Post Surgery: How Long Away From Work?
 

If you had surgery, how long were you off from work and when you did go back, did you have restrictions and for how long?

1st Rib Resection - Recovery Post-Op
 

I am 18 days post-op, first rib resection (left side). Had surgery at Cleveland Clinic (very pleased with Dr. Daniel Clair). Because my recovery had been going so well (off pain meds within a week post-op), I tried to go back to work this past Monday (1 day short of 2 weeks post-op). That morning, I developed red warm tender spots/areas around my scar (not on my scar) and I could tell I had a fever when I went to work. I only stayed 3 hours and left to go to the doctor because I was getting kind of freaked out. Temp was 99.4. Doctor (local thoracic surgeon, not the doc that did my surgery) said it was either hematoma or seroma (i.e., clear fluid buildup), but he did not believe it was infection. Had an ultrasound the next day and it was just clear fluid. They aspirated it (outpatient) and it was no big deal. He wouldn't release me for work the rest of the week, so I will try again on Monday. Honestly, I think the extra rest and low stress has helped significantly. SO, TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION... This is only my opinion, and it of course depends on what kind of work you do, I think people should take 3 full weeks off after first rib resection surgery. Hope this helps!

For the right side, I was off work for 5 weeks. I could have gone back sooner but chose to stay home using up my vacation time. Since it was a small employer, there was no HR paperwork to deal with.

For the left side, I was off work for 2 1/2 weeks but could have gone back at 2 weeks. I did get the doctor to write a note for part-time for first two weeks given my job involves heavy computer use and long hours. I think he wrote some restrictions about lifting no more than 5 lbs. Since I work for a large employer, there was lots of paperwork to fill out and the doctor had to fill in forms stating what my restrictions were.

The doctors will have a general time frame of when you should go back but your actual return should be based on how you are doing post-op. Each person recovers at their own speed. If you're not comfortable going back when they say you should, voice your concerns at that time. My doctor was very easy going about it and signed the note saying I could go back to work when I said I was ready to go back.

I was off work six months in total for two surgeries (one in Feb, one in May). I had complications with my second surgery so I didn't return to work until the first week in September. I couldn't drive for 4-6 weeks after both surgeries, so returning to work for that period of time was definitely out. Then I was on chronic nerve pain meds that prohibited my return due to side effects.

wow - these all sound like way long times.

FMLA leave allows 12 weeks off with full job security. By my experience allocate 4-6 weeks off per side post op.

Yeah...the military is giving me 14 days (initially it was 7 but I asked for 7 more). And then I have to fly back to Cuba from California. I am bringing my kids with me to help take care of me during my first week back. I could take personal leave back in the US but I want to keep what I have to come home during the winter holidays. Thankfully I work at a hospital and my bosses are understanding. My biggest fear is not knowing if I will be able to dress myself three weeks post surgery!