Ok I know I've posted about this twice, but I think I need some help getting my point across when the time comes. I've expressed some concern about going back to a stocking job after six weeks post op, and many people here have said to wait as long as I can, some suggesting going back at eight weeks.

I expressed my concern to the nurse in an email. This is what I wrote:

"I was wondering if six weeks is okay to go back to work. People keep telling me that that's pushing it because I lift stuff all day, and some of that stuff is quite heavy. I'm just scared to hurt myself at work. I go back on the 8th. I figured I would wait to see how I feel on the fifth week. I also started walking to get back into shape for work. Does that sound like a good plan?"

And this is what she wrote:

"Yes,  sounds like a good plan.  Usually six weeks is time off for strenuous activity including going to gym and working out upper body. You will need to start back slow to build back up . You may walk, use treadmill, work legs now...low impact."

The problem is starting slow on my arms and chest is not an option when I go back to work. I will be thrown into it, and what was expected of me before will be expected of me when I return. And my job is not easy. I was hoping to use the two extra weeks to slowly work out those areas so I am not shocked when I return to work. Not to mention I am the only stocker. There is no one else. I can't just turn to someone else when I find that something is too heavy to lift.

Next Wednesday is the fifth week, and I am waiting until then to see how I feel. If I feel I can return on the 8th or not, and if I can't then I will call and talk to them. I just don't know what to say that will make them understand my situation. And maybe I am just worrying too much over it. Maybe all I need to do is ask. But that is a big problem for me. I don't like to ask. And I have a horrible time expressing myself.   

Quote from: FTMKyle on July 23, 2014, 11:23:28 PM
Ok I know I've posted about this twice, but I think I need some help getting my point across when the time comes. I've expressed some concern about going back to a stocking job after six weeks post op, and many people here have said to wait as long as I can, some suggesting going back at eight weeks.

I expressed my concern to the nurse in an email. This is what I wrote:

"I was wondering if six weeks is okay to go back to work. People keep telling me that that's pushing it because I lift stuff all day, and some of that stuff is quite heavy. I'm just scared to hurt myself at work. I go back on the 8th. I figured I would wait to see how I feel on the fifth week. I also started walking to get back into shape for work. Does that sound like a good plan?"

And this is what she wrote:

"Yes,  sounds like a good plan.  Usually six weeks is time off for strenuous activity including going to gym and working out upper body. You will need to start back slow to build back up . You may walk, use treadmill, work legs now...low impact."

The problem is starting slow on my arms and chest is not an option when I go back to work. I will be thrown into it, and what was expected of me before will be expected of me when I return. And my job is not easy. I was hoping to use the two extra weeks to slowly work out those areas so I am not shocked when I return to work. Not to mention I am the only stocker. There is no one else. I can't just turn to someone else when I find that something is too heavy to lift.

Next Wednesday is the fifth week, and I am waiting until then to see how I feel. If I feel I can return on the 8th or not, and if I can't then I will call and talk to them. I just don't know what to say that will make them understand my situation. And maybe I am just worrying too much over it. Maybe all I need to do is ask. But that is a big problem for me. I don't like to ask. And I have a horrible time expressing myself.   

You may just have to pull up your bootstraps and ask them.  We all have to do things that we aren't comfortable with, but we're talking about your health and recovery here.

I'd start lifting light weights at 6 weeks to get some strength back.  Otherwise, I think you need to speak to someone at your work.  They should have safeguards in place to protect people returning to work from major surgery.

I think the best if possible would be a "modified work" return to your job if that was possible? I know you said you are the only one but might it be possible to get someone with you for the first week you return? Just to help you get back in the swing of things.

If you've had any sort of major surgery, you should be able to request - and receive - a modification to your work routine until you are really back to your usual self.  At the very worst, and if you can afford it, take another two weeks off to recover and do some weight training.  See if your doctor will sign off on it, too.  And don't let anyone give you the runaround about, "Oh, most guys only need four to six weeks to recover.  Why should you be any different?"  You know why?  Because everyone is different and you need to listen to your body when it says "No!"

I've only ever had one major surgery, gallbladder, and although the doctor said I could go back to work in two weeks, I really needed four.  But did I listen to my body?  NO.  And I paid for it, big time.

Also - congrats!  Bet you feel a helluva lot better now!