ANA Discussion Forum

Treatment Options => Microsurgical Options => Topic started by: ghenier27 on July 20, 2009, 02:58:16 pm

Title: How long was it before you went back to work?
Post by: ghenier27 on July 20, 2009, 02:58:16 pm

Hello Everyone!

I was just wondering how long was it before you went back to work after surgery?

Title: Re: How long was it before you went back to work?
Post by: Kaybo on July 20, 2009, 03:22:44 pm

I went back after 3 months but I had a LOT of complications and a stroke (NOT common) so really 3 months was pushing it for me - I still couldn't write or anything...everything is good now though!

K   ;D

Title: Re: How long was it before you went back to work?
Post by: nteeman on July 20, 2009, 08:07:10 pm

I was operated on January 27, 2009. I returned to work on February 26, 2009.

Neal

Title: Re: How long was it before you went back to work?
Post by: TP on July 20, 2009, 08:26:17 pm

I had my AN removed on 6/5/06, two additional surgeries (CSF leaks) and mennigitis and was back to work by middle of August 2006, so I was out on disability for 2.5 months. I had double vision, facial paralysis and totally deaf on my left side as well as a gold weight inserted in my eye lid. I work for a large IT company and work from home which made it easier on me getting ready in the morning. I was back exercising in August as well. I am a bit of a workaholic and enjoyed getting back into being busy. HOWEVER....there are times I wish I made myself rest more and just lay around and relax.

Title: Re: How long was it before you went back to work?
Post by: chocolatetruffle on July 20, 2009, 08:35:59 pm

i was out for 3 mths and was back to work with about 90% efficiency.

Title: Re: How long was it before you went back to work?
Post by: leapyrtwins on July 21, 2009, 06:29:08 am

I returned to work part-time (half days) 2 1/2 weeks post op and returned full-time 4 weeks post op.

But, I have a desk job and didn't have any big complications (no CSF leak, etc).  My biggest issue was SSD.  The fatigue was also tremendous. 

Keep in mind that recovery from AN surgery isn't a race and everyone heals at their own pace.  Everyone has a different experience.  You and your doctor will know when it's time for you to return.  Listen to your body and don't rush it.

Best,

Jan

Title: Re: How long was it before you went back to work?
Post by: Dan on July 21, 2009, 06:57:44 am

I was away from work for three months.  I work swing shifts and lift quit a bit of weight so the Dr. told me before surgery I should wait at least 3 months.

Dan in Germany

Title: Re: How long was it before you went back to work?
Post by: wcrimi on July 21, 2009, 07:46:09 am

I returned part time at 6 weeks. 

Title: Re: How long was it before you went back to work?
Post by: nancyann on July 21, 2009, 01:35:31 pm

I went back to work at 8 weeks post op:  3 days a week for 2 weeks, then full time.

Title: Re: How long was it before you went back to work?
Post by: tenai98 on July 21, 2009, 02:20:28 pm

I'm almost four months post op (surgery was April 7/09) and I'm still not back to wokr.  I still have wonky head and headaches at varying degrees.  Doc told me I can try going back to work, but he also told me he was being facetious.  Told me to try...Well, whenever I put any form of concentration forth, I get wonky head and headaches. I feel like a zombie for several days.  For example, my son and daugther in law emulated my inclass portion of work on one day, then headaches started several hrs later. then that sunday took a trip to the city (1.5hrs each way) as a passensager. Monday I still had headaches and today ( tues) I am wonky head.....so I dont know about work...its really depressing. but I'm alive and will work work around it
Jo ;D

Title: Re: How long was it before you went back to work?
Post by: Syl on July 21, 2009, 05:42:29 pm

I returned to work 2 months post-op and wasn't sure I was ready at that point because I still felt dizzy, but went back to work anyway. Getting back into that routine actually helped me a great deal.

Syl

Title: Re: How long was it before you went back to work?
Post by: epc1970 on July 22, 2009, 05:43:09 pm

I returned to work at 6 weeks: 1/2 days for the first week then back to full time. Like Syl, I found getting back into a regular routine to be very helpful. I have a desk job and my own office that really helped if I needed to close the door for some quite.

Title: Re: How long was it before you went back to work?
Post by: cecile k on July 22, 2009, 10:46:07 pm

I am/was a stay at home mom of five boys (then ages 4 - 14) and had to recuperate away from home for five weeks (parent's home) in a quiet environment to relearn to walk and deal with the terrible headaches. When I was able to do stairs, I went home but was unable to fully look after the boys for another two months. Headaches and extreme fatigue were huge issues for me at that time.

Title: Re: How long was it before you went back to work?
Post by: jtd71465 on July 23, 2009, 04:53:29 am

Surgery was on 1/10/07 and I was back at work (driving to the office each day) at the end of February, I started to work from home via email much earlier.


Joe-

Title: Re: How long was it before you went back to work?
Post by: Pooter on July 24, 2009, 10:41:34 pm

I went back part-time at 6.5 weeks, worked for about 2 weeks, then I was back in the hospital for 4 days (nasty allergic reaction to a diuretic I was on), stayed home for another few days after that, then went back full time and I haven't looked back since.

Barring complications, I'd say the "norm" is about 4-6 weeks.  With complications, it can be anywhere from a couple of months off to a couple of years (depending on the severity of the complication).

Regards,
Brian

Title: Re: How long was it before you went back to work?
Post by: joebloggs on July 31, 2009, 05:34:37 am

I'm going back to work on Monday!!! Eeek!  My surgery was on the 11th March but I was in Australia (I work in the UK) so I had to stay there to have all my follow up appointments etc - I got cleared to work from beginning August so that's what's happening.  I feel good - still fatigued but I should be fine for work I reckon.  Cross fingers!

Title: Re: How long was it before you went back to work?
Post by: MissMolly on July 31, 2009, 12:20:04 pm

This is a good question for a post.  I am approaching the 6 week mark (Monday) and can't fathom going back to work any time soon.  I'm exhausted most of the time.  Especially if I over do it the day before.  I definitely pay for over exerting.  Since I work in the schools, I have until the end of August but am negotiating going back part time initially.  Just to see how it goes.

Molly

Title: Re: How long was it before you went back to work?
Post by: Brendalu on July 31, 2009, 01:50:08 pm

Four years since my surgery.  many, many complications since.  MS, two strokes and migraines and balance issues.  I finally got approved for disability. There are days I feel like I could go back to work and the next I can't get out of bed.  Each person is totally different and the kind of job you do also affects the time you need to take.  Don't rush things.  Take care of yourself and be kind to yourself.  I'm sure when you are  ready, you will know it!
Brenda

Title: Re: How long was it before you went back to work?
Post by: Joef on July 31, 2009, 05:19:34 pm

8 weeks for me ...(and I was pushing it)  It would of been longer... but I was lucky,  my job was on the way for my wife... so for 3 months after starting... she drove most of the time .. and I drove when I felt up to it....     (80 mile round trip at raceway/highway speeds)

Title: Re: How long was it before you went back to work?
Post by: AMD on July 31, 2009, 07:36:18 pm

4 months for me, but only due to may rare complications.  was only supposed to be 4-6 weeks :)

Title: Re: How long was it before you went back to work?
Post by: Samjones on August 13, 2009, 01:30:11 am

I went back to work right away, being a say home mom is a job you cant stay off of...  :'(  But luckly my husband was a great help and my children are not teens but are getting there so they were helping me out you could say I was part time mom.  I cooked and walked around the house, my family didnt let me do much..  I followed my post op care procedures and I guess thats what counts..  I also think that it all depends on the person.  When I gave birth to my first child I asked to be discharged after 6 hours came home cooked and cleaned...  not everyone can tolarate tha, but we have to be strong and not force ourselves to do more then we can but to do what we can...  I guess I was so excited about find the best surgeon and Dr. Shahinian was able to resect the entire tumor that I thought thats it I am backto myself again...

Title: Re: How long was it before you went back to work?
Post by: hruss on August 13, 2009, 07:14:01 am

I got operated (last surgery out of 3) in Oct 08 and came back to work in April 09. It took me longer than the previous surgeries (only 3 months per each) because I had a lot of balance issuse, facial papralysis and eye problems - actually still have the eye problems :(

hrissy

Title: Re: How long was it before you went back to work?
Post by: mimoore on August 13, 2009, 10:05:10 am

I went back to work after 12 weeks (part time) teaching kindergarten.  I was exhausted and slept most of my days off. I was kind to myself and after working there was not much energy left. I am great now 14 months post op and need to remind myself to slow down.
Michelle  ;D