Returning to work

[Bubblepuppie]

I had a total hysterectomy 9 weeks ago, due to return to work in 2 weeks but still not fully recovered and worried about having a weakened immune system..would it be advisable to shield for the 12 weeks

[StIvesmaid]

Oh my goodness, of course you aren’t feeling fully recovered after 9 weeks. It took me months to feel normal, you’ll see on this blog that lots of women say 12 months. From my own experience I agree! You haven’t said anything about your job, would it be possible for you to work from home whilst we are in lockdown? If you could talk to your GP about your concerns that may help put your mind at rest a little about how you feel and if you can talk to your manager at work about the possibility of taking more time off or working at home. I totally understand you feeling apprehensive at being out in the world at the moment - I have to prepare myself mentally to go to the supermarket once a week! Good luck x

[Bubblepuppie in reply to StIvesmaid]

Hi, I work on checkouts in a supermarket. I rang my drs and they will ring me back this afternoon. My work are happy for me to take 12 weeks as a vulnerable colleague but want confirmation from the dr. I’m not on the government list so the drs are trying to extend my sick note but then I won’t be paid full pay. I’m really hoping the dr can send a letter to say I’m still vulnerable after recent surgery. I want to make a full recovery as I’ve waited so long for this operation . Thank you for your reply x

[riceandpeas567 in reply to Bubblepuppie]

Hi ,I myself tried to return to work after 12 weeks but I found it incredibly difficult and only managed a few weeks before I became ill with a virus which knocked me off my feet and had to take another 2 months off .In my own opinion it takes much much longer to recover from this surgery.I am 10mths post op and I still don’t feel myself .I had no problem from my doctor requiring sick notes ,she was very understanding .Take care in this terrible time .

[Bubblepuppie in reply to riceandpeas567]

Thank you for your reply, sorry you were so poorly, I am so worried that’ll get an infection or this horrible virus..I know I’m not strong enough yet to fight it. I am hoping my dr will give me a note so my work can add me to the vulnerable colleagues list. I can’t do nights away from customers as an option stacking shelves as I struggle to lift without pain..if dr doesn’t help I’ll be unpaid. Xx

[Lara1244 in reply to Bubblepuppie]

Hi there - I’ve been through same with everything removed to get rid of endometrial cancer and went back to work at 10 weeks post op but felt ready to do so. I’m about 6.5 months post op now and still get very tired - some days I feel as if I could stay in bed all day - I’m all healed physically as have being doing core exercises and now and again there is a twinge but I think it’s scar tissue but I don’t overdo it. Don’t hope for another sick note from yr doctor but ask for another sick note as only you know your body and your doctor will be aware of this when you tell him how you feel.

All the best in yr recovery xx

[StIvesmaid in reply to Bubblepuppie]

Hope things work out for you x

[Bubblepuppie in reply to StIvesmaid]

Thank you take care xx

[Welshgirl75]

Hi I'm 9 weeks post op TAHBSO.

I went back to work last week, I'm a paramedic but obviously not going to be fit enough to go back on the frontline for approx 6 months.

I have returned on alternative duties and reduced hours, so last week I did x 3 6hrs and that really was enough by 5 hours I was getting fatigued, it's good to go back to work and do something. It there something you can do in work other than checkout, and just for a few hours to start with? Your gp can give you a sick note to say you can return but under these terms only.

[Welshgirl75]

Your correct, post op we are not in the vulnerable category, but we do still have weakened immune systems. Are you doing whatever you can to boost your immunity?

Exercise daily, I find pilates (currently modified) good, loads of sessions on you tube, I walk daily, started at 3wks post op, just for 10 mins then, 20, 30, 40, im now upto 50 min daily walk and always feel better for it. Supplements, i take combination of magnesium, calcium, zinc and vit D plus a vit C and lots fruit (smoothies) and veggies, and sometimes a power nap in the afternoon, remember theres no right or wrong, we are all different and only you know how you feel x

[Bubblepuppie]

Thank you all so much for your replies. I saw my dr and she’s agreed not to return to work just yet. I’m still on restriction for lifting so can’t stock shelves. Also I’m on another round of antibiotics at the moment. Wishing u all safe and well xxxx

[janesbitz]

I wouldn’t be going anywhere, if I was you. It takes months to get back to “normal”. You do not want to pick up anything.

Keep safe 💕