Quetion about going back to work

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vicki19

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Hi all..... I will be just about 5 weeks post op when I go back to work on Monday the 5th. I had a 2 level lurabar fusion, anterior, and a laminectomy, posterior. My job is mostly accomplished on a computer, although I will be walking to meetings and stuff like that. I'm planning on bringing a few pillows and my desk area is ergonomically correct and I have a foot stool, etc. Anyway, I do think I can be as comfortable as I am when I'm sitting at home. All that being said, my question is has anyone gone back to work in this timeframe, with this type of job? I know most of you have more serious issues, such as several surgeries, but I was just wondering. I do plan on walking during lunch, and if I do need to just rest, I will be able to do that either in my car or even at my desk. I have a great job and they are very caring and accommidating, so I'm lucky there. I do feel pretty good physically but mentally I am a little nervous. Of course I'll be wearing my brace and my doctor has released me..... mostly because of what I do for my job. I am still taking about 4 pain pills a day but I was taking pain meRAB before my surgery at work, so that doesn't really concern me. I'm a little concerned about my commute but I can pick early or late hours so I can avoid the traffic, which I definitely plan to do. I have been driving for a couple of weeks now. I had a two level cervical fusion about a year and a half ago and went back to work after 4 weeks and did okay. Anyway... I'd appreciate any advise or input or suggestions. thank you all..
 
Hi Vicki,
Holy Mollee Girl!..if you can go back to work at 5 weeks to a sitting job after a front and rear surgery I think you are my hero. Can you sit for hours at a time with general comfort even with pain pills on board? For me, I just had posterior fusion 2 level 6 weeks and change ago..today my hubby took me to a bird feed store 35 minutes away and at our arrival I was so full of pain and spasms from sitting in a car seat I though I would just lay on the concrete parking lot to have it stop. Getting out and walking abit helped right away but on the ride home within 10 minutes I was back in pain sitting... I just cant imagine 8 hours with or without breaks with out or with pain meRAB and be able to stand it sitting. My opinion and its WAY only my opinion is that if you think you can do it and your DR says OK then go to it...my estimation is that you are on the early side of this and my fear would be you would prolong your healing if you go back too soon.
Having said that..only YOU know what is needed, after all we need work to eat so you may not have much flex here on your job..I only say be careful and allow yourself to say once you get back on the job " I give myself permission to take more time healing if I am in pain the first time out"...will your job allow you to come back part time for the present working up to full time?...any way I am perhaps just a worry wart and you are fine..your DR says go so who am I? Just someone in a similar boat caring for you!
Just please please dont rush back to this and regret it later..the job will wait..your healing and well being is critical right now. My best to you what ever you decide and my well wishes and good thoughts to you
all my best
good luck
Lena
 
I am almost 5 weeks with a two level front and back and 100% off all meRAB....I just walked two miles today and feel great.....I think I could do an office job really easy but my concern comes with the commute.....and what your options are with having to maybe leave a little early if needed at first....I think your doing fine.....just pace yourself....walk around a little before the "sitting trouble" starts .....I think you know better than anyone....I just wanted you to know we have a little in common as far as time and type of surgery and I would do it just fine...I also think we are very blessed to be doing as good as we are.

good luck and dont over do anything!;)

Devon
 
Lena and Devon.... thanks for both of your imputs. I am listening! Believe me I won't jeopardize my health anymore in this life of mine...... So if I can't handle it I'm sure my doctor will take me back out, no problem. But like Devon, except I am still on some paid meRAB, I feel good and think I can do this. I will make sure I don't get caught in traffic. I even have traffic alerts sent to my email... But it doesn't seem that I will be moving/doing much of anything different than I do at home. I sit at home and get up and walk when I want to. I'm free to do that at work too..... I've decided to give it a shot. I'm very lucky that I don't still have a family to take care of as well, so I'll be able to take good care of myself. I'm still nervous. But I just got back from a 3 hour movie; I took my pillow and sat where I could easily stand if needed, and I did great. I did move my pillow around but I never needed to get up... so I thought that was kind of promising. I'm rarabling.... sorry :) thx~
 
Vicki, it sounRAB like you're doing great! Some people on here have gone back to work even more quickly, though not by choice. Just be sure to take all your "equipment" with you: grabber, heating pad and/or ice packs, meRAB, etc. Is there anywhere at work that you could lie down for a bit if you needed to, even for 10 minutes?

I hope it goes well for you. You may be wiped out by the time you get home, but as long as you aren't planning anything else for at least the first few weeks back, you can go home and crash. It'll be good to get back to your regular life! Yea! :)

Take care, and let us know how it goes!
Emily
 
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