Returning to work after SRS

[TexasLibraryLady]

I was wondering when you were released to return to work following your SRS. Mine is scheduled for the first week of July, I will remain in Thailand most of the month for recovery and was planning to return to work on August 1. I figured if it was safe to be on a plane for 24 hours, it was safe to sit at a desk for 8. My doctor here wants me to take an additional 4 weeks off after I get back.

What is the usual amount of time before you are release to work with light duties?

[Jani]

I don't work any longer but in a few weeks I will soon be learning how long it takes to gain back my strength.  I recall when I had prostate surgery at 4 weeks I was still pretty wiped out with minor activity.   I also had a job where I could be at a desk as much as I needed.  I was ready for a full active day by ten weeks and didn't go back until then.  I had a great director and my staff was understanding so I didn't return to a huge backlog or mess.   I was in my late 50's then so your results may vary.   I don't envy you having to do a 24 hour flight! 

Jani

[MarcieMarie12]

I'm looking at starting back at work after 4 weeks. But I will more than likely telecommute once I get back home in weeks 3 and 4. From what I understand it is more about the dilation schedule than anything else.

[~Nova~]

I went back at 4 weeks just part time for 2 weeks, then back full time.  I'm not sure, but I think I was pushing the envelope a little, I survived.

Good luck.

[TexasLibraryLady]

Thank you all for sharing your experiences. It does sound like my dr. may be a bit overly cautious. Maybe I can push for a total of 6 weeks of, or part time.

[Briana]

What's that old cliche..."prepare for the worst and hope for the best"??  Surgery can take a major toll on your body and everyone is different or reacts differently.  For some, it can take weeks for the effects of anesthesia to totally pass.  And then there's the physical aspects of the surgery coupled with some pretty heavy duty travel. 

If your job will allow it, plan for the max time off but try and push yourself back to full strength as quickly as possible.  And don't stay in bed!  As with most surgeries - post-op immobility kills.  Follow staff/physician orders but do push to get up and get mobile.  

[VickySGV]

Some of it will depend on what your work is and what type of physical routine you will be doing.  If you are sitting too much or too little it is going to be a problem.  There is a lot of internal swelling that can take up to six months to calm down.  It took me nearly 4 months to recover my stamina to its usual level.  If you have control over the physical demands of the job your time off can be shorter, but if your boss or just the normal job action is outside your control on physical demands, then longer is wiser until your body tells you it is ready.  Pay attention to what your body is telling you.

There is also going to be the problem of your dilation schedule where the dilations can take up to 45-50 minutes at a time, and are more stressful if you have to do it during your normal working hours.  At 6 weeks you will probably be comfortable with a single dilator (instead of stage up dilation)  and your "quiet time" down to 20 or 30 minutes per dilation.  You will need to check on the surgeon's instructions for that and get your employment to allow you to flex your schedule for that and possibly provide you with an onsite place you can use.  As was said above, it is fine to push yourself to your limits, but respect the limits strictly.  Be aware that there may also be minor healing "setbacks" such as minor infections (I had a yeast infection at 2 weeks) or even a condition called Granulation (an irregular scaring condition) that will require additional medical attention during your first several months.

[Lee Snelson]

I was off work for 3 months or twelve weeks, I needed every minute of it, although I'm pretty fit and healthy for a 55 year old, the wiped me out for the first month after things got better as I started to exercise again, good luck in your recovery