How many weeks off from work for mastectomy w/TE?
Hello ladies, just wanted to get an average time off from work after mastectomy. My plastic surgeon stated yesterday at my pre-op appointment 6 weeks. I think this will be fine. Just wanted to see how everyone else did with getting back to work?
Comments
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I was out 6 weeks following my mastectomy with tissue expander. I needed it all. I was active (run swim walk etc) prior to surgery.
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I had a BMX with TEs. My son stayed for a week. My the 2nd week, i was off pain meds, able to drive and did everything for myself. I think 6 weeks will be plenty.
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I was out three weeks. I only had one side done, so that made it easier. I think I would have gone back sooner but one of my drains just wouldn’t quit producing fluids. The discomfort from the tissue expander is still there and has become the new norm. I still wake up sometimes when I turn from side to side.
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Thank you everyone for your responses, I was just wondering because I have a desk job but I work from home. So i'm lucky for that. I told the PS that I was planning on taking two weeks and he was the one that said I will need 6 weeks...guess it doesn't hurt to take the time off.
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I was out 3 weeks with a work from home desk job. If you want to take 6 weeks I see no reason not to, but if you like your job and think you might get bored you might want to decrease it a bit.
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I am an LPN in busy ophthalmology clinic.
Was released to work 2 weeks after BMX with TE with no restrictions (except lifting no more than 10 pounds).
However I have high tolerance for pain and did not need any pain meds after the surgery. Listen to your body.
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I started back half days 3 weeks after surgery. I was unable to work from home and have a 45 minute commute each way. I was back full time at 6 weeks.
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Following. The only surgery I ever had was a tummy tuck w/ lipo to flanks. Started a new job 21 days after with an hour commute each day. I was not in pain, I just felt tight on my drive back home every day. I wish I would have been able to take more days off back then and now as well lol. Financially I can't do six weeks so I hope I'm able to recuperate fast.
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I was already retired when I had BMX but would have needed 6 weeks for sure. My niece took 6 weeks off but began working from home after about 2 weeks. My sister could have gone back to work after 1 week but is staying out the full 6 weeks recommended by PS. So as you can see, it is different for each person. I will say my sister was given pain blockers and both my niece and I felt like it made her post-op much easier than ours, so you may want to consider talking w your surgeon about this
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My breast surgeon said I should be good after two weeks. It was my plastic surgeon that encouraged me to take 6 weeks. I do work from home but I decided I’ll see how I feel. If I can go back early and feel alright I will. Thanks for all the replies!
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