To have time off office job following dislocated kneecap?

[hobbler]

I dislocated my kneecap four days ago. It was the worst pain ever - worse than my induced labour I had it put back into place at A&E, x ray was clear and was sent away with a splint and crutches. I called work and said I wouldn't be in all of this week - mainly because manoeuvring around an office on two crutches seems impractical plus it’s taking me ages to get trousers on, get down the stairs etc. I work at a desk but in a public facing environment with clients booked to me all day which I have to get up and call over.
I’m trying to wean off my crutches and the splint but my knee is still extremely swollen and sore which really limits my movement so I’m hobbling around my house very unsteadily if I don’t use either the crutches or splint. I’m also very anxious my kneecap is going to pop out again.
I’ve told work I’ll be back next Monday and now I’m stressing that I won’t be ready. Travelling to/from work isn’t an issue as I can get a lift it’s more the getting ready for work, being at work and all the practical things that involves. I’ve got an NHS physio referral but it won’t be for 1-2 weeks.
Am I being a wimp? Should I just get my arse to work on Monday and suck it up or is more time off warranted until I can walk normally?

Could you work but with some adaptations made to meet your needs?

My son broke his kneecap and was back in school on crutches the next day. Obviously adjustments had to be made for him.
What has your employer said?

If you’re on crutches your work place should do a risk assessment in any case. Your GP should be able to advise. Hope you’re pain free soon!

See your GP for advice on prevention. Once dislocated, it's more prone to happening again. You need to be referred for physio to help strengthen the muscles around your knee.

Your employer will have to wait as long as it takes for you to be ready, if you push yourself too hard then you risk long term damage. Equally, if you stop moving at all, you will lose muscle tone and make it more difficult to regain fitness, making your recovery even longer.

I've dislocated both my knees so many times I had them both fused in the end. I'm not a doctor but am an expert on the chronic pain and mobility problems this can cause. Be kind to yourself.

If you don’t feel ready just see your GP and get a sick note. I dislocated my patella when I was at school. Two babies, several serious spinal surges and a few other things since, it’s still the most paint moment of my life.

Mine remained unstable and I had surgery later to stabilise it.

Should I just get my arse to work on Monday and suck it up or is more time off warranted until I can walk normally?

there should be a happy middle!

Ask your GP for advice, then speak with your employer to discuss the arrangements.

We have someone on crutches in the office at the moment, we reduced their hours to 10 to 4:30 to avoid crowds at rush hour for example.

Waiting until you are fully recovered for an office job, and manoeuvring around an office on two crutches seems impractical is being a bit ridiculous
but having to get up to call people over sounds unpractical too. I am sure someone can find a better way.

I wouldn’t rush back. You don’t want to do anymore damage. Sounds so painful

Is it no longer painful and just mobility that's an issue? Or are you on meds for the pain?

If it's just mobility i think YABU and they'll make necessary adjustments.