Recovery after surgery

FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hi everyone,

I had surgery on the 19th April, the surgeon signed me off for 3 wks.

I work in a school and I'm just wondering about my return to work as my job is quite strenuous as I'm responsible for setting up tables and benches for lunchtime and cleaning the school .

Both jobs are quite physical , I just wondered what other people's  time scale on returning to work

  • What surgery have you had? I had a diep reconstruction and mastectomy and was told minimum 8 weeks off ideally 12, I went with 12 and have just gone back to work (also in a school) I personally couldn’t have gone back earlier x

  • I'm sure if you spoke with your GP and stated that you don't feel ready to return yet they would give you additional time. It's as important to be emotionally ready for your job as it is physically. Lots of GPS will issue a sick note via the my GP app or after a phone call. Good luck xxx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to Anna12345

    I had lumpectomy ,surgeon said because of my job 4 to 6 weeks off , I just wondered what others took off.. my work have said take what I need

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to Lfc74

    Thankyou for your reply.. I just wondered what others did .. 

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    I was signed off for 8 weeks.  You can ask for flexibility for your return to work also.  

  • Hi, I work in a school kitchen, I had a lumpectomy in November with a couple of lymph nodes removed I only really felt able to properly do things after around 6 weeks, although I’m still off as I had to do chemo afterwards, just about to start radiotherapy next week I’m hoping to resume work mid June all being well xx

  • Take as much time as needed  don't push yourself. I worked in school office for years, so understand the demands, time constraints etc. Take it easy. Jo 

  • My instructions after surgery included being told I was not allowed to lift anything heavy for 6 weeks. That was also the point where I felt true recovery was starting, because pain levels became a lot less (both scar and tissues underneath.) I am surprised they are expecting you to be fit for work 3 weeks after surgery. Oh, I was also told not to drive for at least 6 weeks, same as after a c-section.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to GreyCats

    Thankyou for your reply

    The hospital said they don't give out sick notes for longer periods ,you have to ask your gp.

    My surgeon did say for my kind of surgery they advise 2 to 4 wks but because my job is strenuous expect 4 to 6 wks at least.. 

  • They don't give sick notes for longer periods? My eyebrows are touching my currently-non-existent hairline. Are they expecting you to travel to your GP? Perhaps you should post in the ask an expert section, where a nurse could advise on some aspects of this, and a work adviser would tell you what your rights are at work and how to go about making sure you get what you are entitled to both while off and when you come back to work.

    I'd be interested to know how it all works out for you.