Recovery after laparotomy - return to work

[Seeingred]

Hi there,I wondered what kind of recovery it takes after laparotomy for endo and adenomyosis. I had the surgery a month ago now and progress initially was good and I've definitely turned a corner. But I'm tired and my stitches are still pulling if I do too much. But my return to work, which is desk based but stressful and full on, is on the horizon. Has anyone done a phased return. I wondered what might be a sensible one or if I should extend my leave? I will have already had six weeks though and am worried about how it will look to my employer. Thank you in advance.

[Kirsty360]

Hi Seeingred... Everybody recovers differently, I found not comparing myself to others helped I just took it at my own pace.

I am roughly 12 weeks post op and thankfully I was able to return to work by week 3 but it was a phased return, they allowed me to work from home a few days and go into the office the rest.

The fatigue is completely normal, your body has taken a beating! My stitches were in about 5 weeks (cut them out in the end, they didn't dissolve)

Just listen to your body and what's its telling you, if you need to extend your leave, extend it, your employer needs to be accommodating and should offer changes to enable you to comfortably work from your desk, take longer breaks etc.

Good Luck, hope its not too long till you get back up and about 🤗

[AlexaMac]

Hi, you had laparotomy so a full tummy incision ?

Myself l only had laparoscopy and that took almost a month for last of stitches to come away and energy levels were zero for about 2 weeks after that, but my age was against me a little as l am 77.

I would say be kind to yourself and let nature do her thing, but if you are concerned please make an appointment at your GPs well woman clinic and talk things through with a professional.

You should find them helpful and reassuring as they only want the best for you.

Wishing you good luck on your journey back to health

Alexa 🌸🌸🌸

[Behind_Hazel_Eyes]

Hi Seeingred, I am a HR Manager and thought I may be able to provide some insight into how absences are perceived. Your employer has a duty of care towards you and cannot force you to return sooner than you are medically able to. Reasonable adjustments like a phased return to work are viable options, which in my Company we actively encourage before an employee returns to full duties. Do not return untill you feel well enough to return! Your employer should be conducting absence review meetings with you as well, though when this is triggered really depends on their policy. In my work it is for absences over 4 weeks. Do not worry on the length on your absence! To an organisation multiple short-term absences look much worse. Your body has gone through a lot and needs time to heal. Any good employer will be trying to support your return to work. Just be open and honest with them.