hysterectomy recover time

hi all,

sorry to make this post sound so dry but I am having a full hysterectomy in three weeks during one of the busiest parts of my job (well of course), and I need to get back to it asap. It’s a desk job so all I need to do is get from the car to my desk.

also I am freelance so no sick pay. I literally can’t afford to be off work longer than two weeks because my tax bill is astronomical this year (well of course).

I know everyone will say 4-6 weeks of rest but I’m not in a physical job and the idea of not earning for that long breaks me into a sweat (along with my Zoladex night sweats!)

Has anyone just gone sod it, and gone back to work after one or two weeks??

Am I being crazy to think I could do the same or should I try and work from home?

thank you

Rach x

[Jem33]

hi I had a hysterectomy at the end of jan24. I took all of feb off (no sick pay either) and worked from home for the whole of March (desk job) then back to the office Apr.

Everyone is different but I think 2 weeks is pushing it. Whilst I felt great after and a tad like a fraud lying on the couch I had to remind myself I was still healing internally. The first couple of weeks were slow, lots of painkillers, easily tired etc.

I had help from family for about 4 weeks at home as well because you aren’t supposed to be doing any heavy lifting even a full kettle.

You will know your own body better than anyone so this was just my experience.

Best of luck with your surgery.

[Nickyaa]

Hello!

I feel for you. I'm now on week 3 after a full hysterectomy laproscopy, bowel resection, 2 staple lines in bowel and rectum and appendix removal.

I am going to be brutally honest. There is no way I'm even remotely ready for work. Not because of the bowels or appendix but the actual hysterectomy.

There is no way you will be able to drive, just being honest.

I would say you would be able to work from home but it is a massive operation and although you will hopefully feel fine in yourself, your body needs time to heal. The risk of infection, haemorrhage are high for the first two weeks and this is common when women do to much and don't rest. I don't wish to scare you but just being really honest.

I get the work side of things but health is wealth and if you can work from home on a laptop I'm sure you will be fine. But driving and walking up and down.

Best wishes

[Finechina]

Hey hello, I am 4 weeks post hysterectomy and like others on this chat I would say physically, I would not be able to work. The day is exhausting. I logged onto work last week and within an hour it was too much.I was told by the consultant not to drive for 4 weeks and then only if I felt I could do an emergency stop, which I feel I wouldn't be able to at the moment.

Walking is slow and just literally to the end of my road.

Also when I push myself, I start to bleed. I am still 80% dependent on my family doing everything at home.

If you really need to go back to work, I would suggest only work from home unless you have someone that can take you to work and you can work be flexible with your hours.

This may not be the answer you were looking for, but I hope it helps. X

[Hidden in reply to Finechina]

thank you girls for all these replies - I suspected I’d be pushing it at two weeks, and I only have help at home for the first week so I’d better get a big load of food and water by the sofa by the sounds of it! Will def get my computer set up at home in this case. Timing is never good is it?!! Xx

[Joonaspryte]

ive had three c secions, partial hysterecomy and total hysterectomy.

Ive had three other not so major surgeries, appendectomy, gallbladder removal etc

But two weeks is not enough a recovery period for the hysterecomy, you need to think in the long term, going back too early may result in further complications and you could end up needing even more time off further down the line.

You cant rush healing. You need rest, and even sitting at a desk is not resting, and also causes pressure on the area thats healing.

Working from home would be a good option, that way you can take naps, recline when needed and take small walks etc.

[Finechina]

Hey hello. Yes, the same as you. I had cervix removed and cuff.

I am seeing GP tomorrow to discuss various things, this being 1 item. I will let you know there is anything worth feeding back.

Xx