Opinons Please? Back to work at 4wks with flu?

Hi guys, I have been lurking about and this is the first time I have posted in awhile. I need your opinion. I had lap with one large 6" open incision. I started working part-time last week but was really tired and feeling down. Also since I work in a library even though I am sitting, I still have to get up every few minutes to help a patron, pull a book, take calls, empty bins, etc. All this jumping up and down was making my incisions hurt really bad by the end of my 4hr shift, I'd be okay the next day though. Just this week the FLU attacked me and I have been off the last 3 days. I'm supposed to start full time next week and just feel anxious about being able to handle the physical demands of my job. My surgeon has said not to lift more than 20 lbs but I can barely lift two gallons of milk. Should I ask the surgeon for more time off to heal, especially since I have been sick? I am worried about my job because our department is so short staffed that if I do take more time I may get let go from my branch & not have a job until another branch has a new position open (and that can take a few months!)and I feel so guilty. Sorry for the long post. All help appreciated. Diana E

I really think you probably should ask for at least a couple more weeks off. Part time has been hard on you and I find it hard to understand why anyone thought you'd be ok to go back after 4 weeks after an open RNY. Myself, I was lap RNY and will go back in 4 weeks but could have gone back in 2. I didn't because I knew darned well I wasn't ready to go and at that time I was so danged tired all the time. The energy is just starting to come back though. You've just had major surgery and need time to heal. I hope your need for more time off doesn't effect your job, but your health really does have to come first. ((((((((Diana)))))))))

Go ask for more time off. The flu complicates your healing, so I'm sure he will give it to you. I was off 4 weeks - just went back on Tuesday - full time. I'm fine - a little tired at times, but I've also been healthy and didn't get a bug. Take care of yourself first, job can wait! mgm

Hi Diana! I agree wholeheartedly with the other posters - I would definately ask your surgeon to authorize more time off so that you can heal. I had Lap RNY 18 days ago and have been at work (a desk job) for the last two days - I am exhausted after 4 hours! I am going to ask my surgeon to release me back to work only part time for the next two weeks! By the way, have you looked into qualifying for protection under the Family and Medical Leave Act? My understanding is that it provides up to 6 weeks off while keeping your job secure. I don't know all of the details but check with your Human Resources folks at work. Best of luck to you! Be sure to put YOU and YOUR HEALTH first! Mimi

I had open RNY on 03-24 and was back to work 12 days after surgery. I have had no complications and I have been feeling great. Leaving it up to my experience I would say get back to work and walk around as soon as possible, it should make you feel better to be more normal. But inyour case that does not seem like it is going to work, especially you have had the flu also. I would try my hardest to get back into the swing of things, because it is only going to make you feel better each day that is moore normal for you. But like I said , I may be an exception and every person heals differently. but I have lost 53 pounds in 23 days though. Hope you feel better

Thanks for all your help guys. After talking with my surgeon, he authorized one more week off. I am so glad he did because it now looks like I am getting pleurisy again. I hate it, it hurts to breathe. I will be so glad when this flu/pleurisy is all over. Thanks again. Diana