How long were you out of work?

[Der Biermeister]

AVR + bypasses

For those with desk jobs, how long were you out?

 

[Rich]

I stayed out for ten weeks, that is how long they told me it took for my chest to fully heal(and they were right).
Some with a desk job have gone back a lot sooner.
But even if you are feeling great, the stress on the job might be enough to wear you down.
If your insurance will cover you, then stay home and get your strength back.
You might also inquire about working short days for a few weeks.
Rich

 

[Guest]

Hmm....testing my memory here:

I was out for ~ 8 weeks.

When I returned to work, I returned on a Friday and worked Monday and Tuesday before my manager came to me on Wednesday telling me she was sending me home. She could see it was getting to me, so with her help and the cooperation of the surgeon's office, I had a note and went home early half days for the entire month of March.



Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker
MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/
chdQB = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/quilt.html
"I can?t take anymore" ... 3rd Eye Blind ... 'How's It Going To Be'

 

[ALCapshaw2]

After my first OHS (bypass only), I was out for 8 weeks, and even then, I only worked half days for the first two weeks back. Many return after 6 weeks if there are NO complications. With complications, recovery can take anywhere from a couple of extra weeks to much longer, depending on the nature of the complication.

Cardiac Rehab is HIGHLY recommended after 6 weeks, assuming your insurance will cover it.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Der Biermeister]

Yes, my insurance covers 36 weeks of cardiac rehab, which I will certainly do.

I kind of have the best of both worlds. I retired a year ago, but work back as a consultant, pretty much half time. Stress is like almost zero since I am no longer in charge of any programs, or people, OR trying to climb the coporate ladder. I have a very quiet office area in which I go in, sit down, and basically just use my head. Other than walking a few hundred yards, it really is not much different than being here at my home computer.

So ... given that, and barring complications ... sounds like 6 weeks might be doable.

 

[Old clicker]

I went back at 6 weeks

 

[sue943]

I finally got back eight and a half months and lasted two weeks, I am now signed off sick once more.

 

[DiscoG4]

What 3 to 4 weeks?

What 3 to 4 weeks?

Hello all,

My surgery is scheduled for 03/04 and I'm a self-employed project manager here in the UK, so getting abck to work is nearly as bigger concern as the op itself! My surgeon seems to think that at 39, I can be back in 3 / 4 weeks if there are no complications and the surgery goes a-ok. Anyone have any ideas as to the feasibility of this?

My role is totally desk-based and not really as stressful as it seems, on the plus side the client has been fairly understanding and is holding the contract open, so a longer recovery might (I stress might) be possible.

Many thanks

Steve

 

[TomS]

I felt good enough to play golf at six weeks and went back after 7 to a tough commute, two hours each way to lower Manhattan. But, as they say; "That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger". Best rehab that I could have done.
Tom

 

[MikeHeim]

I went back at nine weeks and it was tougher than I could have ever imagined. Even though I thought I had been pretty active at home, there is no substitute to having to run between meetings and talk on the phone without getting a break. I was typically getting really worn out after about 5-6 hours. After a week or two I was much better. My advice would be to take as much time as you can financially manage. I was approved for up to ten weeks of 100% pay disability, so I didn't have any financial burden at all. If I only got paid for six weeks, I'm pretty sure I could have managed my way through the workday at that point as well.

 

[Tom F.]

I went back to work after 7 weeks. But I could have returned the week before if I had to. But instead I went to the gym a few times.

 

[Geo]

7 weeks

7 weeks

I was back at seven weeks. Would have been six weeks but I threw my back out getting ready for work at the six week mark. Working 6 hr days for now, with an hour commute each way.

 

[eckw]

I was back 9 weeks full time.

 

[Cooker]

5 Weeks 3 Days

5 Weeks 3 Days

Hi,

I am back today (4/1) full time. I had a very smooth AVR and a good recovery with only a few minor bumps!! Like someone else said "what does not kill you will make you stronger"

I could not stand being around the house alone...... I is great to be back and
I wish you the best. I do want to say that I did not return until I felt up to it and would not have if I was not sure I was ready.

Good luck and best wishes.

 

[geebee]

I went back part-time at 8 weeks and full-time at 12.

 

[Philip]

Let's hear from some with "minimally invasive" surgery. How long should we expect?
Philip

 

[Georgia]

Oddly enough, the type of incision doesn't make a difference re: speed of recovery. It takes the heart X amount of time to heal, and your body to get going after ohs. The healing of the sternum, or the ribs, isn't what keeps you from getting going.

A lot depends on the degree of deconditioning you experienced prior to surgery; and your age. I was seriously ill (chf) by the time I was diagnosed; and had slowed to a crawl. It took me a long time to get back on my feet. I went back to a desk job at 12 weeks; but did very well at that time. I'd had the opportunity to complete cardiac rehab II, was walking long distances, and physically was better than I'd been in years. I think I could have managed to ge back maybe 3 weeks earlier, but I don't think I'd have made it full-time.

 

[bobcatrel]

return to work

return to work

I went back 1/2 time (Mornings only) at 5 weeks and then full time the 6th week

 

[OldManEmu]

I went back full time after 6 weeks 4 days. Started the 4 week rehab program 2 1/2 weeks after surgery, finished just before returned to work.

 

[Paul117]

minimally evasive

minimally evasive

Let's hear from some with "minimally invasive" surgery. How long should we expect?
Philip

I had robotic mitral repair 12/22 /05 and was back in 10 days at a desk job at my own company.
Now I am going back in for another repair or replace and hope to be back in 4-5 but I will take it as it comes