How Long Before Returning to Work?

[Mudpro]

As the topic titles says, how long before you returned to work? (maybe a good poll topic?)

How tough / easy was it for you to slip back into your normal routine?

Do you have a physically demanding job or a desk job?  Are you on your feet all day or sitting in a chair?

Did you (or do you) have the option of starting back on a part-time basis and easing back into the grind.

As for me, I'm near week 5 now and plan on going back to a desk job immediately after my 6 week check up.

My job requires a lot of travel, but I'll be postponing that until week 8 when I make a cross-country trek to Las Vegas for a trade show.

[Tekka]

Hello Mudpro,

I'm scheduled for my LBHR ON THE 11/02/09 and i had hoped to go back to work 23/02/09...

I am in the fortunate or un-fortunate position to own a distribution business, i can arrange for a re-clining chair and what ever else i need for work..am i being realistic !!!

Terry

[Mudpro]

Hello Mudpro,

I'm scheduled for my LBHR ON THE 11/02/09 and i had hoped to go back to work 23/02/09...

I am in the fortunate or un-fortunate position to own a distribution business, i can arrange for a re-clining chair and what ever else i need for work..am i being realistic !!!

Terry

I couldn't have gone back and been productive at my job after only 12 days.  Pain meds, lack of energy and staminia, etc.  But owning your own company, you have the freedom to do as much or as little as you feel like, so that will be in your favor.  I napped every day at least once back then, so make sure you take a "do not disturb" sign to hang on your door about mid-day... 

I would caution you also not to neglect taking time to do your PT and geting the rest when your body tells you it needs it.  Work has a way sometimes of distracting us from taking time out for ourselves!

Good luck.

[Tekka]

Thanks ...i take your point, i don't have a great deal of choice...what with this current economical climate.

Many thanks

Terry

[Shawn in Northern Ca.]

I thought 3 weeks would be plenty being that I am 38 but i was totally wrong.  I went back at 6 1/2 weeks but I did handle all my emails, phone calls and even some reports that I needed to get done from the comforts of my own couch!  I do think everyone is different though and you just don't know until that time comes i guess. Best wishes.  Shawn

[Barbara]

I have had both hips resurfaced. The right 13 weeks ago and the left 5 weeks ago and am planning to return to work in 3 weeks. Looking back to my first surgery I would not have been ready until 8 weeks post op. I guess it depends how physically challenging your job is. My job is mental and physical and I work 12 hr shifts so I am not looking forward to returning.

Barbara

[blmjumper]

3 weeks....was going crazy at home.

[triathloner]

I went back at 5 weeks, I could have gone back after 3 but chose to wait until I felt really good and it wasn't an issue.  It totally depends on your age, shape, surgeon, I just think it's hard to think wow that guy went back at 2 weeks!  I had it in my mind that it would probably be at least six, I think that helped me not to rush things.   good luck.  I'm coming up on 3 months and I feel GREAT!