Six to eight weeks is the standard time that US disability programs allow for this surgery without complications or extra explanations. As they're generally more restrictive than not, that seems a fair guideline for most people. No one has a universal answer for how long recovery will take, because each body's reaction to surgery is different, sometimes shockingly so.
Some people can go back to work sooner successfully, but for some, it can cause complications. I have to agree with BackDoc and others that it's a personal decision. I'm certainly a proponent of individualized initiative in health care. (Driving is another matter, if you've had your chest cracked. If you haven't been cleared to drive by your doctor, you may be a hazard in a hard-steering emergency, and you may not be covered by your insurance.)
However, we have also seen the postings of some who did too much too soon and had fluid buildups, other painful issues, and rehospitalizations afterwards. While attitude certainly affects outcomes, VR recovery is far from being entirely a mental state.
I would not want people to get any impression that they "should" be back at work in less time than what is allowed, or that it should in any way be a goal. Recovery must always be the primary goal. In most work situations, people will go back very quickly to treating you like you're fully recovered, and won't even think to give you much leeway for the "one step back" days that are a part of the process. Work can also be much different psychologically and physically for those who control their environments, vs. those who are given work to do by others.
My own take on recovery is to allow your body to do what it feels ready to do and a little more, but don't force it to do what you think it should do. Don't get trapped by thinking you can't, and don't get trapped by thinking you must.
I had an extremely good recovery. I came home on a Friday, three days after surgery, and was walking five miles on Monday without any stain. I was in a very positive frame of mind that entire time. I didn't start working until six weeks out from AVR, and started with half days. But the first week really knocked me out, regardless.
Best wishes,
Some people can go back to work sooner successfully, but for some, it can cause complications. I have to agree with BackDoc and others that it's a personal decision. I'm certainly a proponent of individualized initiative in health care. (Driving is another matter, if you've had your chest cracked. If you haven't been cleared to drive by your doctor, you may be a hazard in a hard-steering emergency, and you may not be covered by your insurance.)
However, we have also seen the postings of some who did too much too soon and had fluid buildups, other painful issues, and rehospitalizations afterwards. While attitude certainly affects outcomes, VR recovery is far from being entirely a mental state.
I would not want people to get any impression that they "should" be back at work in less time than what is allowed, or that it should in any way be a goal. Recovery must always be the primary goal. In most work situations, people will go back very quickly to treating you like you're fully recovered, and won't even think to give you much leeway for the "one step back" days that are a part of the process. Work can also be much different psychologically and physically for those who control their environments, vs. those who are given work to do by others.
My own take on recovery is to allow your body to do what it feels ready to do and a little more, but don't force it to do what you think it should do. Don't get trapped by thinking you can't, and don't get trapped by thinking you must.
I had an extremely good recovery. I came home on a Friday, three days after surgery, and was walking five miles on Monday without any stain. I was in a very positive frame of mind that entire time. I didn't start working until six weeks out from AVR, and started with half days. But the first week really knocked me out, regardless.
Best wishes,
