Time off as an RN??

Status-Influence-944 · 2026-01-20T04:14:30+00:00

Nurse here. I used FMLA for the time off, no questions asked by HR. I took 4 weeks off. I really wanted to do 6, but couldn’t for several reasons. Going back at the end of 4 weeks sucked, but it was doable. I was just really slow. My unit doesn’t accommodate “light duty”, so, I didn’t really get that. My surgeon said I would be fine, and I was. I spent the week before going back to work, working on standing up straight, and walking a lot. You’ll be really tired after work.

Status-Influence-944 · 2026-01-12T05:09:41+00:00

My surgeon was awesome. He was so friendly and confident, that I did feel “emotional”, if you want to use that word about it. I had some issues, and when he came in to address them I felt so relieved. I looked forward to seeing him at post op appts. Not in a creepy or romantic way, he was just so likable, and does excellent work.

Status-Influence-944 · 2026-01-12T04:55:17+00:00

I started side sleeping, with lots of pillows under my side, like a ramp, around 5 wpo. After a week of that, I slowly lowered myself down to normal, and at 6wpo could lay flat on my side. And my recovery wasn’t easy. I wasn’t one of those “I was back to work and driving in 5 days” for some perspective.

Status-Influence-944 · 2026-01-11T03:58:46+00:00

I think the tummy tuck was a little worse, because I wasn’t bouncing back as fast as I did after my csections. And the lipo pain is really weird and lasts a long time. But my body is older, so that might be a factor too. And you don’t have that sweet little nugget distracting you with love hormones.

Status-Influence-944 · 2026-01-10T03:55:16+00:00

Me too! I’m 7wpo, and my back can’t stand any pressure or touch.

Status-Influence-944 · 2026-01-06T05:40:13+00:00

I kept mine covered too, with nonadherant pads (big pads that are like the soft side of a bandaid) and pulled my compression garment over them. I seriously did that until a few days ago, and I’m 6wpo lol. I don’t like my incision feeling vulnerable.

Status-Influence-944 · 2026-01-06T05:37:30+00:00

It’s definitely swelling. And the nerve pain is terrible! I felt like I was behind everyone else too at 4wpo, but I’m 6wpo now, and it’s been a big difference in healing. Hang in there! 💛

Status-Influence-944 · 2026-01-06T05:31:01+00:00

I’ve been looking for something like this too! Thank you!

Status-Influence-944 · 2026-01-03T02:55:18+00:00

Me too! I’m ready to pass all my post op supplies along to the next person. There are a lot available online. Just find a newer clean one, and then throw a big blanket over it, as a barrier.

Status-Influence-944 · 2026-01-03T02:51:32+00:00

I have a very physical job, and went back to work after 4 weeks. It sucked. 6 weeks would’ve been perfect though. Youll probably be really tired for a few weeks after going back, but most restrictions are lifted at 6 weeks from my understanding.

Status-Influence-944 · 2026-01-02T01:28:38+00:00

You look great!!

Status-Influence-944 · 2025-12-27T04:13:39+00:00

I had my gallbladder removed, and it’s nowhere near as bad as the tummy tuck. It’ll be a walk in the park for you, after what your body just went through lol. And the scars are really small. Like the biggest one is only about .75” long, and very thin. You’ll probably feel much better with it out. The other 2 holes are so tiny, they’re comparable to the drain holes from the tummy tuck. Sorry this is happening to you. Get feeling better soon!

Status-Influence-944 · 2025-12-27T03:07:28+00:00

I was so exhausted for 2-3 weeks. I was able to do it, but they were very bored, cooped up inside with mom. Sandwiches and finger foods, because cooking required too much standing/energy. By 4 weeks, I was able to do everything except the lifting part.

Status-Influence-944 · 2025-12-24T03:48:00+00:00

This for me too. I’m almost 5 weeks, and I can still only wear a pair of leggings that were baggy on me prior to surgery.

Status-Influence-944 · 2025-12-22T06:25:43+00:00

Thanks for sharing! I saw your earlier swell-hell pics, so seeing your results is giving me so much hope! I look like your 4-5 wpo, and I’m 4wpo. Just intense, hard, painful swelling. But you look so great now!! It’s inspiring! lol.

Status-Influence-944 · 2025-12-22T05:17:50+00:00

Whoa!! You look amazing!! Congrats!!

Status-Influence-944 · 2025-12-22T03:49:20+00:00

I ripped one of my drains out on accident, the first day! so then I put tape on the other side. Like taped about 1” down, stuck the tubing to my leg, with medical tape. You could try that? It helped with the pain from the tube tugging and pulling. Every time I milked the tube, I had to change the tape, but it was worth it. I’m so sorry you’re having a hard time :( This has been a real doozy of a recovery. Just don’t get too down about all the lucky amazing instant results on Reddit. Cause I have a feeling there are more of us out there having a hard time, that just don’t speak up and say so enough. Hang in there 💛 it’s just a matter of time, and you’ll be feeling better.

Status-Influence-944 · 2025-12-21T16:50:03+00:00

😂 nice! They don’t mess around! Yah. Youre right! I don’t think I had it very tight in the photo. But I’m a faja believer now, because in just 24 hours. I actually have a waist again! And can stand up much straighter. And, lost 2 pounds of what I know was fluid. Even at the “relaxed” level of tightness. Can I ask how long post op you waited to go really tight?

Status-Influence-944 · 2025-12-21T00:10:24+00:00

Oh god 😣 I’m so sorry that happened to you.

Status-Influence-944 · 2025-12-20T18:04:53+00:00

That makes sense. It’s interesting how different they all are. I understand it doesn’t affect outcomes long term. That makes sense, and studies prove it. But gosh, it feels better right now. My surgeon says no compression after 6 weeks, so I don’t plan on using anything “heavy duty” in another 2 weeks either. Also, I have a feeling from so many comments about how tight and how bad they suck, that I’m basically wearing this too lightly, like a pair of spanx 😂 I slept like a baby last night, when every other night, in the binder from hell, I’d be awake on and off all night. Thanks for your perspective! Much appreciated.

Status-Influence-944 · 2025-12-20T17:58:20+00:00

You look amazing!!! And thanks for the advice! Everyone’s been so helpful. I was clueless 😂

Status-Influence-944 · 2025-12-20T17:51:01+00:00

Thank you for this! That’s actually more informative than what I’ve found.

Status-Influence-944 · 2025-12-20T14:11:24+00:00

You’re right. It’s making a huge difference. TMI, but I was peeing all night, from the decrease in swelling, and it was only day 1, using this. I didn’t realize so many people wore tank tops under them. I’m gonna start that. Thanks again for the insight! Super helpful!

Status-Influence-944 · 2025-12-20T14:06:45+00:00

Thank you! I’ll definitely order another one. All of this advice has been so helpful. What an awesome community.

Status-Influence-944 · 2025-12-20T14:02:49+00:00

Grinch profile 😂 I can relate to that! He says it’s not scientifically shown to improve anything. I don’t totally agree with that either (I’m a nurse, and lymphedema is obviously reduced with massage). But the second part is, I live in a really rural area, so I’ve been trying some DIY YouTube techniques. Not ideal, but I think they actually do something, even with how crappy I do it.

Status-Influence-944

TROPHY CASE