Hi all, just wondering how long people were off work after surgery. I had a mastectomy and ld reconstruction in november. Still have a seroma getting drained every 2 weeks, still some pain, difficulty sleeping some nights as trying to find a comfy position. I would appreciate it if anyone could give me a rough idea. Dr quite happy so sign me off, dont know if im being a bit wimpy or not still being off. Liz.
FormerMember
It is going to depend what your job is. Even so, I wouldn't go back in a hurry. Even when you are sleeping OK, you may still need a staged return.
I would have gone back after 5 months, while I was still on Chemo, but my previous job had gone and they only had a jobshare for me. Even in that they wouldn't let me do any work, so I threw my hands in the air and gave up.
I can't go back now because of the Credit Crunch, and I'm only a year off men's retirement age, so I might as well put my feet up.
When you feel bored and stir crazy, and much better than you are now, give it a whirl. Keep us posted about what you decide.
A lot will depend on what your job is and what further treatment you are having. I am having chemo at the minute and am lucky enough to have had only very slight side effects. However, as a teacher the risk of picking up infections is great and the doctor I saw advised staying off work. So I have to twiddle my fingers until the chemo is over. I suggest you go by how you feel,. If you feel like going back to work give it a try, but don't push yourself too much. Take care
hi liz, everyones different i had bylatteral masectomy and tram flap (where they take the fat and muscle from your tummy to make the new ones), i was told to take 4 months off, i took 6 weeks but i had a hairdressing salon and needed to get back, besides i loved my job. i think if i was in a different situation i probably would have taken longer, i had discomfort in my tummy for a long time and lost feeling in quite a large area,still to this day, and had the surgery in aug 04.i had to lie on my back for ages and every now and again tried turning over untill i could, and when you can it`s sheer heaven,lol about being wimpy, friends and family tell me i am too stubborn, they`re probably right, but my advice to you is do it when YOUR ready sod everyone else you have been through a hell`va lot.and just getting through that proves your NOT a wimp
Hi I had an LD Flap recon and axillar clearence last month. I wanted to work while having my Chemo (neoadjuvant) and luckily was well enough to do so, it was something I personally wanted to do. I have been given the ok to return to work today after having my op and 4 weeks off. Personally I feel it's time to go back to work and I don't really have any pain just slight tenderness on the scars.
At the end of the day it's your choice, you do it when you're ready !
