In april I had a hysterectomy. I have basically had a pretty uneventful recovery, except I am still having some soreness and a few aches in my lower abdomen. I went two weeks ago and had my eight week check up and my doctor and I decided i could return to work, but no lifting anything over 20 pounds until july 17th. That would only be one month of light duty. The issue is my job is giving me a real problem. They don't feel they can accomodate the restriction . I feel really bad because I don't want them to think I don't want to work, because i do, I just want to be careful for a little while. I work as an rn on a stroke and orthopedic surgical unit, so lifting is a very real part of my job and it's hard enough when I'm feeling at my best. can anyone please share with me their experience if they've had this type of surg and how long did it take you to really get back to yourself?. This whole situation has me really feeling down. I now am back out on disability just because I can't lift
2006-06-22 11:34:03 · 4 answers · asked by softlyinspired 5 in Health ➔ Women's Health
As a fellow nurse I understand your frustration..but remember nurse that you heal from the inside out and that it takes a while to heal so that you don't tear out stitches and prolong full recovery..if you are in a job that requires lifting and your doctor has you restricted then it isn't up to you to jeopardize your recovery..surely your place of employment would understand your restrictions and that it is a written order from your physician...I think we want to get back ASAP because we are caregivers not on the receiving end...good luck
2006-06-22 11:41:18 · answer #1 · answered by FloNightingGale 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing personal but as a nurse you should know that's crap- they should accommodate you! It's a temporary restriction. Do the meds weigh more then 20 lbs? Sure hope not. Neither should your stethoscope, or even a chart!
So you can't help lift the patients for awhile, they should have some nurse tech's employed for that and co-workers should pitch in a help. We had a nurse that could no longer push a med cart at a nursing home so they made a position as a wing charge nurse just so she could keep working. She hadn't been able to lift for a long time.
A fellow nurse-friend of mine had a hysterectomy and it took her a few months before she could life everything like she use to.
Don't risk your recovery, if they won't accomadate you then stay off work. You have to heal yourself first before you can go back to healing others
2006-06-22 18:44:44 · answer #2 · answered by frogsandducks 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What would be the situation if you were pregnant and unable to lift? They would have to accommodate you thats what. The same should apply here. Its a situation beyond your control. Very unfair.
2006-06-22 18:42:58 · answer #3 · answered by pulsatron69 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
listen i work at a gyn office i think that you should do what you feel is best for your health they are not feeling the pain you are....can your dr not give an extended leave or something....Lifting is not really permissable at all for at least 6 months especially if they are heavy patients...Do whats best for yourself.....
2006-06-22 18:43:46 · answer #4 · answered by erkmadmae 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋