Recovery after Discectomy

[Kimthurston]

Hi, I am due to go into hospital to have a disc removed from my lower spine. Can anyone tell me, will I be able to go back to work before the "prescribed" 6-week recover time? Many thanks.

[icemaiden]

HI Kimthurston.

I had a two-level spinal fusion back in January and was back at work at 6 weeks! I gently eased myself back in by working only a few hours everday, then increasing my hours the week after. What do you do for a job?

Recovery is really an individual thing, I ate well and did very gentle excercises as well as walking little and often. Why do you wish to go back sooner? Is it for financial reasons or work commitments? You really have to weigh up if it is worth risking going back to soon. You could do further damage. Take the advise of your Consultant/Surgeon he is telling you 6 weeks for a reason.

Good luck on your surgery, I wish you a speedy recovery.

Icemaiden

[Kimthurston]

Hi Icemaiden

Thanks so much for that. My problem is that i have only been working at my current job since February and you are only paid 10 days' sick a year! Also, the Department I am in only consists of little old me (previously there were 4 of us), so I am keen to take as little time off as practicably possible! I have taken on board what you say about exercise, eating well, etc., and once again thank you so much!

[icemaiden]

Your welcome.

Maybe talking to your employers about your concerns will set your mind at rest. Could you maybe take some of the time off as holiday? I know you havent been there long and may not be entitled to many days but its worth a go, or suggest that when you feel up to it, come in for a few hours a week. At the very least this will show them that you are commited. Can you do the job at home?

The fact that it is only yourself now doing the job, this will hopefully work well in your favour. I doubt they would want the hassle of advertising the job and training someone again. Having said that, they can't sack you for having an operation that requires 6 weeks off. think of all those people off work for months due to stress at work etc. 6 weeks is a small amount of time.

[Kimthurston]

Oh, you are so right! You have now confirmed what I was thinking all along - thanks for being so supportive! I can do the work at home (I dictate to a secretary) so it would mean that someone would have to drop off and collect. However, because of "manning the phone" I would much rather be at my desk, even if it's only for a few hours a day. Of course, I would not be able to drive and perhaps I can coerce my boss into paying for a taxi - which would be far less than the cost of a locum Lawyer!

[icemaiden]

Too true.

If you can, let me know how you get on. With the op and your employer.

There is a good website that you can go on
www.spine-health.com, Lots of good advice and knowledge but like any website don't read too much in to the negative stuff. As I said, everyone is individual.

Good luck.