Returning to work post surgery

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi, I'm due hip replacement surgery very soon but I'm concerned

my boss who is my husband will need me back at work before

I'm ready

I sit at desk, how soon can I safely return to work? He seems to think

everything will be back to normal in about a week post surgery

Thank you in advance

2

Hi Kim,

I think your hubby is expecting a bit much. Everyone gets over op in different ways and times. I think a week is pushing it a bit. Maybe 3 wks you can sit at a desk, how much work you can do is another matter. After op everything is very tiring.

Good luck.

Brenda xx

3

I was off 3 months, I work in a office, believe me you will have to put your husband right, you will not be working after 1 week.

suexx

4

No way. Put him right!  It is not just sitting, although that would be difficult enough!  You will feel amazingly tired for the first two weeks. Lots of us have not even been able to read a trashy novel without falling asleep!

Take care. X

5

Thank you All, I'm feeling very alone and scared right now, I was hospitalized at the

Beginning of the year with thunderclap headaches and I didn't have a day off work

then.

I'm just starting to realize what a bully I'm Married to 😢

6

Hi Kim  Your husband is having a joke no way will you be back at work sitting at a desk more like 6 weeks and that could push it, its a big op and you will be very tired and need rest. Sitting at a desk not a good idea for your 90 degree for a start. Get him to talk to your Surgeon and perhaps he will undwestand better.

Good Luck Lorna

7

I am amazed he could think you could be back so soon, i agree what you say he is a bully put him right straight away x

Does he realise he will be cooking and doing house work washing etc he is in for a big shock.

8

I just sat and watched on iTunes what the op actually is, after 8 months get your husband to watch it, I tell you it's amazing, and you learn why you get pain in different areas.

good luck Hun xx

sue

9

I had 12 weeks off then a phased return. I do lab work Given a 6 week sick note before leaving hospital, GP topped it up for the other 6. My husband did all the washing cleaning and cooking for the first 2 weeks then I was able to do more and more. No way could I have worked at one week

10

You're getting lots of good advice, Kim.  I'm 4-weeks post-op and for me sitting up straight is still one of the hardest things for me.  I find it so uncomfortable.  I'm used to my recliner with a big pillow to prop iPad or books on.      Week One I could hardly do a thing -- walking to the bathroom was a real accomplishment.  I was stronger in Week Two but not much.....  I hope when your husband actually sees what a hip recovery looks like, he'll be more understanding/lenient.  Keep us posted,  Leslie

11

Hi Kim,

I really think you should show your hubbie the video of the surgery.

I cannot imagine being productive at work for several months - the physical and mental toll leave you very sore, tired and mentally, it is extremely challenging to focus and concentrate for any length of time.

Time for a reality check - you will need care for all activities of daily living in your first two weeks and after that, time to recover. Not to mention the work you have to to recover properly.

Have you been to an orientation session - bring him along if you can so the health professionals can re-orient him.

With big hugs (don't be shy about coming back here for support),

L

12

Hi Kim

Oh dear, your husband is in for a shock if that what he thinks.  First of all you're going to need help for the first 2 weeks to do the most simple of tasks as you will either have a walker or be on 2 crutches.  You will also spend the first week asleep.

Once the first week is over you will find that you have the attention span of a gnat and then you will fall asleep!  

I note that a number of people have suggested that hubby watches the online operation and I think that would be a really good idea.

I'm self employed so I know about the pressure to return to work.  I am now 4 weeks post-op and can manage to do 2 hours per day in my office and that's it. It also means that I have to have a nap afterwards too.

So, to summarise:

- No you won't be returning to work after a week

- Hubby needs to watch the operation on line

- Don't expect too much of yourself too soon

- More importantly, don't allow hubby to expect too much of you too soon

Good luck

13

Where can one see the video of a hip replacement?  Thanks,  Cathy

14

Try utube hun, I watched about half of one and turned it off,

Good luck

kim

15

To recover properly, you need to rest and in fact you will find your body taking over and going to sleep when you least expect it.

Does he understand the amount of trauma the body goes through with such a major operation? Perhaps you need to sit him down and go through the whole procedure so that he understands what's involved.

You should have at least 3 weeks to a month off. Do you have anyone you can ask to come and look after you for a couple of hours a day?

Good luck and let us know how you get on. When is your surgery?

16

Hi Cathy,

Just Google it and you find many - both real surgeries and an animated version. 'You tube' has several available - we cannot show direct links here, sorry. There are several surgical approaches to a total hip replacement .. do you know which type you are getting (posterior, lateral, anterior, etc)? This will affect the type of recovery, restrictions and meds are used and the nature of the advice we can offer . ☺

Good luck . hugs.

L

17

Hi Kim, 

Warm welcome to this wonderful hippies forum where we share personal stories and experiences --- 

When is the date of your surgery? You will probably be in the hospital for a couple of days (I was in for 4 nights) and then discharged with lot of restrictions - 

I agree with previous comments - not only the physical part but also the mental and emotional part - you need rest and peace to heal from this major surgery -

Come here any time ,okay ... You are not alone anymore

big warm hug

renee

18

Get a medical certificate for at least three months. Doesn't matter if the boss if related to you. Make him understand it's not up to him; it's up to nature.

Also, tell him sex is out... that's learn him...

19

that'll*

20

Hi Kim....a week isn't much recovery time at all. Sorry to say, but this is a slow process recovering from hip replacement. I wish you the best....Barb