I know this has probably been asked tons of times before, but I'm wondering what people's experiences are with returning to work. I work an office job (typing, no lifting, etc). A friend of mine who is a PA said that I should be able to return in a week.

I'm having subcutaneous transposition at the elbow and release at Guyon's canal.

For some reason, I think a week seems too short. My doctor said 2-4 weeks (but I've heard that he likes to ease people's minds and I'm worrying that he isn't being 100% honest).

Please help!

JennyK0604 wrote:

QUOTE:
I know this has probably been asked tons of times before, but I'm wondering what people's experiences are with returning to work. I work an office job (typing, no lifting, etc). A friend of mine who is a PA said that I should be able to return in a week.

I'm having subcutaneous transposition at the elbow and release at Guyon's canal.

For some reason, I think a week seems too short. My doctor said 2-4 weeks (but I've heard that he likes to ease people's minds and I'm worrying that he isn't being 100% honest).

Please help!

TIMM - This is the THIRD time that I have replied to this post, and the dang site after I have logged on asked me to re-log on and DUMPED my reply. This is my last attempt to reply.....Grrrrrrr Damn! When I once again reply, I am going to copy and paste this into Word so if I get dumped again, I can post - maybe?

Howdy Jenny,

Sorry for the pre-rant. At any rate, please see my threads on this site for Guyon's and too, my "Post Surgical - Week XXX" which may answer some of your questions hopefully. Due to the severity of my symptoms, not only did I have both procedures done, but too, the A1 pulley's below my pinkie and ring finger were released (my fingers had started to claw).

Our jobs are dramatically different, but thanks to a wonderful Director (my supervisor), my doctor released me back to work at much restricted duty (typing, light lifting etc) after 5 weeks. Since I am a full time "target" in uniform, my doctor was reluctant to let me come back to work at week 5. When my Director agreed to "light duty", he released me at week 5 - light duty for an additional 6 weeks. If I didn't have a job to which violent encounters were possible, he would have let me come back to work around week 3 or 4. A week for return? No, I highly doubt that. 3-4 weeks, yes. Full recovery, well that depends on how much damage or irritation your nerve went through.

My elbow wasn't too bad after a few days of the cast being removed. I could fully bend my elbow by day 3, and after about 2 and a half months the discomfort (similar to muscle stiffness) in my elbow upon extension was much reduced. I still don't fire my assault rifle due to the qualification requirement where we lay down, and use our weak arm for support - direct on that elbow - no thanks. The pressure on leaning on that elbow is bad enough, recoil would drive me (it) nuts!!! Otherwise, the elbow is good. The hand incision is good after month 4 for hand shaking is good, but it is still fussy with gentle things - contact with desks, brushing other surfaces. I wear a wrap on it to check contact issues. A positive attitude and too, doing your PT "homework" assignments is paramount in your healing process. Please let me know if I can answer or clarify any of your questions. *HUG*

PS…Timm, it is a good thing I pasted this into Word, I got DUMPED AGAIN…..

Brenda, sorry you are having trouble. I've increased the session time (before it automatically logs you out) from 15 to 20 minutes. Please let me know if this issue continues. (And btw, it's always smart to copy your message to the clipboard, Notepad or Word before submitting. I do that on every web site, and it has saved me rework many times.)

Jenny, you may be able to return to work in a week, but I don't think you will be able to type and use your operated arm with any effectiveness until at least 4 weeks after transposition surgery, and quite possibly longer. Please follow your doctor's instructions and don't overdo it, as you need to give your nerve adequate time to heal. Good luck with your recovery!

unless you watch tv for a living..and dont move at all...i highly doubt youll return to work...i just had this surgery

I told my boss it could be anywhere between 2-4 weeks before I was back to work. I told her I'd know more when I go for my follow-up visit on September 5th. Even though my job is essentially completely 'light duty' I don't want to do anything that will compromise the recovery process. T-2 days and I'm getting more and more nervous about the procedure.

Since I'm having both the wrist/hand and elbow done, does anyone know if that makes the recovery longer? It seems like the wrist portion is the lesser of the two but my doctor mentioned a cast to protect the incision. I'm hoping he means more like a splint than a hard cast, but I guess I'll see on Friday.

JennyK0604 wrote:

QUOTE:
Since I'm having both the wrist/hand and elbow done, does anyone know if that makes the recovery longer? It seems like the wrist portion is the lesser of the two but my doctor mentioned a cast to protect the incision. I'm hoping he means more like a splint than a hard cast, but I guess I'll see on Friday.

Howdy Jenny,

My hand and wrist actually took the longest to heal - it is still healing actually just past month 4. I was only in a cast for a week, but between stretching and strength therapy, it was 5 weeks before I was allowed back to work in a light duty status. My doctor issued that I stay on "light duty" for an additional 6 weeks upon my return. Even though he has since released me to full duty, my hand tells me otherwise due to sensitivity issues. (again, different jobs) Plan on at least 3-4 weeks at home. Your elbow and hand went through a trauma, let them heal, and you as well.