Back to work after 12 weeks off after major surgery....

[Caz-1]

Going back on Monday, a phased return even tho work haven't arranged for occupational health like they said yet.and I still dont know what my phased return looks like! I've suggested hours to them that the doctor has suggested but they still.havent got back to me.. thing is; I'm scared to go back. Worked there years now but they will want me to do full time asap and they think I'll be coming back a new.woman.. but I wont. I still tire very easily and am still so achy. I had a total hysterectomy 12 weeks ago but also a.huge amount of endo from everywhere removed including my bowel. Surgery took.6.5 hours and my surgeon has since told me it was "major major Surgery" and the bowel surgeon did 4 hours of the work it was that bad. I've also got rheumatoid arthristis which I've had for 23 years or so and at a routine apt last month I was diag dosed with fibromyalgia. I've had blood tests and an mri scan to rule out inflammation on my.lower spine. Just waiting for the results. I also have type 1 diabetes. Never ending. I need.to reduce my hours in.so fed up of not having the energy for full time work. Work won't be happy and I'm just not the bouncy happy me at the.moment as work will.want me.to be! I know I've had a lot of surgery (they had to remove my.skin from my bowel even and chisel away on my pelvic wall!) I just feel I can't offer myself full time yet if at all. Desperately need to speak.woth occupational.health.. am dreading going back on Monday. Sorry and thank you for reading I needed to get it all of my chest xxx

[Caz-1]

Hi thanks so much. Funnily enough I've had a call from hr this afternoon! She thinks a phased return over 8 weeks is good and had asked me to tell them what i think I can do over the next few weeks, going to suggest 3 mornings a week for first couple of weeks then add another morning in etc and build up. Think need to start slowly! Just get tired so easily, hope you're doing well xx

[PandoraPenguin in reply to Caz-1]

Glad to hear that work are doing right by you. I'm due a hyster in September as well as removal of endo and adhesions and my Dr said a min 8 weeks recovery. I had that with a lap and one ovary and tube removal and when I went back I was exhausted every day for about a month. At least with this site and hystersisters I know to ask for a phased return when I go back this time. I also know that the Drs idea of a recovery time may be different to reality. Are you feeling better in yourself? I have daily pain and after my last lap it was incredible not getting that after the recovery period so I'm hoping I can go back to that after my hyster.

[Caz-1 in reply to PandoraPenguin]

Hi sorry for the late reply.. I am feeling better 're the surgery but still very achy and teary even at times.. just aches and pains .. just have to be gentle on myself I guess.. I get impatient! Yes def have a phased return and on my go back.when you feel you can do some hours at least.. hard to get the balance right isn't it really. I wish you a speedy recovery from your op on September...onwards and upwards eh! Xx