Post Op return to work?

[Rosebluesnow]

Hello ladies 💗, I’m 2 weeks post lap in which they burnt quite a lot of endo away. I have come to the end of the date for my 2 week sick note from the hospital and I’m due to return to work on Monday in my office job but not sure if this is too early to go back as I’m still in pain and struggling to wear clothes around the incision site so living in a nighty at the moment. Was wondering how long you ladies took off work after this procedure? Thanks!

[SVGee]

I had my first lap recently. Like you, I had a lot removed. 2 weeks was too soon for me. So I got an extension for another 2 weeks. I’m due back to work Monday and feel ready. I probably could have done it after 3 weeks but gave my self that extra time to heal xx

[Rosebluesnow in reply to SVGee]

Thank you for your advice, I think I’m going to request an extra week as I’m not quite ready yet too xx

[Moonglo]

Hallo! They initially gave me a 2-week sick note, and I ended up having another week to recover. I went to my GP to ask for an extension, but I also negotiated a partial return to work for after that (so I worked part time hours for a further 3 weeks). Good luck!

[Rosebluesnow in reply to Moonglo]

Hi! Thank you for your advice, a part return to work might be a really good idea for me too, thank you! X

[Moonglo in reply to Rosebluesnow]

You’re welcome. I agree with aannaa that only giving us 2 weeks is madness, and distorts everyone’s expectations. If you need a little confidence booster when approaching your manager/HR, I recommend printing out this information from Endo UK and giving it to them (or Google ‘endo at work’ where it should be the first search result):

endometriosis-uk.org/sites/...

[aannaa in reply to Moonglo]

Great advice!

[aannaa]

Hey love. Hope you’re resting up as you read this. Just thought I’d chime in here - I personally think it’s bonkers that 2 weeks is judged enough time to heal from lap surgery. Aware it varies from person to person but I personally ended up having 6 weeks off work & a further phased return to work following this. Speak with your GP & they should be more than happy to request you more time. It’s big surgery & a huge undertaking for your body. I’m so glad I took the extra time & truly think it’s been far better for me in the long run. Don’t feel bad about it & take all the time you need. Be kind to yourself & sending healing thoughts. X

[Rosebluesnow in reply to aannaa]

Hi Aannaa! Thank you for your advise, after a week and a half I managed to get myself off codine, had two managers and three coworkers contact me and ask how I am and I explained I’m feeling better and should be back Monday as I knew they needed me back desperately but I honestly think I may be getting worse now, was your pain and recovery quite up and down? It could be as I’m due to on my period in 5 days and I’ve been warned my period will be much worse after the Lap. Thank you! Xx

[aannaa in reply to Rosebluesnow]

I’m sorry you’re feeling the pressure a little from work. Really encourage you to prioritise recovery over it all, don’t rush yourself back to too soon & take however much time you need. You might find that just by having another fortnight or so, you feel worlds better than you do now & have far more capacity to be able to work. No employer needs people rushing back & subsequently needing more time off longer term because of it. I’d say for me, it took at least 3-4 weeks for me to start weaning off the stronger meds & to start easing past the full effects of the anaesthetic & gas. Like I said, I took a further 2 weeks off following that as was just so fatigued & still dealing with quite a bit of pain on & off - I’m so glad I did. Recovery times are different for everyone & Ofcourse some people may be able to return sooner due to extent of endo surgery - but I’d say 2 weeks for anyone seems bonkers to me - regardless of extent. Bless you re: first period. I can’t comment on this personally as haven’t had one - but aware that first one can often be a challenge. Healing thoughts your way. X

[Emmeline14]

Hey, I had surgery three weeks ago, I went back after two weeks and by Wednesday I ended up having to go sick Thursday and Friday. If it's too soon then listen to your body I'm still in pain after three weeks... but will probably have to go back Monday. Hope you feel better soon.