Back to Work (post 26)

So I told the Dr I was ready to go back to work last Friday when I saw him.  He said most people take more time off.  My thought was, I'm sitting around my house feeling guilty about burning my sick time when I feel fine.  I can drive, I can finally dress myself, and I don't need a mid morning nap.  I thought these are all signs I am good to go.  The Dr. said it was ok if I felt up to it.  

When Monday came it was 3.5 weeks since my surgery.  That is .5 weeks longer then I wanted to be off of work.  I drove cautiously to work avoiding any hard turns as those hurt.  I arrived at work and was treated to a warm but loose and high hug from the first person that saw me.  Each person that saw me repeated the same warm greeting.  I think people genuinely missed me and were happy I was back.  I have said it before but I work with an amazing, thoughtful, loving, and generous group of hard working people.  I am blessed to be part of their team.

I went about my day doing things on my to do list that were long overdue.  I noticed after sitting in a meeting for a while, I was uncomfortable and felt a little pain.  All of it was coming from my abs where muscles were readjusted to create a boob shelf or pocket for my implants.  I realized that at home I could recline and at work that was not an option.  I made it through 7 hours, 8 if you count the lunch I never take, and then I went home.  While I know now what I didn't 7 hours ago is that work requires different movement and flexibility that I was not prepared for.  

My plan is to take it easy this week and leave early if I need to.  My advice is if you can take the full time, while you are home feeling awesome and guilty, sit in the positions required at work and really assess whether you can do it your whole shift.  Give yourself the time you need and whatever you do don't lift anything over 5lbs.  One quick lift can cause hours of pain.  Listen to your body and let people help you.