How long to take off work for open surgery?

[getlostdailyfail]

Hi,

I'll be having open stomach surgery soon and I'm wondering how long I'll need to take off work to recover? My work is partly physical, with lots of walking. Thanks!

I've had two lots of bowel surgery in the last two years. Had 12 weeks off the first time and 8 weeks the second (smaller op, more complications though). My job isn't physical but was very ill before the first op so took longer to recover.

If your job involves lifting or hefting heavy weights around I suggest you seek advice from your surgeon after the op.

You will need to be off a good 8 weeks I would say, if not longer. Your surgeon is the best person to ask. It does depends on your op

OH had major stomach surgery last year and it was several months before he started feeling fully well again.

Even after you feel that you have healed up the tiredness gets to you. OH's consultant told him that it could take up to a year.

I would hazard a guess that it might be as much as 12 weeks or more if your job is physical. It may be several weeks before you are able to drive as well. Insurance companies tend to refer you back to your doctor for advice.

The criteria for OH was:
Being able to do an emergency stop
Being able to twist around to see behind him
Being able to concentrate

Good luck with the op.

Thanks! It doesn't require lifting but quite a bit of walking, plus the commute.

Your doctor/consultant will advise.

Surely your consultant will be able to advise?

Thanks, I'll ask the consultant, just planning in advance :)

I had a bowel resection in Feb 2015 & went back to work middle of June. I was very ill before the op though & hadn't been to work for 4 weeks. I couldn't drive for 6 weeks & was very tired for a while afterwards. My surgeon recommended at least 8 weeks off after the op but then wouldn't sign me back to work until I'd had a colonoscopy to check where they'd joined the bowel back together.

Hope your surgery goes ok