Returning to work after laparoscopy
I had my second laparoscopy just over 3 weeks ago. I extended my sick note from 2 weeks to a further 2 weeks as I was still struggling and my job is very active. I spoke to my manager today and informed her that as I’m now independent but I’m experiencing pain at the one of the excisions when learning/ stretching I can return to work but limit those movements. She wasn’t very supportive and instead told me it’s unusual for a laparoscopy to have this pain (what?) I was left somewhat confused, to which I rang Gynae and they confirmed the pain is in fact normal. Has anyone else experienced this pain? My sutures are also still visible with the ends sticking outwards.
I’m sorry, that must’ve felt really invalidating. Three weeks is still early, especially after excision. That pulling pain is common. Sutures can stick out a bit too. I’d trust your gynae on this 🤍
thank you for your reply. It really did feel invalidating. I’m in a completely different job from when I had my first surgery nearly 10 years ago so I don’t remember anything about pain/ sutures. My GP has given me further week off to recover. Oh I see. But it is good to hear that you have an extended week off to rest and recover!
Oh this makes me so upset for you because being told it’s unusual when you’re literally 3 weeks out from a second lap is just so invalidating. I had pain at one excision site for weeks especially with stretching or twisting and it would catch me randomly, and my gynae also said that can be completely normal. You’re not crazy for still hurting. And visible sutures at this stage can happen too, mine looked weird for a while. Are you able to ease back slowly or is work pushing you to be fully active already?
thank you for your reply! I was in disbelief from the comment that I later told her it upset me as I felt it wasn’t being taken seriously she apologised and said it was never meant the way I interpreted it and offered me phase return when I initially do go back. My GP has given me a further week off.
I’m really glad you told her it upset you, that takes courage especially when you’re already feeling vulnerable. It says a lot that she apologised and offered a phased return, that must have felt at least a little validating. And an extra week from your GP sounds like your body really does need that time. Three weeks is not long at all. How are you feeling about going back now?
