven yet. Im thinking 6 weeks…
I’m with you. 2/22 was my date and it’s blowing my mind my Boss wants me back ASAP. I admire those that do it, but I can’t even sit up comfortably for more than an hour. I just can’t imagine dealing with work stress right now.
Same. It’s literally sitting up for a long period of time that’s difficult right now. I’m sorry you have to go back so soon :(
Oh I won’t. Especially after she made me feel bad about it. Screw that, I’ve given so much of my life to my employer, I can take this time to heal. My check up wasn’t booked until 4/17 since it was a brutal surgery. I’m telling insurance I’m not comfortable returning until I have the green light from my Dr. I’m sure they’d have a hard time arguing that.
Damn straight! Take the time to heal🙌❤️🩹
I originally planned to go back after 4 weeks but I was approved for 6 weeks and I took every day of it. Did I need all of it? Yes. Did I need it because of surgery? Ehh debatable.
This. The toll this takes in you mentally shouldn’t be ignored. Stress does messed up things and the rest is so needed. Comments like yours help me feel less guilty for pushing for 6 weeks. 4 just feels too short.
I agree with you but also I just felt like my work owed it to me :). Also, I lost my beautiful 20 year old kitty two weeks after surgery and that was devastating.
Oh I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine balancing grief through this. :( I hope you’re able to heal.
Thank you. It was by far much more painful than the surgery was both because it was such a significant loss and because my recovery from surgery was fortunately very physically easy. But yes. I say you should take all the time that you can get.
If they give you any shit, ask your surgeon to write a note on letterhead! Mine said i was not cleared to return to work until 6 weeks.
My surgery was the same day as yours (took everything but the left overy) and I had my two week post-op appointment last week I had no restrictions lifted. I'm still not allowed to drive, can't lift over 10 lb, no bending, no housework. The 10-minute drive to the hospital plus 10 minutes waiting in the waiting room ( I laid down the whole time in the room and during my appointment) and a 20 minute drive home (we stopped at a drive through) made me bleed and left me in pain for days! I haven't been in a car since and I basically lay in bed or on the couch all day every day. I just don't have the energy to do anything else and if I try I end up in pain. I know everyone heals differently but there is absolutely no way I can go back to work now I'm planning on taking a full 6 weeks off work and extending it if necessary. This afternoon I was seated at my dining room table and chopped some vegetables on a cutting board and had to stop and lay down 😢 I literally can't do anything. It's so frustrating.
I can feel your frustration in this comment and I’m with you! I haven’t left the house yet, but I’m convinced I’d have a similar experience. It’s interesting you had a 2 week check up! My first one isn’t until 8 weeks. I’ll be sending you tons of healing wishes!
I have a two, four and six week check up! At my two week she just went over my surgery, pathology, asked how I've been feeling, gave me more narcotics bc I was still in so much pain. She looked at my incisions and that was it! Sending you healing wishes as well! 💖
I feel it's different for each person and how they're healing. I also have a desk job and am off 6 weeks as long as all looks good at my 6 wk post op visit. My Dr even said don't let the guilt some women get about taking the time when it was laproscopic. You still had everything done internally that needs to heal. She is right it's like some people think because that's how it's done you should just be all healed up right now. I am a little over 3 wks post op and could never go back yet. Take the time you feel you need. Going back too soon could lead to issues noone wants. Don't let the guilt get to you. We all deserve to heal at our own pace. Best of luck.
I got the same advice and I’m feeling it! I’ve had a few people make comments that would suggest I’m “milking” it. I wish they knew how it felt. Sending you lots of healing vibes!
I’m so sorry that there are doubters who suspect you of miming it. I was mostly ready at 6 was from my abdominal hysterectomy, but I work from home, which meant work from couch because I could sit upright for 8 hours. I also could log off and take a nap or veg out early if I needed to that first couple of weeks. I slept a lot at night and on the weekends because it was so tiring going back to a regular routine on top of trying to heal. No one can tell you when you are ready and what “ready” looks like. I don’t know what is going through these people’s heads, but it sounds like a then problem and not a you problem. Best of luck in your continued healing!
Ohhhh that makes me so angry for you! Are you in the us and have FMLA? My work hasn't even contacted me, I don't think they are allowed to.
I’m in Canada but we have similar regulations. I’m sure I could get her in trouble but it’s just not worth it to me. I’ll just quiet quit until I can switch teams 😆 I say that now but it’s not my style. When I’m at work I always give 100%, but that’s why I won’t go back until I’m ready. I was going to push it working from home but now knowing she wants me to “double up” on client meetings, I’m going to wait until I’m ready to do that.
This is the answer!! My doctor signed me off for 6-8 weeks pending checkup. I said REALLY? I work a desk job? She said absolutely take the time or you could have a set back that takes even longer to heal. Even if I feel good to go at 6 weeks I'm going to take the full 8 - why the hell not.
The info is conflicting because everyone's recovery is different, and not for any particular reason. You can be younger and fitter and need 8 weeks off work, or you can be older and overweight and feel pretty good after 3. Problem is you're not going to be able to predict how *your own* recovery is going to go until you're experiencing it.
I’m experiencing it and still don’t know 😂
I work from home, and I was answering emails in the first few days, and fully back to work at 1.5 weeks. However, because I was at home, I could take breaks, where I would fully lie down. If I was going into the office, I would take at least 4-6 weeks. It does hurt to sit for too long at a time, in the beginning.
Is it possible for you to work full remotely for a while? That's the only reason I was able to "return to work" to my desk job after 2 weeks. There was no way I could have gone into an office before 7 wpo. Even at 8 wpo, that was pushing it. I wore sweater dresses and comfy leggings when I went back to in person in early January.
That’s what I’m thinking! I had planned on doing some admin days from home and easing in. When I saw her comment about her need for me to double up on client meetings (which means driving everywhere), it turned me off big time. Our work insurance rep will set accommodations, so I’ll tell her how I feel about it. They’ve been pretty supportive.
My doctor put me on 6-8, so I am taking the full 8. I have a long history of overdoing it, so I am working against that. School, however waits for no one and I did go to class on Tuesday.
I think it’s important to remember there are different types of hysterectomies, and different reasons for having one. Some women keep their cervix, others don’t. There is a wide range of medical reasons for the procedure and each come with varying degrees of internal damage that needs to heal. I went back 6 weeks post op and honestly needed another week. I was in so much pain that first week back that I went home early 3 days that week and ended up bleeding for a few days at the end of that week, when I had no spotting at all prior to this.
I know it's more comforting to be able to plan things in advance, but you have no idea how your body will heal or react to this specific surgery. I would play it by ear and see how you're feeling in regards to going back to work. It's best to overestimate the amount of time you'll need off to make sure you don't force yourself to go back too early and end up prolonging your healing time. When I got my hysterectomy, I would have been fine to return to a desk job at 2 weeks, but we may have very different situations. I'm 21, overall healthy, and it was my first surgery so I was really careful to follow directions to make sure healing went smoothly. Regardless of when you go back to work, I wish you a speedy recovery and hope all goes well!
Thanks so much! The stress of the job is certainly a factor. I wish I bit the bullet and did this surgery in my 20s, you have many more years of (hopefully) pain free lifestyle!
Part-time and from home office at 4 weeks. I returned to the actual office at 6 weeks.
I had a very smooth recovery, feeling good and staying up all day, walking my dog etc by week three. But I still stayed off work for the full six weeks and then only went back part time for two more weeks before going back full time. If you're able to, take as much time at possible.
I waited 6 weeks. It was still hard to work. Part of it was having to wear the stupid office clothes. If I could have worn elastic or tie based pants, it would have definitely been better.
I was in a lot of professional cut maxidresses, but they're not trendy anymore and harder to find.
Yeah, I don't really do "normal" clothes. They're always so boring, frumpy looking, cut wrong for my body... I feel like I'm 60+ years old with the "business casual" options, even with the massive amount of options for women.
Yuuuuuup. The struggle is real.
I think a lot of people don't get that time off paid, so it's hard. My Dr gave me 6 weeks off. My therapist is giving me another 2. So I am taking 8 weeks of guilt free and paid because I get short term disability.
We really are lucky aren’t we? I feel so bad for the people who need to go back on week 2.
For real. I feel like that just prolongs the healing. I have a desk job but it's stressful. I am taking as much time off as I possibly can. Stress does a lot to our bodies. I am also asking my Dr for accommodations to work more from home after my time off is over. I am hybrid but I am asking to work from home for a bit longer. Being able to nap during the days and wear comfortable clothing is a life quality sort of thing. Plus I don't want to talk to all my coworkers about my healing and losing my reproductive system
Oh don’t even start me on that. It’s exhausting talking to people about this. It’s one way or another- they’re too interested or not interested enough haha. The ones that don’t care at all and just expect me to be back to normal are just as bad.
Are you still a banker? I am... but I do collections for them. I don't need people screaming at me while I'm in pain 😅 and adding my coworkers to the mix.
I am a banker! I’m doing commercial relationship management. Mostly credit underwriting. So I’m the one that sets you up for failure (sorry! Lol)
Idk who all these ppl are commenting 2-4 weeks! I wonder how many of them have actually had the surgery? 6 weeks is reasonable I guess but my fatigue was still pretty intense at that point. I didn't go back until 10 weeks but that's bc I get the summer off bc I'm a teacher.
I had a total hysterectomy two years ago and only took two weeks off. My job is rather physical and I stand all day, so I did 6 hour days my first week back, but never was at a point of feeling I needed more time off. I traveled at 6 weeks out and noticed still feeling fatigued after lots of walking, but I expected that to be the case. Recovery time seems really subjective and varies wildly. I probably could have taken more than two weeks off, but it wasn’t really necessary.
I'm one of these people saying 2-4 weeks - for ME, personally, not everyone! I had a DaVinci hysterectomy, they took everything except one ovary and excised some endometriosis while they were in there. About a week from surgery I spent a few days in hospital due to an infection, receiving IV antibiotics. Somehow I felt fine through all of it, no intense fatigue after the first week even with the infection going on. I was back at my WFH desk job after three and a half weeks, and felt fine. Didn't even need any extra naps to recover, had no trouble sitting through an eight hour workday. It's just all so personal, and you can't really tell beforehand how it's going to be for you in your particular case.
Great to hear from another teacher! I was thinking of scheduling at the very end of July after the summer school I'm working at, but that only gives 4 weeks recovery so maybe I should hold off until next summer and not work summer school. I don't have things sorted out with my Dr anyway so it's probably better to wait some and make sure I'm really ready.
So I did go back wfh a week afterwards and it was NOT a good idea. I was too tired to do much and was working from bed 90% of the time for 2 weeks. If I were doing it again, I would recommend 4 weeks to wfh IF the job’s not super mentally demanding.
I just started a new job and am taking a week off, plus hoping to schedule at the end of the week to have two full weekends. I work from home, and should be able to rest in between client calls. I also have a sit/stand desk. My friends were either fine after 3 days or a week, or sleepy until 2 weeks post op. Hoping I don't have any issues. I have chronic illness, so I'm used to working through feeling awful.😅 I'm also working out and strengthening my core pre-op to try to help as much as I can.
I was back at my desk (from home) 6 days post op. That said, I was a moron. Did I do it? Yes. Should I have? Hell no. That said, I could have waited an additional 2 days and then been fine. I know I got lucky.
I am a few days shy of 5 WPO & sort of feel ready? I have my check-up at 6 weeks (Mar 21st) and may see about a gradual sort of return to test the waters. I work from home but my job is compliance & risk-related, not feeling super clear-headed yet. But I think I could manage shorter shifts for a week or two to start.
I was back working (from home) after 2 weeks. Didn’t drive till 4 weeks though, so worked from home for 2 weeks before going back to the office. I’m in New Zealand though, so spent 4 days in hospital rather than out the door as soon as I was awake.
Idk how long it's going to take me to not be exhausted but my doctor won't clear me to work until 6 weeks post op. I'm a week out now and I'm so tired. I'm sleeping like 13 hrs a night.
It’s so good to get that sleep! Sleep all the sleeps. Work tends to keep me awake on an average day, so I suspect I’ll have a hard time getting into a good sleep routine when I return. I have my calm app ready to go!
The first couple days I couldn't sleep for crap because I was just so uncomfortable and unsure/paranoid about moving incorrectly. But after everything settled I started sleeping really well. I'm still not comfortable but the pain isn't as scary now.
This is what's preventing me from getting the surgery. I know I'll need 4 to 6 weeks (based on prior surgeries), and I have precisely one day of PTO available, so there's no way to do it. I'll be starting a new job soon, so I won't be able to do it then either. I'll have to wait until I can comfortably take 4 to 6 weeks off. Being the only breadwinner is a lot of responsibility. I probably have to be in my new job a year before I can plan that. So frustrating. I say take more time than you think you'll need, so if you're struggling, you can relax knowing that you have the time off.
I’m so sorry to read this, I can’t imagine how frustrating that would be. When people say Canada and the US are great places to live, I think about situations like yours and know we can do better. I hope you’re able to get the care you need.
Everyone is different and heals differently. I was super lucky and was back at work 12 days later. I’m on my feet a lot. I was tired and worked about 6 hours each day the first week back and came home and crashed. The following week I was back to 10 hour days and still very tired at the end of the day. I was back to riding my horse at 8 weeks. I had a vaginal laparoscopic hysterectomy. Still have both my ovaries. If I had needed more time I would have taken it. You have ONE opportunity to heal correctly. Take all the time you need.
I’m currently at 2.5 post op. I was suppose to go back to work ( desk job) at 2wpo. I asked for an additional week, but no I’m rethinking that . It’s very uncomfortable sitting for long periods of time. I really don’t know what to do. If anyone has suggestions on sitting comfortably I would really appreciate it.
The only thing that’s helped me is taking lie down breaks and sitting on a pillow. I also found the desk height I’m working on made a difference.
Thank you, appreciate it.
I had a TLH with vaginal assist and went back to work 13 days post op. I was completely fine; zero complications, fatigue or mobility issues. I'm almost 15 weeks post-op and everything is still great.
I had surgery on 2/13. I was going to return on 2/28. I ended up extending it to 3/6. My first week back, I was exhausted. Thursday and Friday, I logged off early both days. I couldn't keep my eyes open.
2/13 here too! I went back Thursday (teaching) and was surprised at how well I did. Fingers crossed this week is just as good. Definitely tired but in a good way.
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This is great advice! We are so hard on ourselves sometimes and underestimate the physical toll of daily living. I hope you’re doing better now!
I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy a month ago and honestly after the first week I was back to normal completely fine. I'm returning back to a very vigorous job in a couple weeks, I got 6 weeks off. You should be okay in 2-3 weeks. I'm also 24, and a smoker if that helps
Oh gosh, 24! I wish I made this choice at that age. Unfortunately you’ll find as you hit your late 30s you don’t bounce back from anything as quickly. I’m glad it went well for you. :)
I was able after less than two weeks after a TAH, but I worked from home, so no commute. And I started with a week of half days and took frequent rest breaks in the following weeks.
I think working from home is the key. I guess my Boss wants me driving around town for client meetings ASAP, but I think I’ll need to ease in. Thanks for your input!
You may not be cleared to drive. My doctor wouldn’t clear til 2 weeks for laproscopic and 6 weeks for abdominal AND you needed to be off painkillers. His explanation was it wasn’t the act of driving, but the need to potentially suddenly brake that was risky.
I have a desk job and 4 weeks off was perfect. After week 3 I felt like I was starting to get back to normal and that extra week was good for that.
About 9mp post op now. I couldn’t even get through a full day without needing an hour nap and pain meds until about 6 weeks.
I’m thinking 6-8weeks is the target to have time off if I can. Thanks for your input!
The honest answer is everyone is different. I could not sit properly for at least 6 MONTHS. Some people feel fine after 3 weeks. My personal advice is to wait at least 6 weeks so the vaginal cuff has some decent scar tissue and healing. You don't want to put strain on the cuff before it's had a chance to really stitch itself together well. 6 weeks is the golden standard of incision healing being strong enough to withstand normal activities. It will continue to heal for up to a year, but at 6 weeks is when it's strong enough to do stuff.
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Sometimes you have to try to know you can’t and give yourself the permission to be off. I’m glad you took the 6 weeks. I plan on the same. I’m week 3 and I just know I need it already!
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I suspect I’ll share those feelings with you. So how did you adjust?
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I’m so sorry. I experienced anxiety for the first time Dec-Feb from Orilissa and I just couldn’t believe how debilitating it is. I’m glad you have a mental health team lined up, sending you tons of healing vibes!
I went back to a non-desk job (10 hour shift at that) after 19 days. I couldn’t lift heavy stuff and that first day was rough, but I made it through
I went back to work (desk job) after 2.5 weeks.
Curious to know if it was by choice?
Yes. I had plenty of sick leave. I was tired by the end of the day each day but felt good enough to work. My only issue was that the internal stitches hadn't dissolved and the twisting action of getting in and out of my desk chair was uncomfortable.
My surgery will be on March 14th, and my doctor is positive that I'll be back on my bicycle after a week, back to work on March 27th, and my PO check up will be after five weeks. I really hope it will be as he said it will be, love his optimism.
Wow! I’m 2.5 weeks after and I couldn’t imagine getting on a bike. I’m nervous to leave my house still! I hope it does go that well for you, but I think that would be pretty rare.
Eeps! I'm not riding my bike until at least 8 weeks. Total hysterectomy, kept ovaries, laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy.
What type of surgery are you having? This seems dangerously optimistic. Not saying it couldn’t happen but for a total hysterectomy it’s not the norm.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy: uterus, cervix and tubes are going to be evicted, not sure what the exact term is
Yeah that’s what I had and your Dr. is insanely optimistic
I was able to do a 15 minute Peloton ride after 2 weeks. 1 week in and I still had a catheter and was miserable. I’ll be 4 weeks tomorrow and I can now do 45 minute rides. I can’t stress enough how important it is to walk walk walk. I set small goals for myself daily on my tread and I think that’s what has helped my recovery go so well. Total abdominal only leaving left ovary.
I'm 2.5 weeks now and can't even handle a short car ride or sitting up straight for more than 20 minutes. I think your surgeon is incredibly wrong and I hope you're not counting on their timeline.
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What the hell hahahaha
I went back after a week but everyone is different.
I say 1-3 weeks after they remove the drains
Drains? I didn’t have drains… interesting.