Just had surgery

I had the senitel lymph node biopsy this week and was told I only need to wear the support stockings for 24 hours it might be different as you’ve had lumpectomy too which is more invasive perhaps? 

do you have clotting issues or are on any meds? 

Hi SueJam , I had same op and also just one incision but it was much longer than I had expected! In healing terms I think it’s very individual, and depends on lots of different factors such as depth of incision, length of wound (mine was the length of my index finger plus knuckle) and even the position as this could affect how much movements ‘pull’ the wound. In my case I had a lot of bruising and a big haematoma which the nurses monitored but never needed draining. It all resolved slowly but I didn’t feel like walking my dog for a good while as she can lunge if she sees a cat! I did go out for a walk though a few days after my op as I wanted to get out. Also in bed I used pillows to get comfortable as I felt like the op side needed a lot of support. 
Work wise I’d play it by ear, there are folk here who took very little time off but I was encouraged by my school to take my time as my job was very physically (and mentally) demanding as I was a special needs teacher with a lot of moving and handling, as well as unpredictable students. There are really no rules! I’d say listen to your body and do what feels right. Sometimes doing ‘normal’ stuff is the best way forward so long as you are comfortable with it. Put yourself first! 
Re stockings I’m sure I just had to wear them for 24 hours but as others have said this may differ for individual reasons. 
Best of luck with it all, keep posting and asking questions, this is a great place for support and shared experiences. Love and a gentle virtual hug, HFxx

Hi SueJam , I had a left mastectomy with some sentinel node check (had already had a SNB a few weeks before) and an implant reconstruction. Sadly repeated 30 hours later as I’d bled! 
so my feelings about those stockings plus walking your dogs; I’d ask your BCN, I wore mine a bit longer as although I was up and about surprisingly soon, I’ve got rather sore varicose veins in one leg and somewhat  relished the support! (My BCN praised me at my appointment to remove second drain, 15 days post-op, yes I chucked them after that!) 

about walking your dogs, in my experience they can suddenly lunge on seeing cats/squirrels (that’s my sons dog!) or other causes, so I’d walk without them till you’re a bit further away from that surgery. Again double check with your BCN. 

Hope your recovery is straightforward oh, and remember that a general anaesthetic can take up to 3 weeks to fully leave your system, so be kind to yourself, but do those shoulder exercises! 

hugs xxx

Hi, I was told to book 6 weeks off work after my lumpectomy. I booked 5 and honestly could have gone back after 3, but we are all different and heal differently.   I think just listen to you body, work when you feel like it and rest when you need to.   Personally I was out walking after a few days as I find that gentle exercise helps me a lot.  My big recommendation, do the exercises that they give you, this really helps with ensuring movement. I certainly didn't wear support stocking for 6 weeks!  Best wishes for your recovery