Going back to work -- timing

[maarten]

What is the common view on going back to work? I guess it all depends on the severity of one's after effects, but do people generally go back after a specific interval of time after the surgery? I have heard that 6-8 weeks is common. Any thoughts? Do you recommend starting at a part-time basis? I just don't know whether I can concentrate for long periods of time and how f.e. headaches will manifest while at work and being exposed to deadlines/stress etc.

Any experiencecs/thoughts are welcome. Thanks in advance.
Maarten

[nancyann]

Hi Maarten:

I went back to work 2 months after AN surgery: 3 days a week for the first 2 weeks. 
It was tough at first - I do alot of walking, telephone calls, computer work - I was slower than usual, but gradually got into the flow again. 
Fatigue was horrible - after work I'd just want to lie down & sleep (still do !!), but it IS getting better.

One of the toughest things was dealing with people staring at me (like a car crash you can't look away from) - people wondering if I had a stroke, etc.  Well, that too gets easier with time.

Best wishes Maarten, Nancy

[Battyp]

Maarten there have some who have gone back to work without problems, some who have gone back part time working up to full time and some like me who after a year post op are still trying to go back to work.  (  Everyone is different and it is dependent upon what you do for a living.  I tried to go back part time and the stress made my symtpoms worse and I couldn't do part of my job.  My doctors let me go back part time for 6 mos and then reevaled where I was at that point.  I wasnt' in a good place so they pulled me back.  Everyone is different but I wouldn't push to go back before your ready if it takes 6 weeks it takes 6 weeks. If you need modifications to go back contact your local vocational rehabilitation office and they will assist you.

[Obita]

Hi Maarten:

I went back for 4 hours a day at 8 weeks.  I did that for at least 2 weeks.  It worked much better for me to ease into it. Multi-tasking was almost impossible for me at first. 

Good luck, Kathy

[Lorenzo]

I went back to work slowly at week 4 after CK. Initially found it very difficult with concentration and 'cognitive' problems. Gradually imporved over 8 months or so. Now back to normal. Mulit-tasking is something that is not fully back yet, but then that's more to do with being a man than an AN! 
Lorenzo

[ppearl214]

I went back to work slowly at week 4 after CK. Initially found it very difficult with concentration and 'cognitive' problems. Gradually imporved over 8 months or so. Now back to normal. Mulit-tasking is something that is not fully back yet, but then that's more to do with being a man than an AN! 
Lorenzo

About the same for me post-CK.  1st week post treatment, was at work part-time as the fatigue was rather bad.. and inch by inch, day by day, things have become better.  Now (OMG!  ) 9 mos post treatment, I am working full-time, just about 90-95% back to what I was pre-treatment and moving along..... little things here and there, but nothing major. Doing great!

Phyl

[redgrl]

Wish i could go back to work. Help keep my mind off things.

[Battyp]

I'm with you Red.  I'm bored at home  LOL 

[al]

Hi Maarten,

I went back to work exactly 12 weeks after my surgery.  I was being paid full time and I just didn't feel I was ready to hit the NY subway and buses.  The first two days I worked till 3pm but after that full time.  I work from 8am - 5pm, but usually stay later.   The only problem I had when I returned to work was my balance being a little off, but I managed fine.  It was strange though since I am deaf in my right ear (translab), when someone would call me, I couldn't tell from where the voice was coming from.  Also I found it's hard when you are in a large room with a lot of people, but you get used to it like everything else. It's been 5 months now since my surgery.  You do learn to adjust.  Just don't rush it and take as long as you will need to.  I was actually getting so bored at home.

Good luck
AL   

[Denise]

Hi,
I went back to work part time after about 2 1/2 months, then full time after 5 months. I was not ready, but my insurance dumped me when I wasn't working at least 30 hrs/week.  There were a few days that I know I dozed off at my desk.  Luckily my boss is a nice guy and didn't say anything. 

Take your time, get plenty of rest, and if you can go back part time at first then its a good idea.

Denise