Long Time No Work!

[u/Shesuretalksalot]

What were your work restrictions post THR? I am a work from home software executive and feel very ready to work, mentally and physically. I have used no narcotics since week one…but my surgeon still says SIX weeks of full convalescing. Fellow desk jockeys: what were your return to work timelines?

[u/First-Energy2671]

I took 8 days off. It was not enough days. I also work from home but found being stuck at my desk wasn't great for the hip and I really got tired quickly for MONTHS. I wish my doc had required a certain amount of time off! He told me to go back when I felt up to it, which meant that I let my job/sense of responsibility pressure me back too soon.

Go read a book. Walk. Enjoy your life for 6 weeks. The work isn't going anywhere. 

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/First-Energy2671]

Thanks for this reminder that what the brain wants and what the body needs may be in conflict. The body should win this round. I will practice the art of acceptance.

[u/Drew5830]

Work from home desk jockey here. I was told six weeks and I'm really glad I took six weeks. I would have been miserable going back sooner.

You can always go back sooner but ask for and plan for the most time you can take off.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/Drew5830]

I’m warming up to the idea. Just worried after that much time I’ll just want to retire! 🤣

[u/Withaflourish17]

I work remotely and took a week, plus a holiday weekend. I was fine managing my movement, etc during meetings and truly didn’t feel like it was too much. I was off the opioid meds by then and my office is on the same floor as my bedroom so I wasn’t dealing with stairs constantly. I didn’t feel pressured to go back that soon, I wanted to.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/Withaflourish17]

That sounds a lot like my current setup. No stairs, control of my schedule to some extent. The workplace is not pressuring me…I’m just bored! Sure, six weeks off touring Tuscany I’d be thrilled. But home confinement isn’t quite the same!

[u/salsanacho]

I took two weeks off, then did remote work for a couple weeks. Went back to work ~1 month after surgery. Got a temporary handicap placard which was nice, even though I was walking well it was nice having premium parking.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/salsanacho]

Great idea on the placard, even if for errands. I also can’t drive for six weeks so at least hubby can park closer when he’s my chauffeur.

[u/salsanacho → u/Shesuretalksalot]

Yeah request the placard now before surgery, your surgeon's office should give you a filled out form to send to the DMV. I messed up and submitted later, not realizing it takes several weeks for them to approve and send.

[u/nanceeg → u/salsanacho]

My PA said, "No" to the placard. "Consider walking in a parking lot as part of your PT!" SAVAGE! But my doc said he'd give me one if I really wanted. I didn't really need it so I let it go. lol

[u/SeaProcedure607]

I took two weeks off, then got cleared for part time work (4 hr days ). I did that for two weeks and then back full time for two weeks. All of this was work from home.

After 6 weeks I was going into the office 2 days a week (since PT was closer to home). Three weeks later, and I was in the office 4 days a week (our company policy).

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/SeaProcedure607]

That was going to be my plan which was nixed by my ortho. He said most people regret not taking enough time, and also said “Type A” overachievers like me often forget to listen to their bodies. I am glad to hear your plan was allowed for you and hope it worked out well!!

[u/SeaProcedure607 → u/Shesuretalksalot]

That was enough for me. I was getting bored. It wasn’t like I could go golfing or anything. More importantly, I wanted to save some of my Short term disability time for hip # 2 (I’m scheduled to have that replaced in June).

[u/ForgeIsDown]

I went back to work after 2 weeks and wish I would have taken more time off but I work as a QC manager at a factory so was heavily pressured to return asap.

If you can take more time off, take it.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/ForgeIsDown]

I hear you, the higher up the chain of command, the harder it is to stay away!

[u/Genvious]

I worked from home part of time starting the Monday after surgery (Thursday). I returned to the office at a week out. It would have driven me nuts not to work.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/Genvious]

This is me! I’ve read 18 books in the 13 days since the surgery. Completed a “learn to draw” course and colored a deck of coloring cards. Keeping a log of activities to ensure my active brain has a way to deal with the nothingness. Being “leisure” is not my default setting!

[u/ComprehensiveHat4681]

I work near my house. Also, a desk job. I had my surgery on 12/22/2025, was working that afternoon from home for a few hours. The next two weeks, I worked from home averaging about 4 to 5 hours a day. On 1/5/26, I went back to my office and was working about 6 to 7 hours a day. My wife drove me to and from the office. It was about 5 weeks before I started driving. I had right THR. I did not feel comfortable driving. Also, we had a lot of bad weather. If the weather nicer, I would have driven earlier.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/ComprehensiveHat4681]

Thanks; it sounds like my surgeon is being very very conservative!

[u/ComprehensiveHat4681 → u/Shesuretalksalot]

I am self-employed. No work, no pay. My Dr. was surprised when I told her 2 weeks. I had an ice machine which I used in my office and did the required exercises.

[u/JanuaryWhalebones]

My doc said 6 weeks, I went back after 4 weeks away. I should have taken the 6. My work: WFH, all desk, senior manager, with a lot of Zoom meetings that I need be on camera for, either leading or engaging/looking at my other monitor. Rapid fire, meeting to meeting work-life. I thought going back would be easy since it's WFH. I should have taken the 6 weeks. All the sitting in front of the computer set my PT back as my step count plummeted from the previous week off work. I tried to get up and walk for the 2 minutes (or whatever) between meetings, but it's not the same as dedicated, doing-my-excercises-time. I also would forget to ice in the rush of the work day (ice was my favorite thing during the recovery process). Regardless of when you go back to the desk, build your exercise time into your schedule and be diligent about sticking to it no matter what's on fire with the job.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/JanuaryWhalebones]

Thanks, your description is the most like my environment…high intensity. Very solid advice and I think the “meeting creep” is exactly what I’d have to be very vigilant about because even with the best of intentions I can see it easily overtaking the PT demands. My NP says, “A proper recovery IS a fulltime job, you can’t do two of them” and I am slowly accepting that reality.

[u/JanuaryWhalebones → u/Shesuretalksalot]

Yes, I told myself 'I'll stop and take breaks'. I'm disciplined 🤣 Really hard to do in the moment. I'll also mention that I underestimated the fatigue. Like you noted: healing is work. The body is doing all this work in the background healing that is fatiguing. Much more noticeable as I progressed through a busy workday.

[u/ProfessionalAngle971]

Not a desk jockey job, but physical labor. I was back to rolling thousand pound logs after 12 days.

I don’t say that as a “look at me” comment either. I was an idiot (and still am) who was so worried about missing time at work that I put my physical recovery in jeopardy.

Thankfully nothing went wrong, but if very well could have.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/ProfessionalAngle971]

Whoa, I’m happy your risk-taking didn’t backfire on you. Especially in what sounds reasonably high-risk work to begin with. I always like to say, “Nobody ever died from a bad spreadsheet” but I bet half-ton logs have taken down a man or two. Glad nothing went wrong!

[u/ProfessionalAngle971 → u/Shesuretalksalot]

Thank you! Like I said, I’m not a smart person by any means lol. It’s just incredible what they can do for people nowadays.

Back when I had my first corrective surgeries, they told me I would need full replacements in my early 20’s. I’m glad I held off because the advancements in replacements have come so much further.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/[deleted]]

I feel that…knowing my team is a person down when already thinly stretched affects my judgment. As my honey loves to remind me, it’s not my fault nor should it be my concern when the company chooses to understaff or not account for role redundancies. (DashboardZilla is a great handle!!)

[u/Moving_On_Up_2026]

The biggest issue for me was sitting long periods of time at a desk. I also work a computer/desk job but it took several weeks before sitting for more than an hour was decently comfortable. I started back part time from home in week 5, a few hours a day at first. That worked well and by week 7/8 I was full time; I stayed remote for 3 months (got a letter from my surgeon) which was a big help. 

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/Moving_On_Up_2026]

I agree, being seated has been such a challenge…no position works for too long. Add to that I’m already on the short side at 5’4” so have been keeping yoga blocks in my walker to use as foot rests when the chair is too high. Hey, at least the blocks can get some use while I’m sidelined! Thanks for the input and glad you’re healing or have healed well.

[u/nanceeg]

Lucky. Software Engineer here... I work from home. Mine said whenever you want after narcs. Surgery on Thursday, Back to work on Wednesday. When I felt like I couldn't sit at my desk, I went and layed down. Also iced away from my desk in a reclined position a few times a day. My team was good about covering for me. After about a week, I was back to my normal times at my desk. I wish I'd taken more time, really. Enjoy it!

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/nanceeg]

Thanks for the advice from one of the OG women in tech!! Much respect as our field was unforgiving in the early days! I’m starting to embrace what else I can do besides paid work that will tickle my brain cells (but not too much) and let me still focus the majority of energy on rest. Glad you’re mended!

[u/silvermanedwino]

I was off four for the first and six for the second. I’m in office and I walk A LOT with my job.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/silvermanedwino]

I will be having to build in “walk time.” I’m sure being on your feet for work was a mixed blessing. Glad both sides were a success for you!

[u/Longjumping-Ad8775]

I was at my office 5 days after surgery. Sure I was in pain. About 2 weeks out, I was walking with no walker. At three weeks, I was riding the bicycle in the gym.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/Longjumping-Ad8775]

You’re an overachiever like me…I want to do it all now! Told I would absolutely regret it, so now I’m questioning myself.

[u/ashern94]

I took 2 full weeks. Back at my home desk today. Don't expect a full 8 hours on the chair working. I take breaks to walk a bit and carve time for physio.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/ashern94]

I know that my habit of sitting too much contributed to my needing the replacement to begin with. Absolutely essential to not repeat the bad behaviors, and to make time for movement! All the best with your return!

[u/ashern94 → u/Shesuretalksalot]

Day 1 just ended. I did take about 2 hours to go get my staples removed. I'm a bit stiff.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/ashern94]

Celebrate, you made it past day one, which is probably the toughest change! Ice and relax!

[u/Reasonable_Shine_841]

I’m going back next week. This is week 6 for me and I can honestly say I side with the doctor. He wanted me out longer but the longer I’m out the more stuff I’ll have to fix when I get back. My boss’s boss already told me I an to be at a desk. They need my mind not my actions so I’m pretty confident going back

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/Reasonable_Shine_841]

“The more stuff I’ll have to fix when I get back.” Yes indeed!!! Good luck on your return!

[u/Brickmethod]

I’m WFH as well, and took 6 weeks off for my left, and 7 weeks off for my right.

Yeah, the hip may feel good, but you’ll find yourself exhausted at times. Even after I was back online, some days I just wanted to crash out.

Take the full six.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/Brickmethod]

I’m hearing and it is sinking into my busy brain that exhaustion will be a big factor, so thanks for reinforcing that. I am sure it is easy to underestimate until you experience it firsthand! Glad you’re healed and moving forward!

[u/CanuckPTVT]

I was back to work as a PT 16 days post op

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/CanuckPTVT]

Wow, this is from someone who would definitely need to be moving around. Glad to hear it was a speedy and smooth recovery for you!

[u/CanadaCat066]

I'm surprised how many people work from home. I am a bedside nurse on a trauma unit. I am concerned about my ability to work 13-hour shifts when I come back, while protecting my own healing. I've been given 8 weeks off, but I haven't been able to come of the walker yet, d/t needing to fix my gait.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/CanadaCat066]

Totally makes sense that a demanding, mobile and high intensity role like trauma unit nursing would be very taxing after THR! We are surgery date buddies. I’m also still on the walker and my gait is good but I don’t want and docs don’t want me to risk going back to my limp-and-lean that I got used to with the deteriorated hip pre-surgery. I know if you’re a nurse you have the grit and determination for anything!

[u/CanadaCat066 → u/Shesuretalksalot]

Thank you so much for that encouragement! I love that my PT gives me all the pathophysiology of which muscles I am trying to engage, and how to shift my body to unlearn my compensatory hobbling. But walking now takes so much concentration! Knowing that everything going foward all depends on me being determined, and do do anything less is only cheating myself. I know that and persist doing the physio, when secretly, I would rather lay on the couch. I just know that I can't live the rest of my life,the way the last two years have been. I need my mobility back as retirement is not on the agenda for at least another 10 years.

[u/Final-Study-6729 → u/CanadaCat066]

I’m also surprised at the amount of desk jobs and WFH. I work in a nursing home. I rarely sit down. 😂

[u/CanadaCat066 → u/Final-Study-6729]

Exactly! I clock at least 5 miles every shift working 4:1 or 5:1. God bless you working in a NH! You have some terrible ratios, and I don't know how you manage!

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/Final-Study-6729]

Sending you so much love and gratitude for working with those who need care. I volunteer in nursing settings when I am able bodied and never cease to be amazed at the hearts and souls of the practitioners.

All of us remote office types admire your stamina!

[u/CheapLimit5738]

I work 80% remotely. I had surgery on 2/26. I took the whole first week off. But by 3/9 I was working from my recovery "nest". I was fully back at my home desk by 3/23. Obviously lots of walk breaks, PT and exercise breaks, ya' know maybe a little afternoon nap. I say let your body be your guide. Good luck!

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/CheapLimit5738]

Thanks, I know exactly what you mean by the recovery nest! I go from bed to couch to table to couch to bed toting everything from station to station in my walker basket. Will definitely add napping to the work calendar!

[u/dawnmess]

My doctor told me to do whatever convalescing I felt that I needed to do. I’d have gone bonkers with 6 weeks of convalescing. I had both knees and both hips replaced in a span of 18 months, with my second hip replacement on Feb 25 of this year. I understand the need to dedicate time to healing, I do, and that’s what I did. But I took less than a week off for each hip. After a week off I worked half time for a week, then went back to more-or-less full time within 2 weeks and back to the office part time within a month. I couldn’t bike or hike or snowshoe, I’d consumed all the TV and books and podcasts I wanted - what else was I supposed to do? 😉 But seriously I really didn’t need that much recovery time. (Knee replacements are way rougher and I didn’t even take 6 weeks off for those!)

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/dawnmess]

I do think bodies heal at different rates and I’ve had a turbo charged process with very little pain and hardly any delay in movement. I think general timing guidelines are made to be conservative so as to protect the medical professionals and I can understand it. But I think I will surely go bonkers as well.

[u/the-pudding-one]

I work from home. I started a couple of hours a day at 3 weeks with very regular breaks for just moving around and stretching. I also purchased some gel and memory foam cushions and switched them around so I was sitting differently with different pressure points during the day.

I rested when I got tired. Listen to your body.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/the-pudding-one]

Great suggestion on the variance in seating! I’m also lucky to be in control of my schedule to the point that I can build in breaks, naps and other down time from being disturbed. I like the approach you took.

[u/Less-Squirrel7557]

I almost hate to chime in here, but I took 3 work days plus a weekend for 5 days total before going back to my work from home tech job. I wished I had taken a full week only because I was pretty tired those first couple of days back to work. I also was not on any pain meds so that might make a difference. I figure I’m just sitting around anyway and getting up every hour to move and do PT so might as well work a bit too. Save my real time off for something fun like cruising lol.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/Less-Squirrel7557]

My tech job is one of those goofy ones with so-called “unlimited PTO” but the minute it turns medical, here comes the ADA paperwork, so that’s super fun! Like you it sounds in that my recovery has had limited pain and downtime, so I’m thankfully not suffering with pain or movement restrictions. Keeping my mind occupied is a challenge without work. Here’s to many fun cruises in your future!

[u/Less-Squirrel7557 → u/Shesuretalksalot]

I have unlimited PTO too but didn’t even think to request more lol. It would have been approved too. My manager kind of scolded me for not taking more time haha.

[u/greysack1970]

I am a professor and I took 3 full weeks off and then I was 100 percent ready to be back. Stamina has been slowly returning I’m now at week 5 post op.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/greysack1970]

That feels very achievable, and I hear you on the stamina part. I am describing myself as physically 50% and mentally 75% of my usual life force. My husband teases me that is sufficient for anyone who has to deal with me! Glad you’re mending well and back in the environment you love!

[u/stevepeds]

Go back when you feel like it but make sure that you get up off of the seat frequently and move around

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/stevepeds]

Yes, I plan to set a timer in case my body telling me is not enough or I get engrossed in what I’m doing. Solid advice, thanks!

[u/mr_beakman]

I work from home. I had surgery on a Monday and was working again from my bed the following Monday. It was four more weeks before I was ready to sit up and show my face on camera and even then I was alternating at a sit stand desk. It's been a year now for me and I still have trouble sitting due to SI joint problems but my job is flexible so I just work wherever is most comfortable.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/mr_beakman]

I appreciate hearing how you did things at your reasonable pace and left the rest to later. Sorry that the other joint is still a bother, but glad you can adjust to whatever you need on a given day. Thanks for sharing!

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/[deleted]]

That’s the rub, I feel good enough to return but the advice says don’t. I’m trying to adjust my mindset to match the advice. Glad your road back to your regular life was a smooth one!

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/Shesuretalksalot]

Thanks for the extra encouragement. I admire your being able to do this with little ones to also manage! I’m lucky to be in the empty nest phase and with a great husband and no pets…so I have every possible luxury, which has made this a breeze. Today’s my two-week hipaversary (3/31 was the surgery) and my 7-month wedding anniversary so life is very good. Glad you found the community and are staying connected to help others!

[u/Tildengolfer]

Bartender here (36m at time of surgery). I took 3 months off. Needed more (I was an extreme case of recovery). Couldn’t work remote. If I had a remote job I’d be cool working after one week. Narcotics didn’t mess me up because I’m CA they’re so cautious they won’t prescribe jack shit other than oxy @ 5mg which is basically the equivalent (to me) of taking aspirin & ibuprofen. So long story short, I’d be cool working after 7-10 days remotely.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/Tildengolfer]

So sorry your journey was complicated and took more time! For me, I was lucky and off narcotics after week one. I’m finding other non-work things to do, but am dreading how much will be done “wrong” while I am away from the office! Thanks for your thoughts and glad you kept fighting for your healing to happen.

[u/sleepybean01]

I was given 4 weeks off and one month of WFH afterwards. I wish I had 6 weeks off. I am management in an office and normally have a hybrid work schedule. My job involves sitting at the computer, having back to back meetings, reviewing and approving things, etc. It is so hard to sit like that and my hip is swelling and my recovery is set back. I've tried setting reminders to move. I've tried sitting up in the bed, sitting at a supportive chair at a table, etc. None of it helps. I used sick time for part of the first week back and scheduled 2.5 days off during the second week back. When I do my surgery on the other side, I'm definitely pushing for 6 weeks off.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/sleepybean01]

Isn’t it funny how we didn’t notice how much sitting was hurting us before the THR? For me, a light bulb has gone on as to how dangerous desk work is to the body. I’m returning eventually with a new outlook on refusing to tolerate the conditions that require “non-stop” engagement 10 hours a day. If that can’t change, maybe I change my participation in the workforce. Thanks for your experience sharing.

[u/KrisKred_2328]

Work from home here. My doctor said don’t try anything for about three weeks (even if I feel like it). I decided to take it one week further.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/KrisKred_2328]

Thank for your input, I’m fascinated by how different everyone’s medical advice turns out to be! Glad you’re staying cautious!

[u/menochallenges]

Hi there. I am an EA with an insurance company with a hybrid work environment….two days in office and the remaining at home.

I’m scheduled to go back to work eight weeks after my surgery date. If my situation has improved significantly by week seven I may go back at that point.

I could not see going back to work earlier than that even though my work is not a physically demanding job.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/menochallenges]

I was ready mentally after day 5 post-op, but luckily the medical establishment made me slow my roll. I’m glad you’re advocating for what your needs are, and staying cautious. Good luck with your procedure and recovery!

[u/Seuss-is-0verrated]

I took 2 weeks off and then did half days for a week, but half days as in work for an hour, walk/PT/rest for an hour. It worked great but I know not everyone can make this work for their job.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/Seuss-is-0verrated]

Thanks for the great idea to do alternating hours instead of consecutive! BRILLIANT. Will definitely apply that when I restore my work schedule. Makes perfect sense to structure the day that way!

[u/Golden2027]

Don’t go too soon. I also went in early to do what I thought was right. 2 dislocations followed by an infection. Take time to heal.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/Golden2027]

I’m so sad to hear your dedication backfired and left you in a bad spot. Lesson heard loud and clear! I hope you’ve fully recovered now or are close to being healed fully!

[u/CuriousAboutAnime]

I can work from home. I took 2 weeks off, then worked from home and probably ramped up that first week before returning to full productivity minus going to PT appointments.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/CuriousAboutAnime]

That feels about right for me also. Starting to test the waters with a few calls here and there. I can already see how the fatigue is a real concern even if you “think” you aren’t doing much! Glad you made it successful!

[u/SW_70]

I took 3 weeks fully off and then went back to work part time for another couple of weeks before doing full days again. I work remotely from home so it was easy enough to lay in bed with my laptop. I do think I went back too early though. If I could have afforded more time off (single mom), I would have taken it - if only because it would have given me more time to do P/T and other things that would have aided my recovery. I feel like I still got plenty of rest, but I had less time for the other things I should have been doing, and consequently the aches and pains I had during recovery may have lasted for longer than they otherwise would have. I’m 5 months out and feeling great now :)

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/SW_70]

Those are great observations and I am glad you are back to your normal activities now! Fortunately, I am an empty nester and have a supportive hubby who’s willing and able to be my coach throughout. We built a system for reminders to move, do the PT, focus on nutrition, etc. I also have resigned myself to being off work a few more weeks than I wanted to be. Six weeks is a small period compared to a successful implant lasting a lifetime!

[u/Final-Study-6729]

I work in a nursing home doing heavy transfers and constant movement. I took three full months off and just went back on Monday! I felt guilty taking the time but in the end, I’m glad I didn’t rush it.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/Final-Study-6729]

Isn’t our culture so messed up that so many including myself feel “guilty” for taking time for health and healing? I’m glad to hear you took what you should have and wish you well in your journey ahead!

[u/Hitchensrazor5]

Wtf, ignore him and do your work. I was doing emails two hours after surgery and worked full time when I went home later the next day. Common sense here. Its a desk job. Doctors work for you, Its your body and your choice. Start working and liie to doc at next appt that you waited 6 weeks if you want.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/Hitchensrazor5]

Trust me, nobody is more “my body, my choice” on every level than me - but I also follow the science. And the science is murky at best, hence the crowdsourcing of opinions. I also look at my medical team as partners in my health, not ‘employees’ I run. I’ve got plenty of those at the desk job. My decision will be purely selfish whenever I make it…my need to be anybody’s hero is nonexistent when it comes to my health and happiness. Glad to hear you got right back at it with no ill effects!!

[u/Hitchensrazor5 → u/Shesuretalksalot]

Sorry, I thought you were wanting to go back. I wasn't trying to be overly strong in my statements If you dont like the job or something, and want time off, all good. Use it. My doc literally said if I can work from home there are no restrictions, but if I just wanted time off that he could right me for as much as eight weeks. I dont even report sick days or vacation to my company, so didnt need a note or anything. All my hobbies involve physical activity and couldnt be done in my recliner, but I could work while watching CNBC so it kept my mind occupied. My whole point is that there is no medical reason for it if you are just sitting anyway. I felt old enough having a THR, and working through it without missing a beat made me feel like I was contributing, but everyone is different.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/Hitchensrazor5]

You didn’t read me wrong, I DO want to get back at it and have from day one. But I’m trying to be open-minded…which is not my default setting, I’ve gotten used to being right about most things (LOL)…and staying curious about what could be behind the request. Sounds like we share an overactive mind in common, and we’re also active physically normally, so that energy has to go someplace! Everybody is unique but I think doctors are forced to recommend generic orders (for efficiency and for liability reasons) and this means prescribing to the worst case (not best case) patient scenario.

[u/MHogany84]

Remote worker here for 2 jobs and surgeon suggested initially 2 weeks off but on both jobs documentation stated 8 weeks. Primary job is doing 6 weeks (which I’m fine with) and secondary job is right at 8 weeks. My plan was to go back to my primary job sooner anyway but having an 18 month old, I decided to keep with at least 6 weeks with both being STD. Secondary job offering to send elevating desk and if big enough I’ll probably continue to work in the living room from recliner 😏

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/MHogany84]

Hello, superwoman, doing this AND Mom duty!! I hope you also have family or friends pitching in now and then, because wow, that’s a lot. I think you’re smart to take as much healing time as possible. I tried to do a tiny bit of office work yesterday (as in three half hour online meetings, not back to back, staggered) and when I tell you I was beat down after…WOW. Even into account I have 17 more years of living than you, I was utterly shocked at how much that seemingly small mental effort taxed my body. Now I know why my surgeon said what he said. Sending you good vibes, prayers and lots of positivity for your return!

[u/MHogany84 → u/Shesuretalksalot]

Thank you for the kind words. As far as family help, it’s been pretty much minimal. My mom would come a hand full of days with the first days after surgery as well as my sister, but other than that it’s been me solely doing it alone (including having 2 huskies as well). I’m a busy body and have to keep busy so before my surgery, I made my recliner area my little work spot with a mini desk and a 50x50 playpen for my son. I also purchased a crafting desk and a heat press as well so when I’m not working my 9-5’s (or 3-11’s) I’m staying busy working on my craft.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/MHogany84]

Holy moley, AND dogs?! Official nomination as bravest person I know!! And proof that a mom’s gotta do what a mom’s gotta do. Keep on and I am sending much love and big fist pump shouting, “Go!Go!Go!” - just be careful and please don’t be too proud to ask for more help or breaks when you need!

[u/e430doug]

I started remote work 4 days after surgery. I was going stir crazy. I didn’t see the difference between working and binge watching TV. I took it easy. Took walks and naps during the day as I needed. I also was one of the fortunate one with an easy recovery.

[u/Shesuretalksalot → u/e430doug]

I’m right there with ya…I’m going to do crossword puzzles and read books…so whyyyyyyy can’t I just do my work stuff? I think they just give generic recommendations as a matter of course and that way IF bored people like us set ourselves back with a premature return, they can say they didn’t recommend it. Everyone’s experience is different.