Taking Time off....

[yvette]

Hi Everyone! I was just wondering how much time you took off for surgery/recuping/adjustments etc. before you went back to work? I hoping to hear a date soon for surgery--but I have to plan whether I am going to use vacation pay or disability, and other fun stuff like that!

Plus, I can let my supervisor know whether or not they'll have to hire a temp while I'm out--as I produce the majority of work during business hours.

So if you all could tell me how long you were out of commission, I would greatly appreciate it! Also did you need someone to stay with you the first week?

Thanks so much!!!
y.

[Joan]

Yvette,
What type of surgery/procedure are you talking about? I've had a variety of treatments and hydrodistentions done, but each person is different and each procedure/hydro requires different amounts of time.

Let me know what you are planning on having and I'll let you know how much time off I required.....although, you have to remember that each person is different.

Wishing you pain-free days!
Hugs,
Joan

[yvette]

WHOOPS Sorry... I do that all the time..what you can't read my mind?! I'm having Interstim surgery. Again, sorry--I guess I also just take it for granted people know what I'm taking about when its posetd on Nerve Stimulation...silly, silly me!!! Thanks agaih in advance for your help.
y.

[DebbieB]

Hi Yvette:
As I say all us of heal in different ways, some of us heal much faster then other..
I would say for myself I was out driving and going shopping around the third week after the InterStim Implant..
I was doing not much housework until the fourth week, like laundry and more work that needed me to bend over ok..
You will be sore for awhile on the lower part of the back for a good month..
Also look at Dana , she is going back to work after two weeks and some others girls that posted on the board went back to work in the second week..
So I would say it is all depends on how well you heal and how fast you are up and around Yvette ok..
I was home alone after surgery..
Yvette, this surgery is really not that bad at all..
You use you judgement on if you need someone,but you will sure know the day of surgery and the next day if you are feeling ok to be left alone at home..
Take care and anymore questions, I am always here for you Yvette



Hugs Debbie

[Maureen]

Yvette,
I had planned to take 4 weeks off that is what the doctor told me before the surgery. The day of surgery he filled out the disabilty forms saying I needed six weeks. I do not know why he changed his mind. I have a job that can be physical as I work in a nursing home. We were concerned about pushing heavy wheelchairs and unpredictable patients. I wasn't quick enough to move out of an aggitated patients way. I ended up having to take another week because I got a cold the week I should have returned.

So how long should you take off? It depends alot on your job. Even if you have a desk job I found that I was uncomfortable sitting in the same position for very long and had to stretch or stand up for awhile.

Have you asked your doctor?

[DanaG]

Yvette-

As Debbie mentioned, everyone is really different. I was definitely one of the lucky ones. My doctor told me I could drive 3 days after my surgery. Only reason I didn't was because I had my parents with me, so I chose for them to drive since they were here. I went out to dinner the second night and am back to work after only 2 weeks. However, the nurses at my doctors office were surprised I was going back so soon and said most people they see need 4-6 weeks. I don't really know if there is anyway to predict. When I left my office for my leave, I told them that I anticipated being out for 2 weeks, but my doctor's note said it could be 6 weeks. I just told them that I would contact them during my second week to let them know how I'm doing. I would suggest giving them the worst case scenario in case you are out that long. You could always end up coming back sooner.

Dana

[MaryFitz]

Hey Yvette,

I put in for 4 weeks of leave, but I was feeling well enough to go back in 2 weeks; so I did. I took a few half days in the beginning and I was a bit tired but I managed just fine. We all heal differently and at our own pace but knowing you I have a strong feeling you'll be back in action before you know it.

Oh, another thought. Just in case, ask your employer for more time off than you think you'll use. It'll be an extra bonus for them if you call and say you'll be returning sooner than you expected. And, if you end up needing that extra week or few days you'll have given them plenty of notice.

Did you get a surgery date yet?

Take care and I'll talk to you soon

Mary

[rhonda]

I was lucky, it was the end of summer when I had mine done and I'm a teacher. I started about 3 weeks after the surgery.

[KellyB]

Hi,
I am a substitute teacher and I went back to work two weeks after the surgery. I felt fine. I was at my sons basketball game the night I came home from the hospital. I did stay two nights in the hospital though. Hope this helps. KellyB

[dedeash]

Hi
I had a harder time than others with my implant...It was 8 weeks before I was able to do normal stuff. I could drive before then, and do little things...but physical work...cleaning...was 7-8 weeks for me.
When is your surgery?
Dede

[yvette]

Hello! I wanted to thank everyone who responded. And I do appreciate it! It gives me a ball park idea anyways. I haven't got a surgery date yet. (But I plan on being a pest about it )

I will definetly keep all of you posted on how its going, I really think this Interstim will help tremedously, I just can;t wait!!!
Thanks Again,
y.