recovery post surgery

[kosh71]

I had surgery on Friday for a massive lipoma on my left hip. I was in theater for >1hr and was discharged the next day. I am a bit sore and feel weak.

I know this is silly question but how long should I take off work? I do 50/50 office and lab based work, nothing strenuous, but it is always very hectic and I hardly stop all day. I really do not feel like going in, and in fact there is plenty of work I can do from home, but I was a bit surprised that my boss (who is a clinician) assumed I'd be in today.
When I ask the consultant he said a couple of days, but the nurses suggested 2 weeks?
Any experiences? I guess the question is - are you supposed to move around/work even if it hurts or you have to wait until you are 100% your normal self?
Thanks!

[massivearse]

I had a dupuytrens removed from my right hand last year and had a fortnight off (physio recommendation). Seemed a tad excessive towards the end but I was wiped out for the first two or three days fo sho. Take the fortnight.

[CMOTDibbler]

You don't have to wait till you are 100%, but I think you def need to rest a while more. IMO nurses tend to have a more realistic idea of how long you'll need to recover than consultants.
See how you, and your wound feel by the end of the week

[kosh71]

many thanks ladies
yes I too got the impression I should trust nurses' advise...

[Tbonesteak]

Hi Kosh,
I'm a nurse myself and I'd say depends largely on the post op wound and how quickly it heals - obviously you need to go back when you feel ready though, some people take longer than others

[kosh71]

Thanks Tbonesteak
The wound definitely still feels sore and I am very careful not to do any brisk movements, but I can tell I am on the mend!
Do not why I am so confused re. how long to take? I think it was my boss' comments...

[Tbonesteak]

Take as long as you need, if your bodies telling you it's not quite ready then listen to it and definitely wait til the wounds better X

[gingeroots]

kosh if you're like me you need someone to be very clear that you need to be off for a certain time .
It can be easy to push yourself too much but if it's a big wound ( sounds like it is ) then honestly don't overdo things ,it might mean an infection or more stiches .

Perhaps your boss doesn't quite understand what you've had done or how large it was ?

Take it easy ,your body will thank you and heal faster .

[kosh71]

exactly gingeroots!

thanks everyone - I'll take it easy