How long off work after recon?

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1

Hi,

I am due to have either an LD or DIEP recon on 17th March. I was wondering how long I will need off of work, bearing in mind I do a very physical job and am on my feet all day with lots of lifting and carrying, going up and down ladders etc.

My employers are saying that I will be on full pay until 5th May, then half pay, which is about 7 weeks on full. Do you think this will be enough time off if everything goes smoothly?

As usual, I am very grateful for any advice.

Tracy xx

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Hi Tracy

I think by law you can take up to 3 months off and indeed more if you are still proven unwell!

However, I have had both an LD and DIEP and would say to reckon on a minimum of 2 months before you can start lifting… so if it’s heavy stuff in your job I would recommend taking the full 3 months.

Best of luck

Nikki

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hi tracy. i have just had a diep on the 5th feb. the leaflet i was given states that you should have 6/8 weeks off work. now if in an office you can go back after 6 weeks but the more physical the longer you must have off.
i am going back hopefully after 7 weeks as a teaching assistant but as a cleaner in charge i have been told i cannot clean until 3 months but can go back in my supervising capacity. then they will phase my cleaning after 3 months. i am 4 weeks post op and can tell you, no way can you do physical for some time yet.not sure how this works but i have been told that when i go back to work i have to have a sick note from the doctor stating it will be a phased return, therefore still allowing pay.
hope you get on ok.

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Hi Nikki and Wonder,

Thanks for your advice, I definately think I will need at least 2 months as I am a window dresser and am constantly lugging heavy furniture and mannequins about.

There is another lady where I work who had straight foward implants (no muscle involvement) and was off for 3 weeks and I think my male boss is under the impression my op is the same and that is all I will need so I shall have to put him right on that one!

Thanks again for your help, it is much appreciated.

Regards,

Tracy xx

5

Hi

I had the tram flap recon Dec 07 - i took 9 weeks in total, felt I could have gone back a week sooner but would have needed another medical note to say I could go back sooner than the original one. Felt my GP would only refer me back to PS and thought he would have more urgent appts. I get 16 weeks full pay so took advantage of it.

My tummy was quite tight, I didn’t feel comfortable to drive for about 7 weeks and I have to drive to work.

Good luck with Op.

Debbie

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Hi Debbie,

Thanks for your message, I think I will also take about 8 - 9 weeks off. I also have to drive to work so I will need to get fit enough to do that - I refuse to get the bus!!

You must have a good employer to get 16 weeks full pay, mine did that for me when I had my mastectomy but have suddenly changed their minds this time, although I am disputing it.

I’ll let you know how it all goes,

Kind regards,

Tracy

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i work for the council and have been employed for over 20 years. i get 6 months full pay and 6 months half.
presume each work place has their own rules. wonder if you can check with CAB

good luck.

8

Hi Tracy

Just browsing the forums and came across yours. Wishing you luck for the 17th - not long now.

Mine’s booked for 18 April - can’t wait, but nervous too.

Cheers
Anne

9

Hi Anne,

Thanks for your kind message, I am getting a bit nervous now - only a few days away! I’m going into the Broomfield at Chelmsford and my surgeon is Peter Dwulski (spelt incorrectly!)

I wish you all the very best with your op and will let you know how it all goes.

Kind Regards,

Tracy x

10

Small world Tracy!

My surgeon is Mr Ramakrishnan, also based at Broomfield. I’m with BUPA so operation is to be Nuffield at Brentwood. I presume we share the same ONC, Prof. Davidson??

Hope you went to the BRA meetings at Broomfield - they are truly amazing ladies.

Once again, all the best
Cheers
Anne

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Hi Anne,

It is a small world, that’s for sure!

I am actually being treated at King Georges in Ilford, but most of us are sent to Broomfield for recons as there is no plastic surgery department at KG.

I am getting excited and a little anxious now but I’m sure it will go well - fingers crossed!!

Have a lovely weekend,

Tracy x

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Hi Tracy,

At the best for tomorrow. Will be thinking of you.

Cheers
Anne x

13

Hi Anne,

Thanks so much for your lovely message, I am a little nervous now but I’m sure all will go well.

I have decided to go for the LD recon after all, as I think it will be better suited to me.

I will be on the forums as soon as I’m up to it!

Very best wishes,

Tracy x

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Dear Tracy
Hope all goes well for you tomorrow - can imagine how nervous you must be feeling. HOpefully at some point I’ll be having reconstruction too.

Best wishes
Ruby xx

15

Hi Ruby,

Guess what? The op was cancelled at the last minute!!! I was so angry and disappointed. I haven’t got a new date as the PS’s secretary is on holiday, so hopefully I may hear next week. The Broomfield hospital is also a specialist burns unit, so emergencys are frequently bought in and obviously take priority. So there is a chance it could get cancelled again.

I’ll believe it’s been done when I wake up in the recovery room!!!

Thanks for your good wishes all the same,

Tracy xx

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hope you have had a good op! thinkin of u am further on so if u need a chat/advise can let u know how it is from my point of veiw…
huge hugs m xx

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Thanks Meggiemay, but would you believe my op was cancelled? I was furious!! Am now waiting for a new date and praying I’m not put to the bottom of the waiting list.

Have a lovely weekend and enjoy beautiful weather,

Tracy xx