Sick note runs out tomorrow...

Women's health
1

I’m 9 weeks post a&p & SSF today, my sick note runs out tomorrow……….. My brain is up to going back to work but I don’t think my body is just yet. 

I have had significant improvement but still have slight stinging when urinating and am still having some yellowish discharge.  I have pain in my lower left side, general aches and pains in my bits and can’t comfortably sit for prolonged periods.  I had such a bad stabbing pain in my bottom it woke me up Saturday night.

I had another look this morning and note some improvement however, the entrance to my vagina is split in two and looks really strange and there is a piece of skin like a tag just outside my vagina which is bright red and sore.  My perineum has been sewn together really roughly leaving folds of skin and it feels so uncomfortable.... sorry if tmi?

I have previously been told by my GP that I do not need a post op check-up.

I know I have to phone the GP up tomorrow and ask for an extension to my sick note but I sort of feel guilty like I should be up and doing everything....  I also need to find the strength and fight to ask of a post op check? 

I am dreading it....  What do you think ladies?

2

The only person who can answer this question is you. You say your body isn't ready yet......there's your answer.

3

Hi,

 you have got quite a lot of issues there, some people seem to  heal quickly and some not.  But really most are not ready to return to work until 12 weeks .  I would say you're not ready at all so do all you can to prolong your rest period . Do not even think of about being guilty, look what you have been through and you only have this one chance to convalesce properly. Everyone needs a postop check in my opinion - to be seen by  a specialist and also to ask questions if you are at all unsure or still have problems. Any soreness  and aching is telling you to take  it easy ..and wait. Good luck.

4

Hi. Don't do anything until you feel absolutely ready. However, do try to insist that you have a post op check up. I had to wait 16 weeks post op for mine and then he just asked me how I felt, said I looked well and discharged me! Didn't check his handiwork. Seven months post op I developed problems which are still ongoing. Now, I don't know whether he would have pre-empted these had he examined me but ...........

Good luck and you will feel better very soon.

5

Hi I am 10 weeks post op on weds and like you have been having stabbing pain in bottom one doctor said he mohrroids another said not lots of vaginal soreness still I am not considering returning to work yet I have stopped feeling guilty health is more important i have had some sutures removed that were extremely uncomfortable by my gyni and I have final check up this week it sure takes it out of you doesn't it. Hope things improve for you soon x

6

Thank you everyone for your replies.  I think I just needed some reassurance from people who know what I am going through.  I think I just put too much pressure on myself to conform and get back to work and it is just so unusual me being at home looking after me.

Thanks I will let you know how I get on tomorrow. xx  

 

7

I'm sure your doctor will give you more time off. One other thing to consider although I don't know how many hours you work but returning to work on a graduated return basis is helpful and remember you still can't lift anything heavy. I say all the time on this forum, listen to your body. Your body is telling you stay off work for a few more weeks at least x

8

I am way behind you on this surgery having had mine less than 2 weeks ago however this was my 4th surgery in 3 years (rest were on my ear) so I have plenty of experience of taking time off and going back to work.

Do not go back until you are certain you are ready. First time after 7 weeks I went back and it was too soon and it was tough. Get your certificate extended and rest up. Is there any way you can go back on reduced hours when you do go back? I have found all three times that a phased return can make life a lot easier.

Finally, I have never heard of not having a follow up with any surgery. I think that is most odd.

Good luck.

9

If you read some posts Claire on this forum I think 50% of ladies don't have a follow up. Something I don't agree with but it's becoming the norm.

10

Hi smm,

Know exactly what you mean, I too feel I could go back to work next week , but at same time my body is telling me it's not ready.

Especially when I consider the weight issue; just can't hurry that at all.

When I look back at 2 weeks ago I realize how much progress has been made, then I look forward and think 2 more weeks will make even more of a difference.

But I do think if you are worried about things it's always good to get checked by GP or consultant even if you just put your mind at rest.

Sounds like a good idea to get at least another 2 weeks off, and get plenty rest.

Hope things improve soon for you .

Phyl xx💖

11

Why so many surgeries Clairem in 3 years?

12

Thanks Claire x

13

Doublethink it's all to do with limited resources, an aging population and cost.... sounds like a common theme in health + social care.

14

Thanks phyl, I will ask for a check up again tomorrow and see what they say. I think an extra couple of weeks will make such a difference. Hope you're doing ok. Sue x

15

Thanks Sue,

I'm doing fine, been resting up today, not done much other than 2 x 30 min walks and pelvic floor exercises. Caught up on lots of ironing yesterday.

Phyl xx💖

16

Good you take care xx

17

Matron it's almost as if no one wants to take responsibility for how long we are off work or responsibility if things should go wrong. It's like they are saying it's up to ourselves, but if we can't negotiate enough healing time off work then it's our own fault if we go back to early, yet some will feel presurrised financially. It's a real quandary.

Seems really unfair most women have worked their entire life and juggled care of family and home chores. I when they need a little time to recuperate no- one will say outright take as long as you need you've paid into system all your working life now is the time to get some payback.

There should be more of a clear option without pressure to return too early.

Phyl

18

You deffinatley do not sound ready, ask to see a different doctor. My surgeon retired after my surgery and they weren't going to send for me but luckily her secretary sorted me out when I rang up with a different gynaecologist. Still got to wait for 13 weeks post op though which I'm finding a pain just want peace of mind ASAP! My sick note from the hospital was for a week! Unfortunately it was all a waste of time as couldn't claim as self employed, luckily my husband has done a few extra shifts at work. Good luck and I hope you manage to get a follow up for peace of mind. X

19

I agree totally phyllis and that's why I think every woman should have a post op check with her consultant and not return to work until that appointment has taken place. He/she is the only person who can say everything has healed nicely and discuss your return to work. I know there are financial constraints for some but it should be made clear the time needed to recover prior to surgery for example you need this operation but you shouldn't consider returning to work until after your post op check. That's how it used to be but financial constraints in the NHS are it seems preventing consultants even seeing ladies post op. In my NHS trust all ladies have a post op check so why can't others?

20

I do Matron.  I just phoned the surgery and they said I can have a telephone consultation tomorrow.  l have previously phoned the hospital and asked for a post op check and the ward advised they would send my notes to the consultant and ask them to contact me.  I have not heard from them to date however, on my discharge document it states discharged to GP.  It is about budget and is a bit of a post code lottery.  How I would love to be resident in your area matron