Time off after surgery

deweygirl19

how much time off did your surgeon give you after surgery? I had oncoplastic lumpectomy and my BS told me during my initial consultation that she gives her patients 4 weeks off. I’m one week post op and just received a letter from my short term disability that I’m only approved for 2 weeks off. Just curious how long others got, I have a call in to my BS to find out why it’s changed. I am still very sore and unable to lift very much so I’m shocked I’m expected back to work next week.

ruthbru

I took one week off after my lumpectomy (by my own choice, I don't know how much time I could have gotten).

Hopeful82014

I think a lot would depend on the type of work you do. If it's quite physical you'd probably want more than if you have a desk job. (Either way, your body does need time to heal and get over the stress and anesthesia - regardless of how energetic you might feel.) No way would I have felt, however, that 4 weeks would be necessary.

I have a desk job plus the option of telecommuting. I took a few days completely off (but checked my emails) then worked shortened/flexible hours for a week or two, in part because working at the computer was somewhat uncomfortable.

I went back to light workouts on the treadmill the day after surgery and did fit in as many walks as I could while I was waiting out the pathology. However, I found myself heading for bed an hour or 2 earlier than usual each night.

If your work is fairly physical is there any way you could ask for light duty if needed? Or, regardless of your type of work as for reduced hours if needed? You may not need it but it's good to have the option in place.

edj3

I took a week after my lumpectomy and sentinel node surgery. The sentinel node incision was the booger but really for me, it's general anesthesia. I don't handle it well so I was glad to have a week to get that out of my system.

deweygirl19

thanks, I did finally get confirmation that they normally give 3 weeks for the lumpectomy plus lift and reduction. There was no way I could have gone back in one week, I still had drains in. Maybe I could have in 2 but I’m still barely able to lift my arms over my head or wear anything resembling a bra for more than an hour.