Back to Work

william1
william1 Member Posts: 35
edited March 2014 in Prostate Cancer #1
It's been exactly a month since surgery and I'm eager to return to work. I worked harder cleaning the yard at home this past week than I ever do on the job. I think I have the stamina.

Ok, the truth is I don't actually work, I manage a restaurant. This does not require any physical labor from me. I have great employees who have always worked as a team. This is so important.

The test will be to discover if I'm up to the 12 hour days. I don't worry about physical fatigue, it's the mental fatigue that usually wears me down.

My wife thinks 4 weeks is not enough time for recovery. We'll see! My heartfelt thanks to all of you who have tolerated my questions and comments the past fews months. My diagnosis of cancer, subsequent treatment and recovery has been an experience I wish on no man or family.

Thanks Again,
william1

Comments

  • JimDSM
    JimDSM Member Posts: 8
    #2
    william1,

    I don't actually work either. I spend 8hrs (+/-) a day sitting at a computer so can't comment directly on your issues. I waited two weeks after surgery (the catheter came out at 10 days) then went back to work pretty much full time. I was glad I have free, unfettered and unlimited access to the restroom vs having to wait for scheduled work breaks so was able to function OK. I did have to go home early a couple of times in the first few weeks working due to pad overflow so you may want to have that option available or take some extra clothing just in case. Otherwise I urge you to follow your instincts. Getting back to work can be a real boost psychologically, just be sure to pay attention to what your body might have to say about the deal.

    Jim in Des Moines
  • jd_smith58
    jd_smith58 Member Posts: 7
    #3
    Hey William
    I'm glad you feel well enough to return to work, as you know, I'm one week behind you in surgery, in getting the catheter out etc... I certainly don't feel well enough to go to work. The biggest problem is the incontinence which isn't going very well. Also I'm still quite sore, around the incision internally is very tight and it's still quite uncomfortable sitting down. But you said you had no pain after two weeks or less which is great. My Doc said he'd like me out of work for about 8 weeks, but that is up to me, when I feel I'm ready, he'll sign a back to work release. I'm a head custodian at an elementary school so my job can be very physical at times, I want to know I can handle it. Like I said, right now the incontinence is the biggest problem. If I'm active, I retain nothing in the bladder, if I'm sitting, I hardly leak at all. Good luck and God bless you William, I'm sure you know what you can handle.
  • william1
    william1 Member Posts: 35
    #4
    jd_smith58 said:

    Hey William
    I'm glad you feel well enough to return to work, as you know, I'm one week behind you in surgery, in getting the catheter out etc... I certainly don't feel well enough to go to work. The biggest problem is the incontinence which isn't going very well. Also I'm still quite sore, around the incision internally is very tight and it's still quite uncomfortable sitting down. But you said you had no pain after two weeks or less which is great. My Doc said he'd like me out of work for about 8 weeks, but that is up to me, when I feel I'm ready, he'll sign a back to work release. I'm a head custodian at an elementary school so my job can be very physical at times, I want to know I can handle it. Like I said, right now the incontinence is the biggest problem. If I'm active, I retain nothing in the bladder, if I'm sitting, I hardly leak at all. Good luck and God bless you William, I'm sure you know what you can handle.

    J.D.,
    Almost immediately after my surgery I began to exercise as much as I could tolerate. First , I walked around the yard for a few days, then ventured a little further each day till I was walking 1 1/2 miles. Since I was home alone after the first week, the boredom set in rather quickly. As I sat on the front porch gazing at the winter foilage on the ground, one thought led to another and I started raking. About 15 minutes at first, then 30 and up to an hour at each session. Yes I was sore from all of this, but, I also noticed I was regaining my stamina and the surgical pain was almost non-existant.

    I was worried the incontinence would take it's toll on my return to work. I had regained some control with urination but still leaked with any sudden movement. I took 10-12 pads with me and was prepared for the worst. It's a 30 mimute drive to work and to my surprise, I only used 2 pads that day changing to the 3rd pad after my evening shower before bedtime. Like I said, I don't have to physically work, but, phycholoical or not, returning to work seems to have had a benefit to recovery.

    Continued Good Luck with Your Recovery,
    william1

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