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Going back to work

Wed, January 02, 2013 1:39 PM

Hello,

I was diagnosed with Crohns back in October 2011. In Oct. 2012, I went to the ER with tremendous pain and vomiting. I had an abscess and other complications, so I stayed in the hospital for three weeks. Before discharge, it was decided that I should have a small bowel resection to remove all damaged parts. My surgery was on December 20th. I was discharged from the hospital on Christmas day. I was discharged on Vicodin. And I resumed my Prednisone but my gastroenterologist tapered me down to 5mg a day. I also take 40mg of Omeprazole until I finish the Prednisone.

I am a high school teacher and girls basketball coach. My question is how soon can/should I return to coaching basketball? Do I need to wait until my follow-up appointment on January 14th? I plan to return to teaching the day after my appointment if my doctor allows it. My recovery is going smoothly and I feel pretty good. I still have some pain from the surgery, but it is tolerable and I am only taking one Vicodin in the morning. I know I should wait at least until I am off the Vicodin completely, but should I wait longer?

eabarwick
Joined Jan 1, 2013

Fri, January 18, 2013 1:55 PM

Reply posted for Eabarwick.

Yup, this is a question for surgeon. I went back to a retail job six weeks after my surgery and I have to say it was rough those first few days. If you can coach from a sitting position, then try it. Otherwise, I would wait a week or two or more. You cannot drive on Vicodin either, so yes, you probably want to get yourself off those pain meds before going back to work. Good luck!!

altman282
Joined Feb 21, 2012

Thu, January 10, 2013 11:31 AM

Reply posted for Eabarwick.

My first surgery I was off for 6 weeks and went back to work at exactly the end of 6 weeks. I had to turn around and go back home I was in so much pain. You don't realize how much you use your stomach muscles for little things like driving! If I was you, I would wait until you see your dr for the follow-up.

raf5712
Joined Jan 8, 2013

Wed, January 02, 2013 7:01 PM

Reply posted for Eabarwick.

I would ask your Dr.. There could be internal stitches to worry about, not just pain. My surgery was an emergency surgery. They thought it was my appendix, but after sedation felt a large lump and was worried it was cancer. I have a long scar. I was off work 5 weeks. I am glad you are healing faster. I just could not take the stairs at work and no elevator.

Honestly though, ask your Dr.. That is a very active job to go back to. You don't want to put back your recovery.

Kathy

katabell
Joined Nov 17, 2008

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