Guest guest Posted January 27, 2004 Report Share Posted January 27, 2004 I am now healing really well and feel great, but am having a hard time withthe rehab, due to massive loss of ROM from before surgery.He says I'll be walkingaround okay really soon, but to regain actual normal flexibility is a longterm issue. He claims it takes more than a few weeks to get back to where Iwas 8 years ago.1. to regain full ROM is my goal, and I've got a year+ of sick leave. Doany of you have a similar situation? Loss of range of motion, and a longterm rehab? Is 3-6 months unreasonably long? Dave, Welcome to the Turtles Club. I work in an office, and was on crutches for seven months, then a cane for a few more after that. I did stairs fairly often. Regainging strength and ROM takes work and time. Lots of stretching, walking, swimming, etc. Use the muscles like they are supposed to be used, and they will remember (or in my case learn) how to work. I am now over 2 1/2 years post-op and have *just* gotten to the point where I can comfortably do a flight of stairs with alternating feet and no hands. The gains I make now are small compared to the huge leaps in ROM shortly after surgery, but every bit makes a difference. I don't recall (or maybe never knew) what you do for a living, so don't know how the slow recovery would affect your job. My muscles never did work properly due to the defective hips, so they've had 40 years of inactivity compared to your eight. Maybe you'll be quicker than I, but 3-6 months is probably not unusual. I hear from many PT's and docs (Dr. Boyd knows better ;-), that whatever progress you make will stop after one year. Bullpuckey! Muscles can only heal and get stronger so fast. Kind of like losing weight--as much as I would like, 50 lbs. is not going to drop off overnight...sigh... Cindy C+ 5/25/01 and 6/28/01 _______________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 27, 2004 Report Share Posted January 27, 2004 I am now healing really well and feel great, but am having a hard time withthe rehab, due to massive loss of ROM from before surgery.He says I'll be walkingaround okay really soon, but to regain actual normal flexibility is a longterm issue. He claims it takes more than a few weeks to get back to where Iwas 8 years ago.1. to regain full ROM is my goal, and I've got a year+ of sick leave. Doany of you have a similar situation? Loss of range of motion, and a longterm rehab? Is 3-6 months unreasonably long? Dave, Welcome to the Turtles Club. I work in an office, and was on crutches for seven months, then a cane for a few more after that. I did stairs fairly often. Regainging strength and ROM takes work and time. Lots of stretching, walking, swimming, etc. Use the muscles like they are supposed to be used, and they will remember (or in my case learn) how to work. I am now over 2 1/2 years post-op and have *just* gotten to the point where I can comfortably do a flight of stairs with alternating feet and no hands. The gains I make now are small compared to the huge leaps in ROM shortly after surgery, but every bit makes a difference. I don't recall (or maybe never knew) what you do for a living, so don't know how the slow recovery would affect your job. My muscles never did work properly due to the defective hips, so they've had 40 years of inactivity compared to your eight. Maybe you'll be quicker than I, but 3-6 months is probably not unusual. I hear from many PT's and docs (Dr. Boyd knows better ;-), that whatever progress you make will stop after one year. Bullpuckey! Muscles can only heal and get stronger so fast. Kind of like losing weight--as much as I would like, 50 lbs. is not going to drop off overnight...sigh... Cindy C+ 5/25/01 and 6/28/01 _______________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 27, 2004 Report Share Posted January 27, 2004 I am now healing really well and feel great, but am having a hard time withthe rehab, due to massive loss of ROM from before surgery.He says I'll be walkingaround okay really soon, but to regain actual normal flexibility is a longterm issue. He claims it takes more than a few weeks to get back to where Iwas 8 years ago.1. to regain full ROM is my goal, and I've got a year+ of sick leave. Doany of you have a similar situation? Loss of range of motion, and a longterm rehab? Is 3-6 months unreasonably long? Dave, Welcome to the Turtles Club. I work in an office, and was on crutches for seven months, then a cane for a few more after that. I did stairs fairly often. Regainging strength and ROM takes work and time. Lots of stretching, walking, swimming, etc. Use the muscles like they are supposed to be used, and they will remember (or in my case learn) how to work. I am now over 2 1/2 years post-op and have *just* gotten to the point where I can comfortably do a flight of stairs with alternating feet and no hands. The gains I make now are small compared to the huge leaps in ROM shortly after surgery, but every bit makes a difference. I don't recall (or maybe never knew) what you do for a living, so don't know how the slow recovery would affect your job. My muscles never did work properly due to the defective hips, so they've had 40 years of inactivity compared to your eight. Maybe you'll be quicker than I, but 3-6 months is probably not unusual. I hear from many PT's and docs (Dr. Boyd knows better ;-), that whatever progress you make will stop after one year. Bullpuckey! Muscles can only heal and get stronger so fast. Kind of like losing weight--as much as I would like, 50 lbs. is not going to drop off overnight...sigh... Cindy C+ 5/25/01 and 6/28/01 _______________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 27, 2004 Report Share Posted January 27, 2004 > Dear hippies: > > I waited 8 years for resurfacing, and lost virtually all of my flexibility. > I had to use my arms the last two years to get up a flight of stairs to > work. > > I am now healing really well and feel great, but am having a hard time with > the rehab, due to massive loss of ROM from before surgery.> > Dave Edmonds, WA Boyd C+ 12/18/03 No Dave, you are not a wuss. I was in the same situation with two bad hips. I was still pretty wiped out after 6-weeks and was not completely off of canes until about 12-weeks. I am 2.5-years out from bilat and am still working hard at rehab to regain ROM. Restoring lost ROM is a long slow process that requires ripping and tearing apart pathological muscle memory. My advise based on my experience: walk as much as possible do lots of stretching If something hurts for more than a day or so, do NOT do whatever makes it hurt and ice it regularly. Once you can start doing fun physical things, go for it: biking, hiking, golf, kayaking, ping pong, dancing, whatever. If your flexors are very very weak, take it very easy on them. If you push them too hard too soon, you can develop bursitis or tendonitis (I did) and it can take months to get better. Don't get down on yourself... keep working the problem. It took you 8-years to decay, it will take years to restore strength and ROM. three steps forward and two steps back is still progress life is too short to tolerate pinheads. don't listen to human resource exploitation drones. Good Luck , bilat C+ July 02, Dr. Schmalzried Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 27, 2004 Report Share Posted January 27, 2004 No Dave you are not. I was able to continue skating until about 3 months before surgery although certainly for last 2 years my range of motion decreased and my strength on the left side really went downhill. The point is though that at least until then I could do some stuff - and even now at 15 months I am contining to improve both rom and strength and I am lucky enough to have the time to work at it a lot. (one of the really nice things I am finding is that as the left side improves so does the right so what was happening on the left definitely affected the right too). to my point - if you were suffering that badly for 8 years then you have a long, slow recovery ahead as far as regaining ROM and strength. You are not a wuss. It also important to remember that everyone will recovery at different rates too - again I was very lucky, but it took my husband a little longer and it has taken several others that I know who suffered more and longer than me to get back on track. But the best thing of all is knowing that you will have your life back again - whether it takes 3, 6, 9 or 12 months. My guess is that in a couple of months you are going astound yourself at what you can do. Pamela Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 27, 2004 Report Share Posted January 27, 2004 YOGA, YOGA, AND MORE YOGA!!!!!!!!!!!!! It wil get your ranhge of motion back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 27, 2004 Report Share Posted January 27, 2004 Dear . Bless you, man. I need that! Dave Boyd C+ 12/18/03 > > Reply-To: surfacehippy > Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2004 05:22:15 -0000 > To: surfacehippy > Subject: Re: AM I A WUSS ?? > > >> Dear hippies: >> >> I waited 8 years for resurfacing, and lost virtually all of my > flexibility. >> I had to use my arms the last two years to get up a flight of > stairs to >> work. >> >> I am now healing really well and feel great, but am having a hard > time with >> the rehab, due to massive loss of ROM from before surgery.> >> Dave Edmonds, WA Boyd C+ 12/18/03 > > No Dave, you are not a wuss. > > I was in the same situation with two bad hips. I was still pretty > wiped out after 6-weeks and was not completely off of canes until > about 12-weeks. > > I am 2.5-years out from bilat and am still working hard at rehab to > regain ROM. Restoring lost ROM is a long slow process that requires > ripping and tearing apart pathological muscle memory. > > My advise based on my experience: > > walk as much as possible > > do lots of stretching > > If something hurts for more than a day or so, do NOT do whatever > makes it hurt and ice it regularly. > > Once you can start doing fun physical things, go for it: biking, > hiking, golf, kayaking, ping pong, dancing, whatever. > > If your flexors are very very weak, take it very easy on them. If > you push them too hard too soon, you can develop bursitis or > tendonitis (I did) and it can take months to get better. > > Don't get down on yourself... keep working the problem. It took you > 8-years to decay, it will take years to restore strength and ROM. > > three steps forward and two steps back is still progress > > life is too short to tolerate pinheads. don't listen to human > resource exploitation drones. > > > Good Luck > > , bilat C+ July 02, Dr. Schmalzried > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 27, 2004 Report Share Posted January 27, 2004 your being a total wuss, shut the hell up and let your body heal. )) coach jeff > Dear hippies: > > I waited 8 years for resurfacing, and lost virtually all of my flexibility. > I had to use my arms the last two years to get up a flight of stairs to > work. > > I am now healing really well and feel great, but am having a hard time with > the rehab, due to massive loss of ROM from before surgery. > > I work on a second floor with stairs, and as department chairman, do a lot > of moving around the buildings on campus. > > My PT said that is why rehab will take 3-6 months. He says I'll be walking > around okay really soon, but to regain actual normal flexibility is a long > term issue. He claims it takes more than a few weeks to get back to where I > was 8 years ago. > > 1. to regain full ROM is my goal, and I've got a year+ of sick leave. Do > any of you have a similar situation? Loss of range of motion, and a long > term rehab? Is 3-6 months unreasonably long? > > 2. 3 months seems pretty fast to me. I used to train to run a competitive > marathon for a year, but I'm open to your experience. > > 3. This is an issue right now, because I need to arrange for the Doc to > write another medical certificate to stay off work and use sick leave. My > boss says stay home, but our Human Resources Dept says " the stitches are > out- back to work you come. " > > Thanks for your input. > > Dave Edmonds, WA > > Boyd > C+ > 12/18/03 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 27, 2004 Report Share Posted January 27, 2004 Dear Dave, The average adult needs 18 years to become an averagely fit adult. I think 3-6 months is pretty short, particularly if you have waited 8 years for a resurf, as you would have lost heaps pf muscle and muscle tone and your body would have tried to compensate for your under-performing hip. Grit your teeth and do the exercises. The ROM should readily come back. On a second point, to have a year off work for rehab strikes this freelance hipie as somewhat luxurious. Why not go back to work and save whoever is going to have to pay for your year off a lot of money? Also, by getting back to work you can spread the hip resurfacing ideas. Walking is said to be a great thing for us hippies. A second floor location and campus walks sounds like a good environment in which to recover. Are you sure you need a year off? C. > Dear hippies: > > I waited 8 years for resurfacing, and lost virtually all of my flexibility. > I had to use my arms the last two years to get up a flight of stairs to > work. > > I am now healing really well and feel great, but am having a hard time with > the rehab, due to massive loss of ROM from before surgery. > > I work on a second floor with stairs, and as department chairman, do a lot > of moving around the buildings on campus. > > My PT said that is why rehab will take 3-6 months. He says I'll be walking > around okay really soon, but to regain actual normal flexibility is a long > term issue. He claims it takes more than a few weeks to get back to where I > was 8 years ago. > > 1. to regain full ROM is my goal, and I've got a year+ of sick leave. Do > any of you have a similar situation? Loss of range of motion, and a long > term rehab? Is 3-6 months unreasonably long? > > 2. 3 months seems pretty fast to me. I used to train to run a competitive > marathon for a year, but I'm open to your experience. > > 3. This is an issue right now, because I need to arrange for the Doc to > write another medical certificate to stay off work and use sick leave. My > boss says stay home, but our Human Resources Dept says " the stitches are > out- back to work you come. " > > Thanks for your input. > > Dave Edmonds, WA > > Boyd > C+ > 12/18/03 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2004 Report Share Posted January 28, 2004 Hi Dave, At 9 weeks post op, I am still on one crutch and two outside, also having difficulty regaining muscle strength, though it is coming slowly. My physio said the main problem with going back to work too soon is that you get so tired working, you can be too tired to do the exercises. My work is understanding, so I am still at home. I have a long commute as well---an hour + each way, so know I'd be exhausted. But I'd be curious how other people who have gone back to work have found things? Is it possible to be disciplined enough to fit in exercises, etc.? Suppose it depends on what kind of work. Eleanor Re: AM I A WUSS ?? > Dear hippies: > > I waited 8 years for resurfacing, and lost virtually all of my flexibility. > I had to use my arms the last two years to get up a flight of stairs to > work. > > I am now healing really well and feel great, but am having a hard time with > the rehab, due to massive loss of ROM from before surgery.> > Dave Edmonds, WA Boyd C+ 12/18/03 No Dave, you are not a wuss. I was in the same situation with two bad hips. I was still pretty wiped out after 6-weeks and was not completely off of canes until about 12-weeks. I am 2.5-years out from bilat and am still working hard at rehab to regain ROM. Restoring lost ROM is a long slow process that requires ripping and tearing apart pathological muscle memory. My advise based on my experience: walk as much as possible do lots of stretching If something hurts for more than a day or so, do NOT do whatever makes it hurt and ice it regularly. Once you can start doing fun physical things, go for it: biking, hiking, golf, kayaking, ping pong, dancing, whatever. If your flexors are very very weak, take it very easy on them. If you push them too hard too soon, you can develop bursitis or tendonitis (I did) and it can take months to get better. Don't get down on yourself... keep working the problem. It took you 8-years to decay, it will take years to restore strength and ROM. three steps forward and two steps back is still progress life is too short to tolerate pinheads. don't listen to human resource exploitation drones. Good Luck , bilat C+ July 02, Dr. Schmalzried _____ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2004 Report Share Posted January 28, 2004 Dave: It has only been 5 weeks since your surgery, correct? This is not a very long time. Everyone heals at their own rate and given what you tell us about your condition pre-surgery, you might need a bit more time to heal. Since you have a year+ of leave accrued, why not take some of it? You are a dept. chair and teach college, right? Hasn't the semester/quarter already begun? If so, why hurry back. You have to consider: what is more important right now, my healing properly or the school's wants/needs. You are in no danger of losing your job, so why not listen to what you body tells you? I would not base my return to work on how long the PT says I need to get full ROM. ly, you might be waiting a long time, you can't put a timetable on it. You need to return to work when YOU feel able to carry the load (is it possible to return PT to your position for a semester?). You won't hurt your rehab by returning to work. To be 'ready' to return to work I'd consider the following: 1. What is my energy level? Do I tire easily after the shortest of outings or am I full of vigor? 2. Am I walking with 2 crutches? One crutch? Can I handle the amount of walking from building to building without being exhausted or late? 3. Do I psychologically feel I want to spend more time at home taking it easy and healing? As you may guess, I teach also....though I am PT. I had my surgery over Spring Break and did not return that semester or during the summer (I was off anyway). I returned in September. That means I took about 5 months off. I was a slow healer and spent about 2 1/2 months taking it easy. Yes, I did a couple months of rehab as well. Now? All is great.... Hope this helps. Lois C+ 3/27/03 Dr. Mont AM I A WUSS ?? Dear hippies: I waited 8 years for resurfacing, and lost virtually all of my flexibility. I had to use my arms the last two years to get up a flight of stairs to work. I am now healing really well and feel great, but am having a hard time with the rehab, due to massive loss of ROM from before surgery. I work on a second floor with stairs, and as department chairman, do a lot of moving around the buildings on campus. My PT said that is why rehab will take 3-6 months. He says I'll be walking around okay really soon, but to regain actual normal flexibility is a long term issue. He claims it takes more than a few weeks to get back to where I was 8 years ago. 1. to regain full ROM is my goal, and I've got a year+ of sick leave. Do any of you have a similar situation? Loss of range of motion, and a long term rehab? Is 3-6 months unreasonably long? 2. 3 months seems pretty fast to me. I used to train to run a competitive marathon for a year, but I'm open to your experience. 3. This is an issue right now, because I need to arrange for the Doc to write another medical certificate to stay off work and use sick leave. My boss says stay home, but our Human Resources Dept says " the stitches are out- back to work you come. " Thanks for your input. Dave Edmonds, WA Boyd C+ 12/18/03 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2004 Report Share Posted January 28, 2004 Dear Lois: You hit the nail on the head. 5 weeks almost exactly. Thank you for your quick and kind reply. I am kind of *guilty* as a type A work driven guy. In 33 years, I have almost never used any sick leave. I mentioned the 1+ yrs because the actual sick leave (luckily) is not an issue for me, although Human Resources does not see it that way. It will only cost them about $2925 for a replacement for a full quarter. My work is also a LOT more physical than my post let on. I won't go into it, but I need to be 100% when I go back. Needless to say, I am still on a crutch/cane and not driving. The main reason for my post was to get a yardstick for comparison on rehab times. 3-6 months seems like a long time to me, but maybe not. We ARE on a quarter/semester system, so its either go back right away, or not until summer. God bless all you posters. Dave > > Reply-To: surfacehippy > Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2004 11:07:23 -0600 > To: surfacehippy > > Subject: RE: AM I A WUSS ?? > > > Dave: > > It has only been 5 weeks since your surgery, correct? This is not a very > long time. Everyone heals at their own rate and given what you tell us > about your condition pre-surgery, you might need a bit more time to heal. > Since you have a year+ of leave accrued, why not take some of it? You are > a dept. chair and teach college, right? Hasn't the semester/quarter > already begun? If so, why hurry back. You have to consider: what is more > important right now, my healing properly or the school's wants/needs. You > are in no danger of losing your job, so why not listen to what you body > tells you? > > I would not base my return to work on how long the PT says I need to get > full ROM. ly, you might be waiting a long time, you can't put a > timetable on it. You need to return to work when YOU feel able to carry > the load (is it possible to return PT to your position for a semester?). > You won't hurt your rehab by returning to work. To be 'ready' to return to > work I'd consider the following: 1. What is my energy level? Do I tire > easily after the shortest of outings or am I full of vigor? 2. Am I > walking with 2 crutches? One crutch? Can I handle the amount of walking > from building to building without being exhausted or late? 3. Do I > psychologically feel I want to spend more time at home taking it easy and > healing? > > As you may guess, I teach also....though I am PT. I had my surgery over > Spring Break and did not return that semester or during the summer (I was > off anyway). I returned in September. That means I took about 5 months > off. I was a slow healer and spent about 2 1/2 months taking it easy. > Yes, I did a couple months of rehab as well. Now? All is great.... > > Hope this helps. > Lois > C+ 3/27/03 Dr. Mont > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2004 Report Share Posted January 28, 2004 Dave, I want to add a different perspective to what a few others have already mentioned which is: take some time off! *In my opinion*, unless you're a masochist, doing your exercises is a chore, and they are easily down-shifted on the priority list.(Curious to know if other surfers see this differently). So if you're a workaholic your exercises may get the short end of the stick. For me, it took/takes a lot of willpower/discipline to stick to a strict exercise regime, starting 4 days post-op with the basic exercises 3x/day. I am early retired, so I have all the time I need: no excuses (and sometimes I wish I had). After 10 wks my day still revolves around the various ways of exercising/walking. The results are fantastic. But still, even though I have only a 4 inch scar, and though I was in very good shape going into the surgery, I was surprised how strength and ROM were affected. Behind the " big picture success " and upbeat results on this board there are a lot of *minor stories* of grit and determination. For sure, more reason to be proud and happy about what we have achieved, but Rehab is not a cakewalk. My advice to you: if you can, initially spend full time/energy on your physical improvement. Ed Mont RC+ 11/03 > Dear Lois: > You hit the nail on the head. 5 weeks almost exactly. Thank you for your > quick and kind reply. > > I am kind of *guilty* as a type A work driven guy. In 33 years, I have > almost never used any sick leave. I mentioned the 1+ yrs because the actual > sick leave (luckily) is not an issue for me, although Human Resources does > not see it that way. It will only cost them about $2925 for a replacement > for a full quarter. > > My work is also a LOT more physical than my post let on. I won't go into > it, but I need to be 100% when I go back. Needless to say, I am still on a > crutch/cane and not driving. > > The main reason for my post was to get a yardstick for comparison on rehab > times. 3-6 months seems like a long time to me, but maybe not. > > We ARE on a quarter/semester system, so its either go back right away, or > not until summer. > > God bless all you posters. > > Dave > > > From: " Lois G. " > > Reply-To: surfacehippy > > Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2004 11:07:23 -0600 > > To: surfacehippy > > > Subject: RE: AM I A WUSS ?? > > > > > > Dave: > > > > It has only been 5 weeks since your surgery, correct? This is not a very > > long time. Everyone heals at their own rate and given what you tell us > > about your condition pre-surgery, you might need a bit more time to heal. > > Since you have a year+ of leave accrued, why not take some of it? You are > > a dept. chair and teach college, right? Hasn't the semester/quarter > > already begun? If so, why hurry back. You have to consider: what is more > > important right now, my healing properly or the school's wants/needs. You > > are in no danger of losing your job, so why not listen to what you body > > tells you? > > > > I would not base my return to work on how long the PT says I need to get > > full ROM. ly, you might be waiting a long time, you can't put a > > timetable on it. You need to return to work when YOU feel able to carry > > the load (is it possible to return PT to your position for a semester?). > > You won't hurt your rehab by returning to work. To be 'ready' to return to > > work I'd consider the following: 1. What is my energy level? Do I tire > > easily after the shortest of outings or am I full of vigor? 2. Am I > > walking with 2 crutches? One crutch? Can I handle the amount of walking > > from building to building without being exhausted or late? 3. Do I > > psychologically feel I want to spend more time at home taking it easy and > > healing? > > > > As you may guess, I teach also....though I am PT. I had my surgery over > > Spring Break and did not return that semester or during the summer (I was > > off anyway). I returned in September. That means I took about 5 months > > off. I was a slow healer and spent about 2 1/2 months taking it easy. > > Yes, I did a couple months of rehab as well. Now? All is great.... > > > > Hope this helps. > > Lois > > C+ 3/27/03 Dr. Mont > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2004 Report Share Posted January 28, 2004 Dave, I want to add a different perspective to what a few others have already mentioned which is: take some time off! *In my opinion*, unless you're a masochist, doing your exercises is a chore, and they are easily down-shifted on the priority list.(Curious to know if other surfers see this differently). So if you're a workaholic your exercises may get the short end of the stick. For me, it took/takes a lot of willpower/discipline to stick to a strict exercise regime, starting 4 days post-op with the basic exercises 3x/day. I am early retired, so I have all the time I need: no excuses (and sometimes I wish I had). After 10 wks my day still revolves around the various ways of exercising/walking. The results are fantastic. But still, even though I have only a 4 inch scar, and though I was in very good shape going into the surgery, I was surprised how strength and ROM were affected. Behind the " big picture success " and upbeat results on this board there are a lot of *minor stories* of grit and determination. For sure, more reason to be proud and happy about what we have achieved, but Rehab is not a cakewalk. My advice to you: if you can, initially spend full time/energy on your physical improvement. Ed Mont RC+ 11/03 > Dear Lois: > You hit the nail on the head. 5 weeks almost exactly. Thank you for your > quick and kind reply. > > I am kind of *guilty* as a type A work driven guy. In 33 years, I have > almost never used any sick leave. I mentioned the 1+ yrs because the actual > sick leave (luckily) is not an issue for me, although Human Resources does > not see it that way. It will only cost them about $2925 for a replacement > for a full quarter. > > My work is also a LOT more physical than my post let on. I won't go into > it, but I need to be 100% when I go back. Needless to say, I am still on a > crutch/cane and not driving. > > The main reason for my post was to get a yardstick for comparison on rehab > times. 3-6 months seems like a long time to me, but maybe not. > > We ARE on a quarter/semester system, so its either go back right away, or > not until summer. > > God bless all you posters. > > Dave > > > From: " Lois G. " > > Reply-To: surfacehippy > > Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2004 11:07:23 -0600 > > To: surfacehippy > > > Subject: RE: AM I A WUSS ?? > > > > > > Dave: > > > > It has only been 5 weeks since your surgery, correct? This is not a very > > long time. Everyone heals at their own rate and given what you tell us > > about your condition pre-surgery, you might need a bit more time to heal. > > Since you have a year+ of leave accrued, why not take some of it? You are > > a dept. chair and teach college, right? Hasn't the semester/quarter > > already begun? If so, why hurry back. You have to consider: what is more > > important right now, my healing properly or the school's wants/needs. You > > are in no danger of losing your job, so why not listen to what you body > > tells you? > > > > I would not base my return to work on how long the PT says I need to get > > full ROM. ly, you might be waiting a long time, you can't put a > > timetable on it. You need to return to work when YOU feel able to carry > > the load (is it possible to return PT to your position for a semester?). > > You won't hurt your rehab by returning to work. To be 'ready' to return to > > work I'd consider the following: 1. What is my energy level? Do I tire > > easily after the shortest of outings or am I full of vigor? 2. Am I > > walking with 2 crutches? One crutch? Can I handle the amount of walking > > from building to building without being exhausted or late? 3. Do I > > psychologically feel I want to spend more time at home taking it easy and > > healing? > > > > As you may guess, I teach also....though I am PT. I had my surgery over > > Spring Break and did not return that semester or during the summer (I was > > off anyway). I returned in September. That means I took about 5 months > > off. I was a slow healer and spent about 2 1/2 months taking it easy. > > Yes, I did a couple months of rehab as well. Now? All is great.... > > > > Hope this helps. > > Lois > > C+ 3/27/03 Dr. Mont > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2004 Report Share Posted January 28, 2004 Dave, I want to add a different perspective to what a few others have already mentioned which is: take some time off! *In my opinion*, unless you're a masochist, doing your exercises is a chore, and they are easily down-shifted on the priority list.(Curious to know if other surfers see this differently). So if you're a workaholic your exercises may get the short end of the stick. For me, it took/takes a lot of willpower/discipline to stick to a strict exercise regime, starting 4 days post-op with the basic exercises 3x/day. I am early retired, so I have all the time I need: no excuses (and sometimes I wish I had). After 10 wks my day still revolves around the various ways of exercising/walking. The results are fantastic. But still, even though I have only a 4 inch scar, and though I was in very good shape going into the surgery, I was surprised how strength and ROM were affected. Behind the " big picture success " and upbeat results on this board there are a lot of *minor stories* of grit and determination. For sure, more reason to be proud and happy about what we have achieved, but Rehab is not a cakewalk. My advice to you: if you can, initially spend full time/energy on your physical improvement. Ed Mont RC+ 11/03 > Dear Lois: > You hit the nail on the head. 5 weeks almost exactly. Thank you for your > quick and kind reply. > > I am kind of *guilty* as a type A work driven guy. In 33 years, I have > almost never used any sick leave. I mentioned the 1+ yrs because the actual > sick leave (luckily) is not an issue for me, although Human Resources does > not see it that way. It will only cost them about $2925 for a replacement > for a full quarter. > > My work is also a LOT more physical than my post let on. I won't go into > it, but I need to be 100% when I go back. Needless to say, I am still on a > crutch/cane and not driving. > > The main reason for my post was to get a yardstick for comparison on rehab > times. 3-6 months seems like a long time to me, but maybe not. > > We ARE on a quarter/semester system, so its either go back right away, or > not until summer. > > God bless all you posters. > > Dave > > > From: " Lois G. " > > Reply-To: surfacehippy > > Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2004 11:07:23 -0600 > > To: surfacehippy > > > Subject: RE: AM I A WUSS ?? > > > > > > Dave: > > > > It has only been 5 weeks since your surgery, correct? This is not a very > > long time. Everyone heals at their own rate and given what you tell us > > about your condition pre-surgery, you might need a bit more time to heal. > > Since you have a year+ of leave accrued, why not take some of it? You are > > a dept. chair and teach college, right? Hasn't the semester/quarter > > already begun? If so, why hurry back. You have to consider: what is more > > important right now, my healing properly or the school's wants/needs. You > > are in no danger of losing your job, so why not listen to what you body > > tells you? > > > > I would not base my return to work on how long the PT says I need to get > > full ROM. ly, you might be waiting a long time, you can't put a > > timetable on it. You need to return to work when YOU feel able to carry > > the load (is it possible to return PT to your position for a semester?). > > You won't hurt your rehab by returning to work. To be 'ready' to return to > > work I'd consider the following: 1. What is my energy level? Do I tire > > easily after the shortest of outings or am I full of vigor? 2. Am I > > walking with 2 crutches? One crutch? Can I handle the amount of walking > > from building to building without being exhausted or late? 3. Do I > > psychologically feel I want to spend more time at home taking it easy and > > healing? > > > > As you may guess, I teach also....though I am PT. I had my surgery over > > Spring Break and did not return that semester or during the summer (I was > > off anyway). I returned in September. That means I took about 5 months > > off. I was a slow healer and spent about 2 1/2 months taking it easy. > > Yes, I did a couple months of rehab as well. Now? All is great.... > > > > Hope this helps. > > Lois > > C+ 3/27/03 Dr. Mont > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2004 Report Share Posted January 28, 2004 Wise words from all. As my PT said, our rehab now becomes our 'work'. Eleanor RE: AM I A WUSS ?? > > > > > > Dave: > > > > It has only been 5 weeks since your surgery, correct? This is not a very > > long time. Everyone heals at their own rate and given what you tell us > > about your condition pre-surgery, you might need a bit more time to heal. > > Since you have a year+ of leave accrued, why not take some of it? You are > > a dept. chair and teach college, right? Hasn't the semester/quarter > > already begun? If so, why hurry back. You have to consider: what is more > > important right now, my healing properly or the school's wants/needs. You > > are in no danger of losing your job, so why not listen to what you body > > tells you? > > > > I would not base my return to work on how long the PT says I need to get > > full ROM. ly, you might be waiting a long time, you can't put a > > timetable on it. You need to return to work when YOU feel able to carry > > the load (is it possible to return PT to your position for a semester?). > > You won't hurt your rehab by returning to work. To be 'ready' to return to > > work I'd consider the following: 1. What is my energy level? Do I tire > > easily after the shortest of outings or am I full of vigor? 2. Am I > > walking with 2 crutches? One crutch? Can I handle the amount of walking > > from building to building without being exhausted or late? 3. Do I > > psychologically feel I want to spend more time at home taking it easy and > > healing? > > > > As you may guess, I teach also....though I am PT. I had my surgery over > > Spring Break and did not return that semester or during the summer (I was > > off anyway). I returned in September. That means I took about 5 months > > off. I was a slow healer and spent about 2 1/2 months taking it easy. > > Yes, I did a couple months of rehab as well. Now? All is great.... > > > > Hope this helps. > > Lois > > C+ 3/27/03 Dr. Mont > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2004 Report Share Posted January 28, 2004 Wise words from all. As my PT said, our rehab now becomes our 'work'. Eleanor RE: AM I A WUSS ?? > > > > > > Dave: > > > > It has only been 5 weeks since your surgery, correct? This is not a very > > long time. Everyone heals at their own rate and given what you tell us > > about your condition pre-surgery, you might need a bit more time to heal. > > Since you have a year+ of leave accrued, why not take some of it? You are > > a dept. chair and teach college, right? Hasn't the semester/quarter > > already begun? If so, why hurry back. You have to consider: what is more > > important right now, my healing properly or the school's wants/needs. You > > are in no danger of losing your job, so why not listen to what you body > > tells you? > > > > I would not base my return to work on how long the PT says I need to get > > full ROM. ly, you might be waiting a long time, you can't put a > > timetable on it. You need to return to work when YOU feel able to carry > > the load (is it possible to return PT to your position for a semester?). > > You won't hurt your rehab by returning to work. To be 'ready' to return to > > work I'd consider the following: 1. What is my energy level? Do I tire > > easily after the shortest of outings or am I full of vigor? 2. Am I > > walking with 2 crutches? One crutch? Can I handle the amount of walking > > from building to building without being exhausted or late? 3. Do I > > psychologically feel I want to spend more time at home taking it easy and > > healing? > > > > As you may guess, I teach also....though I am PT. I had my surgery over > > Spring Break and did not return that semester or during the summer (I was > > off anyway). I returned in September. That means I took about 5 months > > off. I was a slow healer and spent about 2 1/2 months taking it easy. > > Yes, I did a couple months of rehab as well. Now? All is great.... > > > > Hope this helps. > > Lois > > C+ 3/27/03 Dr. Mont > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2004 Report Share Posted January 28, 2004 Wise words from all. As my PT said, our rehab now becomes our 'work'. Eleanor RE: AM I A WUSS ?? > > > > > > Dave: > > > > It has only been 5 weeks since your surgery, correct? This is not a very > > long time. Everyone heals at their own rate and given what you tell us > > about your condition pre-surgery, you might need a bit more time to heal. > > Since you have a year+ of leave accrued, why not take some of it? You are > > a dept. chair and teach college, right? Hasn't the semester/quarter > > already begun? If so, why hurry back. You have to consider: what is more > > important right now, my healing properly or the school's wants/needs. You > > are in no danger of losing your job, so why not listen to what you body > > tells you? > > > > I would not base my return to work on how long the PT says I need to get > > full ROM. ly, you might be waiting a long time, you can't put a > > timetable on it. You need to return to work when YOU feel able to carry > > the load (is it possible to return PT to your position for a semester?). > > You won't hurt your rehab by returning to work. To be 'ready' to return to > > work I'd consider the following: 1. What is my energy level? Do I tire > > easily after the shortest of outings or am I full of vigor? 2. Am I > > walking with 2 crutches? One crutch? Can I handle the amount of walking > > from building to building without being exhausted or late? 3. Do I > > psychologically feel I want to spend more time at home taking it easy and > > healing? > > > > As you may guess, I teach also....though I am PT. I had my surgery over > > Spring Break and did not return that semester or during the summer (I was > > off anyway). I returned in September. That means I took about 5 months > > off. I was a slow healer and spent about 2 1/2 months taking it easy. > > Yes, I did a couple months of rehab as well. Now? All is great.... > > > > Hope this helps. > > Lois > > C+ 3/27/03 Dr. Mont > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2004 Report Share Posted January 29, 2004 Stay off work a year??? Are you kidding??? All of us have lost ROM and strength, but the best thing to do is to get in there and work at it! Rehab 3-6 months.....I was in PT for 6 wks and am not walking 90% normal and have most of my strength back. Now I just go to the gym and work at it. I'm an ICU nurse and I did two 12hr shifts over a weekend at 10wks post op, and I had both my hips done at the same time. I wouldn't say you are a WUSS.....I just think you may be underestimating what you can do.....unless you were terribly overweight, unhealthy, and out of shape before surgery. Good luck and hang in there! Dianne, Bilateral C+ 8-25-03 > >Reply-To: surfacehippy >To: surfacehippy > >Subject: AM I A WUSS ?? >Date: Tue, 27 Jan 2004 18:02:23 -0800 > >Dear hippies: > >I waited 8 years for resurfacing, and lost virtually all of my flexibility. >I had to use my arms the last two years to get up a flight of stairs to >work. > >I am now healing really well and feel great, but am having a hard time with >the rehab, due to massive loss of ROM from before surgery. > >I work on a second floor with stairs, and as department chairman, do a lot >of moving around the buildings on campus. > >My PT said that is why rehab will take 3-6 months. He says I'll be walking >around okay really soon, but to regain actual normal flexibility is a long >term issue. He claims it takes more than a few weeks to get back to where >I >was 8 years ago. > >1. to regain full ROM is my goal, and I've got a year+ of sick leave. Do >any of you have a similar situation? Loss of range of motion, and a long >term rehab? Is 3-6 months unreasonably long? > >2. 3 months seems pretty fast to me. I used to train to run a competitive >marathon for a year, but I'm open to your experience. > >3. This is an issue right now, because I need to arrange for the Doc to >write another medical certificate to stay off work and use sick leave. My >boss says stay home, but our Human Resources Dept says " the stitches are >out- back to work you come. " > >Thanks for your input. > >Dave Edmonds, WA > >Boyd >C+ >12/18/03 > > > _________________________________________________________________ Get a FREE online virus check for your PC here, from McAfee. http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2004 Report Share Posted January 29, 2004 Stay off work a year??? Are you kidding??? All of us have lost ROM and strength, but the best thing to do is to get in there and work at it! Rehab 3-6 months.....I was in PT for 6 wks and am not walking 90% normal and have most of my strength back. Now I just go to the gym and work at it. I'm an ICU nurse and I did two 12hr shifts over a weekend at 10wks post op, and I had both my hips done at the same time. I wouldn't say you are a WUSS.....I just think you may be underestimating what you can do.....unless you were terribly overweight, unhealthy, and out of shape before surgery. Good luck and hang in there! Dianne, Bilateral C+ 8-25-03 > >Reply-To: surfacehippy >To: surfacehippy > >Subject: AM I A WUSS ?? >Date: Tue, 27 Jan 2004 18:02:23 -0800 > >Dear hippies: > >I waited 8 years for resurfacing, and lost virtually all of my flexibility. >I had to use my arms the last two years to get up a flight of stairs to >work. > >I am now healing really well and feel great, but am having a hard time with >the rehab, due to massive loss of ROM from before surgery. > >I work on a second floor with stairs, and as department chairman, do a lot >of moving around the buildings on campus. > >My PT said that is why rehab will take 3-6 months. He says I'll be walking >around okay really soon, but to regain actual normal flexibility is a long >term issue. He claims it takes more than a few weeks to get back to where >I >was 8 years ago. > >1. to regain full ROM is my goal, and I've got a year+ of sick leave. Do >any of you have a similar situation? Loss of range of motion, and a long >term rehab? Is 3-6 months unreasonably long? > >2. 3 months seems pretty fast to me. I used to train to run a competitive >marathon for a year, but I'm open to your experience. > >3. This is an issue right now, because I need to arrange for the Doc to >write another medical certificate to stay off work and use sick leave. My >boss says stay home, but our Human Resources Dept says " the stitches are >out- back to work you come. " > >Thanks for your input. > >Dave Edmonds, WA > >Boyd >C+ >12/18/03 > > > _________________________________________________________________ Get a FREE online virus check for your PC here, from McAfee. http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2004 Report Share Posted January 29, 2004 Stay off work a year??? Are you kidding??? All of us have lost ROM and strength, but the best thing to do is to get in there and work at it! Rehab 3-6 months.....I was in PT for 6 wks and am not walking 90% normal and have most of my strength back. Now I just go to the gym and work at it. I'm an ICU nurse and I did two 12hr shifts over a weekend at 10wks post op, and I had both my hips done at the same time. I wouldn't say you are a WUSS.....I just think you may be underestimating what you can do.....unless you were terribly overweight, unhealthy, and out of shape before surgery. Good luck and hang in there! Dianne, Bilateral C+ 8-25-03 > >Reply-To: surfacehippy >To: surfacehippy > >Subject: AM I A WUSS ?? >Date: Tue, 27 Jan 2004 18:02:23 -0800 > >Dear hippies: > >I waited 8 years for resurfacing, and lost virtually all of my flexibility. >I had to use my arms the last two years to get up a flight of stairs to >work. > >I am now healing really well and feel great, but am having a hard time with >the rehab, due to massive loss of ROM from before surgery. > >I work on a second floor with stairs, and as department chairman, do a lot >of moving around the buildings on campus. > >My PT said that is why rehab will take 3-6 months. He says I'll be walking >around okay really soon, but to regain actual normal flexibility is a long >term issue. He claims it takes more than a few weeks to get back to where >I >was 8 years ago. > >1. to regain full ROM is my goal, and I've got a year+ of sick leave. Do >any of you have a similar situation? Loss of range of motion, and a long >term rehab? Is 3-6 months unreasonably long? > >2. 3 months seems pretty fast to me. I used to train to run a competitive >marathon for a year, but I'm open to your experience. > >3. This is an issue right now, because I need to arrange for the Doc to >write another medical certificate to stay off work and use sick leave. My >boss says stay home, but our Human Resources Dept says " the stitches are >out- back to work you come. " > >Thanks for your input. > >Dave Edmonds, WA > >Boyd >C+ >12/18/03 > > > _________________________________________________________________ Get a FREE online virus check for your PC here, from McAfee. http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2004 Report Share Posted January 29, 2004 Thank you for your rapid and kind reply. I am sorry, as it seems I misled you! I do not plan to use a year!!. I only wanted to note that sick leave is NOT an issue for me. I have lots!! In the last 33 years at work, I have used virtually none of my sick leave, so this time off is really strange for me. I have no yardstick of comparison... hence my post. However, I would like to use more than the few days I've been allotted by HR, if reasonable. They are pressuring me with telephone calls several times a week. That also lets them check to see if I really am at home recovering, rather than in 'Hawaii.' My HR doesn't want me to use (almost) ANY. My work is a lot more physically demanding than I let on. A lot more. and I have climbed in the Himalaya, Peru, Africa, etc. etc. and grew up on a real farm, so I know what physical work is. These last 8 years of decreasing mobility have been a huge psychological downer. My point being, that I am very active at work, and need to be 100% when I am there. It also only costs my employer about $65 per day for my replacement. The time I might take off amounts to a cost of about $2925. I know, because I do part of our building budget, and I am paying for part of this leave. I really don't know what the time lines are for resurf recoveries, so that was the intent of my WUSS posting. If folks are going back to active work jobs in a few weeks- it puts me in better perspective to push myself harder. Sorry for the confusion. In retrospect, I should have just read and listened more. I genuinely appreciate your support, and input. I did not intend to imply using all my sick leave. Personally, I think 3-6 months " as somewhat luxurious " :-) but the way I feel now, I may need 3-6 months. Very best wishes Dave > > Reply-To: surfacehippy > Date: Thu, 29 Jan 2004 15:30:02 +0000 > To: surfacehippy > Subject: RE: AM I A WUSS ?? > > Stay off work a year??? Are you kidding??? All of us have lost ROM and > strength, but the best thing to do is to get in there and work at it! Rehab > 3-6 months.....I was in PT for 6 wks and am not walking 90% normal and have > most of my strength back. Now I just go to the gym and work at it. I'm an > ICU nurse and I did two 12hr shifts over a weekend at 10wks post op, and I > had both my hips done at the same time. I wouldn't say you are a WUSS.....I > just think you may be underestimating what you can do.....unless you were > terribly overweight, unhealthy, and out of shape before surgery. Good luck > and hang in there! > Dianne, Bilateral C+ 8-25-03 > > >> >> Reply-To: surfacehippy >> To: surfacehippy > >> Subject: AM I A WUSS ?? >> Date: Tue, 27 Jan 2004 18:02:23 -0800 >> >> Dear hippies: >> Is 3-6 months unreasonably long? >> I waited 8 years for resurfacing, and lost virtually all of my flexibility. >> I had to use my arms the last two years to get up a flight of stairs to >> work. >> >> I am now healing really well and feel great, but am having a hard time with >> the rehab, due to massive loss of ROM from before surgery. >> >> I work on a second floor with stairs, and as department chairman, do a lot >> of moving around the buildings on campus. >> >> My PT said that is why rehab will take 3-6 months. He says I'll be walking >> around okay really soon, but to regain actual normal flexibility is a long >> term issue. He claims it takes more than a few weeks to get back to where >> I >> was 8 years ago. >> >> 1. to regain full ROM is my goal, and I've got a year+ of sick leave. Do >> any of you have a similar situation? Loss of range of motion, and a long >> term rehab? Is 3-6 months unreasonably long? >> This is an issue right now, because I need to arrange for the Doc to >> write another medical certificate to stay off work and use sick leave. My >> boss says stay home, but our Human Resources Dept says " the stitches are >> out- back to work you come. " >> Is 3-6 months unreasonably long? >> Thanks for your input. >> >> Dave Edmonds, WA >> >> Boyd >> C+ >> 12/18/03 >> >> >> > > _________________________________________________________________ > Get a FREE online virus check for your PC here, from McAfee. > http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2004 Report Share Posted January 29, 2004 Thank you for your rapid and kind reply. I am sorry, as it seems I misled you! I do not plan to use a year!!. I only wanted to note that sick leave is NOT an issue for me. I have lots!! In the last 33 years at work, I have used virtually none of my sick leave, so this time off is really strange for me. I have no yardstick of comparison... hence my post. However, I would like to use more than the few days I've been allotted by HR, if reasonable. They are pressuring me with telephone calls several times a week. That also lets them check to see if I really am at home recovering, rather than in 'Hawaii.' My HR doesn't want me to use (almost) ANY. My work is a lot more physically demanding than I let on. A lot more. and I have climbed in the Himalaya, Peru, Africa, etc. etc. and grew up on a real farm, so I know what physical work is. These last 8 years of decreasing mobility have been a huge psychological downer. My point being, that I am very active at work, and need to be 100% when I am there. It also only costs my employer about $65 per day for my replacement. The time I might take off amounts to a cost of about $2925. I know, because I do part of our building budget, and I am paying for part of this leave. I really don't know what the time lines are for resurf recoveries, so that was the intent of my WUSS posting. If folks are going back to active work jobs in a few weeks- it puts me in better perspective to push myself harder. Sorry for the confusion. In retrospect, I should have just read and listened more. I genuinely appreciate your support, and input. I did not intend to imply using all my sick leave. Personally, I think 3-6 months " as somewhat luxurious " :-) but the way I feel now, I may need 3-6 months. Very best wishes Dave > > Reply-To: surfacehippy > Date: Thu, 29 Jan 2004 15:30:02 +0000 > To: surfacehippy > Subject: RE: AM I A WUSS ?? > > Stay off work a year??? Are you kidding??? All of us have lost ROM and > strength, but the best thing to do is to get in there and work at it! Rehab > 3-6 months.....I was in PT for 6 wks and am not walking 90% normal and have > most of my strength back. Now I just go to the gym and work at it. I'm an > ICU nurse and I did two 12hr shifts over a weekend at 10wks post op, and I > had both my hips done at the same time. I wouldn't say you are a WUSS.....I > just think you may be underestimating what you can do.....unless you were > terribly overweight, unhealthy, and out of shape before surgery. Good luck > and hang in there! > Dianne, Bilateral C+ 8-25-03 > > >> >> Reply-To: surfacehippy >> To: surfacehippy > >> Subject: AM I A WUSS ?? >> Date: Tue, 27 Jan 2004 18:02:23 -0800 >> >> Dear hippies: >> Is 3-6 months unreasonably long? >> I waited 8 years for resurfacing, and lost virtually all of my flexibility. >> I had to use my arms the last two years to get up a flight of stairs to >> work. >> >> I am now healing really well and feel great, but am having a hard time with >> the rehab, due to massive loss of ROM from before surgery. >> >> I work on a second floor with stairs, and as department chairman, do a lot >> of moving around the buildings on campus. >> >> My PT said that is why rehab will take 3-6 months. He says I'll be walking >> around okay really soon, but to regain actual normal flexibility is a long >> term issue. He claims it takes more than a few weeks to get back to where >> I >> was 8 years ago. >> >> 1. to regain full ROM is my goal, and I've got a year+ of sick leave. Do >> any of you have a similar situation? Loss of range of motion, and a long >> term rehab? Is 3-6 months unreasonably long? >> This is an issue right now, because I need to arrange for the Doc to >> write another medical certificate to stay off work and use sick leave. My >> boss says stay home, but our Human Resources Dept says " the stitches are >> out- back to work you come. " >> Is 3-6 months unreasonably long? >> Thanks for your input. >> >> Dave Edmonds, WA >> >> Boyd >> C+ >> 12/18/03 >> >> >> > > _________________________________________________________________ > Get a FREE online virus check for your PC here, from McAfee. > http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2004 Report Share Posted January 29, 2004 Thank you for your rapid and kind reply. I am sorry, as it seems I misled you! I do not plan to use a year!!. I only wanted to note that sick leave is NOT an issue for me. I have lots!! In the last 33 years at work, I have used virtually none of my sick leave, so this time off is really strange for me. I have no yardstick of comparison... hence my post. However, I would like to use more than the few days I've been allotted by HR, if reasonable. They are pressuring me with telephone calls several times a week. That also lets them check to see if I really am at home recovering, rather than in 'Hawaii.' My HR doesn't want me to use (almost) ANY. My work is a lot more physically demanding than I let on. A lot more. and I have climbed in the Himalaya, Peru, Africa, etc. etc. and grew up on a real farm, so I know what physical work is. These last 8 years of decreasing mobility have been a huge psychological downer. My point being, that I am very active at work, and need to be 100% when I am there. It also only costs my employer about $65 per day for my replacement. The time I might take off amounts to a cost of about $2925. I know, because I do part of our building budget, and I am paying for part of this leave. I really don't know what the time lines are for resurf recoveries, so that was the intent of my WUSS posting. If folks are going back to active work jobs in a few weeks- it puts me in better perspective to push myself harder. Sorry for the confusion. In retrospect, I should have just read and listened more. I genuinely appreciate your support, and input. I did not intend to imply using all my sick leave. Personally, I think 3-6 months " as somewhat luxurious " :-) but the way I feel now, I may need 3-6 months. Very best wishes Dave > > Reply-To: surfacehippy > Date: Thu, 29 Jan 2004 15:30:02 +0000 > To: surfacehippy > Subject: RE: AM I A WUSS ?? > > Stay off work a year??? Are you kidding??? All of us have lost ROM and > strength, but the best thing to do is to get in there and work at it! Rehab > 3-6 months.....I was in PT for 6 wks and am not walking 90% normal and have > most of my strength back. Now I just go to the gym and work at it. I'm an > ICU nurse and I did two 12hr shifts over a weekend at 10wks post op, and I > had both my hips done at the same time. I wouldn't say you are a WUSS.....I > just think you may be underestimating what you can do.....unless you were > terribly overweight, unhealthy, and out of shape before surgery. Good luck > and hang in there! > Dianne, Bilateral C+ 8-25-03 > > >> >> Reply-To: surfacehippy >> To: surfacehippy > >> Subject: AM I A WUSS ?? >> Date: Tue, 27 Jan 2004 18:02:23 -0800 >> >> Dear hippies: >> Is 3-6 months unreasonably long? >> I waited 8 years for resurfacing, and lost virtually all of my flexibility. >> I had to use my arms the last two years to get up a flight of stairs to >> work. >> >> I am now healing really well and feel great, but am having a hard time with >> the rehab, due to massive loss of ROM from before surgery. >> >> I work on a second floor with stairs, and as department chairman, do a lot >> of moving around the buildings on campus. >> >> My PT said that is why rehab will take 3-6 months. He says I'll be walking >> around okay really soon, but to regain actual normal flexibility is a long >> term issue. He claims it takes more than a few weeks to get back to where >> I >> was 8 years ago. >> >> 1. to regain full ROM is my goal, and I've got a year+ of sick leave. Do >> any of you have a similar situation? Loss of range of motion, and a long >> term rehab? Is 3-6 months unreasonably long? >> This is an issue right now, because I need to arrange for the Doc to >> write another medical certificate to stay off work and use sick leave. My >> boss says stay home, but our Human Resources Dept says " the stitches are >> out- back to work you come. " >> Is 3-6 months unreasonably long? >> Thanks for your input. >> >> Dave Edmonds, WA >> >> Boyd >> C+ >> 12/18/03 >> >> >> > > _________________________________________________________________ > Get a FREE online virus check for your PC here, from McAfee. > http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2004 Report Share Posted January 29, 2004 Dave If you can take a semester off, my opinion is - go for it! I think I have recovered more quickly because I had the luxury of lots of time off, so could rest when my body said to, do lots of rehab, etc. As you say, it's been a long time since your body was normal, and it will take a fair length of time to return to that. Even a semester isn't going to get you anywhere near normal, but it is major surgery, and I think some folks here push it too hard after their operations ( a lot of Type As here, as you may have gathered). Life is short, no one ever said on their death bed that s/he wished s/he'd spent more time at the office....That's my two cents worth... Sharry RBHR De Smet 27/08/03 AM I A WUSS ?? >> Date: Tue, 27 Jan 2004 18:02:23 -0800 >> >> Dear hippies: >> Is 3-6 months unreasonably long? >> I waited 8 years for resurfacing, and lost virtually all of my flexibility. >> I had to use my arms the last two years to get up a flight of stairs to >> work. >> >> I am now healing really well and feel great, but am having a hard time with >> the rehab, due to massive loss of ROM from before surgery. >> >> I work on a second floor with stairs, and as department chairman, do a lot >> of moving around the buildings on campus. >> >> My PT said that is why rehab will take 3-6 months. He says I'll be walking >> around okay really soon, but to regain actual normal flexibility is a long >> term issue. He claims it takes more than a few weeks to get back to where >> I >> was 8 years ago. >> >> 1. to regain full ROM is my goal, and I've got a year+ of sick leave. Do >> any of you have a similar situation? Loss of range of motion, and a long >> term rehab? Is 3-6 months unreasonably long? >> This is an issue right now, because I need to arrange for the Doc to >> write another medical certificate to stay off work and use sick leave. My >> boss says stay home, but our Human Resources Dept says " the stitches are >> out- back to work you come. " >> Is 3-6 months unreasonably long? >> Thanks for your input. >> >> Dave Edmonds, WA >> >> Boyd >> C+ >> 12/18/03 >> >> >> > > _________________________________________________________________ > Get a FREE online virus check for your PC here, from McAfee. > http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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