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Return to work post paraesophageal surgery

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Posted 4/11/2014 4:14 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everybody.

What is a realistic amount of time to take off for recovery post paraesophageal Toupet surgery?

I have a part-time but extremely stressful white collar, professional job in a toxic workplace.

I'm planning on requesting 6 weeks (upon verification of the # of hours available to me.)

My PCP thinks this may not be enough.

I'd really appreciate any thoughts from those who have been down this path.

Thanks so much.

J.
Posted 4/11/2014 2:57 PM (GMT 0)
It depends on a lot of things - your condition going into this, the extent of the procedure ....

Find out how much time you can take off. Is it flexible? Can you come back sooner if you recover faster?

I needed a couple of months to just be able to take care of myself and eat even somewhat normally, but I was over 60, post bad wreck with other injuries, paraesophageal, short esophagus. My surgery was nearly 5 hours, longer than most by a lot. Yours is more likely to be an hour or so, but ask.

Some people go back in a couple of weeks, but they usually have normal repairs, may not have physically stressful jobs.

There are probably lots of other posts you can find by using the search box at the top of the page.
Posted 4/12/2014 5:40 PM (GMT 0)
Well, I can take several weeks of family medical leave but since I took some last year to take of a relative in hospice, I'm debating what to do because of the politics of my office.

I'm 60 but in otherwise good health. Oh, I have checked other posts but just hoping to hear more opinions.

Since I have a paraesophageal hernia, I am certain that nobody gets that one done in one hour.

The estimates I've been given range from 2.5 to 4+ hours from the docs.

I definitely hear you re: how long it takes to be eating normally. If you're not eating well, than ones energy level (and brain power!) would be lower than normal. At least in my case!

One nurse told me two weeks which I thought was ridiculous. As others have mentioned, health providers seem to really underestimate the recovery.

If anyone else would share their experiences, that would be great.

J.
Posted 4/13/2014 6:21 PM (GMT 0)
YinYanger,

I took about 4 weeks off maybe some extra days. That was too soon for me. My recovery was slow even though my Nissen surgery was approx. one hour. My work environment is very stressful and my regional manager was unsympathetic. He mentioned this year during my review of "My health challenges." If you need the surgery, get it done but make sure you know your company policies, and your rights as an employee to time off. I was eating normally in about 8 weeks.

Michelle
Posted 4/14/2014 8:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Michelle,

Appreciate your perspective.

I verified my rights and options under FML and am going with the six weeks. If I need to extend it, I can do that.

Sounds you also have charming, supportive person as supervisor. That is so not helpful.

By the way, can you eat raw vegetables now? Are you limited in the amounts you can eat at one sitting? (Not that one should be overeating as I am prone to do!)

Thanks again and take good care.

J.
Posted 4/14/2014 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
YinYanger,

I eat small meals but the calories add up. I gained weight back but I do feel stronger. I can't have raw vegetables like I used to. I juice and puree to get my vegetables. You might be able to tolerate salads and cooked vegetables. Everyone seems to have different healing times. I wish you the best. Remember you come first in your health. Never let work or anyone come between you and your well being.

Michelle
Posted 4/14/2014 10:51 PM (GMT 0)
YinYanger,

I was out a full 6 weeks per doctors orders (I had the full Nissen wrap w/a couple complications...almost a 5 hour procedure). I'm just about to hit a year since my surgery, and I'm eating anything and everything I want. No restrictions, no problems, no nothing. It feels great to have had such a successful outcome, despite the difficult recovery. I wouldn't change anything (well, except the complications during surgery).

FMLA is actually a full 12 weeks of protected leave. If it's been over a year since your last leave, you should get the full 12 weeks to recover w/job protection.

Be well and take care!
-TonyG-
Posted 4/19/2014 2:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Tony,

So good to hear about your positive outcome. And thanks for weighing in.

You did not have a paraesophageal hernia, right? Think that's what I read in earlier posts. If memory serves, you did have Gerd, reflux, etc.

Did you have gas-bloating that resolved over time?

I have been warned that there is a high probability of this from one surgeon who is esteemed (but clearly aware of medico-legal issues!) I'm having a really tough time with this decision!

Thanks again.

Janet
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