Question about clipping surgery returning to work

[pandagurl]

I'm having my 4mm unruptured aneurysm on my anterior communicating artery clipped on October 8. My NS has said that I may be able to return to work anywhere between 2 and 6 weeks after surgery. I know that everyone's recovery is different. For those of you that have had your unruptured aneurysms clipped, when did you return to work? How long before you felt productive and somewhat back to normal at work? I work a pretty stressful mentally demanding office job, but it is not very physical. I am hoping to gain some insight on what I might expect for returning to work. Thanks!
Angie

[ChrisC]

Angie, everyone is different, but 2 weeks after clipping surgery??? I don't think so!!!! That's pretty darned soon by anyone's standards! I think closer to 6 - 8 weeks is more realistic. You'll be couch bound pretty much the first week or two, then up and around - going to the store, small errands, etc. Every day you'll feel stronger and more "normal". You may have some transient issues (short term memory, smell, taste, headache) to deal with. THE most important part of your recovery in the first few weeks is REST. Be able to lay down when your body says it's had enough. It's so important not to rush your recovery.

I wasn't able to drive for 3 weeks (didn't really want to either). I was fortunate to have had nearly 3 months in sick time accrued so I took it. Personally, I felt that I managed a little better with the extra time off. For those who can't take that much time - at least give yourselves 3-4 weeks anyway, then do maybe half days or part time for another week or two. Ease into it gradually if you can.

Keep asking questions - you'll get alot of wonderful advice and encouragement from the wonderful people here! Prayers are with you - this is the worst time - the waiting........hang in there - we're all here with you!

[TitaniumCranium]

Hi Angie -

:eek: I agree with Chris 100% .... at least 6 - 8 weeks. I healed quickly from my first clipping but was out of work 8 weeks. You really do need to rest and let your brain heal..... it takes time. Please do not let anybody rush you. Listen to your body. We are here for you. ;)

T.C. (Lori)

[pandagurl]

Yes, I am also thinking that 2 weeks is a bit early too. I know I am going to be feeling the financial pressure to return to work as early as possible. My boss said that he is planning on me not returning for 6 weeks and if I come back early, that will just be a bonus. However, I have no time saved because I have been dealing with migraines and as soon as I get some accrued I'm out for a migraine or a doctor's appointment or my son gets sick, etc. So, my leave will be unpaid. We may have to take out a loan to get us through. I think I will just go ahead and plan on that because I am pretty sure I will be out longer than two or three weeks. Thanks!

[Chris B]

Hi Pandagurl and welcome! I too thought two weeks, maybe 4. but it wasn't until I got home that I realized how it would be! I am now six weeks post surgery, back to work part time. I was like you, I really thought recovery would be quicker, and smarter heads here prevailed and they are right! All the best and I wish you a good recovery.
Chris B

[FireflyR7]

*bunch I know this is a very difficult time for you, I had a rupture so I know what it is like to worry about every little thing. :o BUT, the most single important thing is your life & recovery!!!!! *smallrose I am sure your family and friends will agree!! ;)

You will be surprised how things work themselves out and little miracles that will come your way!! We had donations from the Firehouse, Ambulance District, friends, family & strangers. :) My husband works for the Ambulance district and was new making the minimum salary 2 years ago, when I had my rupture. He quit a job he loved and made more money at & took that job so I would have heath insurance too. My rupture happened 3 months after I had coverage, thank God! I had my first surgery Sept. 05, the second Oct. 05., mine is stented and coiled.
I don't remember too much about the first year after?? When Christmas of 06 came around, I was very depressed because I couldn't afford to do anything for my husband and family who have taken such good care of me. We were getting behind on bills, my perscriptions and Dr. visits were costing us a lot! Christmas Eve there was a knock on the door, I was in my house coat all a mess. I opened the door and there was a gentleman I didn't know with a full Santa shaped white beard, wearing blue jeans, tennis shoes and a jacket. There was no car in my driveway?? I said can I help you?? He ask if my name was Tricia? I said yes sir, he proceeded to hand me 2 giant green and red trash bags full of beautifully wrapped gifts. I ask him who they were from and he told me he was my "Secret Santa", Merry Christmas & God bless you. He turned and walked away as I tried to thank him and ask him who I can send a thank you note too? He said, I'm sorry Mam that is all I can say and kept walking. I walked out on the porch and yelled thank you and God bless you and tell whoever did this God bless them. He did not respond and walked to a neighbors driveway so I couldn't even see his car. When I got back inside and called my husband at work and told him, he couln't believe it. I looked down in one of the bags that had a giant stuffed, soft fuzzy bear on top and saw an envelope. When I opened it, there was over $1300 in it. Alls I could do is cry and say a prayer!! I put all of the gifts under our little tree that sits on a table. They were stacked all over the floor and the rocking chair next to it. They had gifts for each of us with our names on them. When Hubby got off work Christmas morning after working a 24 hour shift, he was equally as emotional as I was. We got a cup of coffee and just sat there looking at the money and presents in amazement!! We opened the gifts in awe of their choices and quality of every gift! (More than we would have prob. spent!)To this day, we don't know where they came from??

There is a God, he will provide for you in your time of need!! I was not exactly "religeous" until my aneurysm. :o But, I can say without a doubt that there is a God!! If you ask him, he will be there for you too!! *cross
You should be thinking about taking care of yourself and recovering, nothing else but, the ones you love & keeping your faith. ;)

I will be 2 years post surgeries in Oct., I had complications from my rupture and am very BLESSED to be here!! I am still in recovery but, I am coming along slowly but surely! :p I have improved greatly over the past 6 months!!! :D I have a awesome husband who has taken amazing care of me!! Still doing the grocery shopping... after working 24 - 48 hour shifts. I have a wonderful sister who stayed with me when he was working for many months?? She would make me laugh when I wanted to cry!! We talk on the phone everyday. I have a great family and so many wonderful friends, who have helped so much!! I am very blessed! I may be poor money wise but, I am the richest person in the world with love, happiness & faith!! :D I couldn't ask for anything more!!
I have a wonderful Dr. who keeps very close tabs on me, he is so cool and understanding!! I have awesome NS too, he is great surgeon & very caring! He saved my life, twice!!! :) (I think God had a little something to do with it!)

We have had many hospital and Dr. bills, med's... But, we have made it somehow?? You will make it too hun!! :) The most important thing is you getting better!! You are going to need lots of sleep, naps, rest, TLC and spending time with you baby while you have the time off!! :) The brain just take a little while to heal sweetie. It needs lots of good "REM" sleep, rest and stay hydrated well until the swelling goes down & it heals. Listen to your body, it will let you know what to do and when to rest... It sounds like you have a great support system, they will keep your brain stimulated. :)
We will all be keeping your famly in our prayers!! We will be here for you after your surgery too!! There are some wonderful people on here!! They have helped me for almost 2 years!! I am thankful for all of their prayers and support!! :D We are all here for you too!! We truly understand what you are going through!!

***Something to think about is, you are going to need to find a very good family practioner who deals with a lot of "Vasular" patients!! ( like us, strokes, heart... ) The NS usually only takes care of the surgery and short term care. I went to many specialist after my surgeries in the begining, with great frustration! Then I found my Dr. now and he has helped me so much!!! You will need to go to one after your surgery, in the future to keep track of your blood pressure, bloodwork, med's and long term care.

I hope that I have helped a little? I will be keeping you in my prayers!! Tricia

*cg20

[Gabrielli]

I'll make mine short....;) I had a 4mm clipped and 2-6 weeks is not enough time.

ooxx
mimi

[pandagurl]

Thanks everyone. I sometimes get the feeling that my NS is trying to talk me into getting this surgery by assuring me "it won't be that bad". He said it won't be too painful and the recovery should be fairly easy. He really made it sound like 6 weeks is the max that I would be out of work. He said that "people who really like their jobs sometimes return as early as 2 weeks". I told him that liking my job or not has really nothing to do with it because that comment made no sense to me. I have an appointment for a second opinion and I plan to ask him about the recovery time too. Thanks all!

[FireflyR7]

*smallrose I hope that someone who has had a similar clipping and situation as yours, can tell you what they experianced? Everyone is different though, some heal very quickly and are back to work very quickly!! :) You haven't had a rupture so hopefully that will be the case for you also! I can't remember where your aneurysm is located but, that makes a difference also?? Where is yours located and how big??
My surgeries were through my leg artery and really wasn't bad at all! :) The worst part of mine was having to lay flat on my back for about 24 hours, so my leg artery would seal up well. I have had back surgeries years ago and that hurt :eek: also made it painful to lay flat on my back so long! :o

There is not really any way to tell how long it is going to take to heal, until after the surgery and see how you feel? Your surgeon should be able to give you some idea from where it is and what he has to do... They should explain everything to you, mine told us everything he could. Every Dr. has their own opinion and "bed side manor". Some just don't don't tell you things unless you ask specifically. Some explain everything right away. I would talk to your Dr. and ask him the details and what to exspect.
Make a list of questions to take to your appointment, it is hard to remember everything when you are there? It is a good idea for your spouse or someone who is going to be helping take care of you, in the room with you to take notes and ask questions too. I made a list after leaving the office a couple times and getting a few miles down the road, then remembering the most important thing I wanted to ask?? :p
I know that this is all very overwhelming sometimes, you have to take it a day at a time sweetie. I hope and pray you get the answers you need at the next appointment!! When is the appointment??

*smallheart We will try to help you anyway we can sweetie, esp. support! We are not Dr's and can only tell you our own experiances. But, we can try to answer questions & try help you understand as you go along. We know this can be very emotional as well, we are here if you just need a shoulder to cry on!!

I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers! Tricia
Please keep us posted!!

*cg20

[pandagurl]

My next appointment will be on Sept 25. I will first go to the hospital for pre-op testing and such, and then I will go to my NS clinic right afterwards to talk about the surgery. I have already started the list of questions I am bringing. I am also planning on asking the hospital people if I can see the rooms that I will be staying in. I know they might not let me see the ICU, but maybe through a window?? I'm hoping they won't mind showing me a normal room on the neuro floor similar to what I'll be staying in. I'm just going to ask anyway, because I know I will feel more comfortable if I know what to expect. I think if the room seems somewhat familiar I will feel more comfortable. My NS said I will probably be in the hospital for 3 or 4 days. He said very rarely people go home on the second day. I would guess that those are people that are really uncomfortable in a hospital (like my husband). I am not that way though. I have some experience with hospital stays because I had a very difficult pregnancy and was hospitalized for two weeks prior to a c-section followed by a day in the ICU and three days in the regular post baby room (my son did much better than me, 1/2 a day in the NICU followed by 3 days in the nursery and regular room with me when I made it there, not bad for being born 6 weeks early!). This is probably rambling and totally off subject, but I was able to tour the maternity floor and NICU and nursery prior to being hospitalized and I think it really helped me feel more comfortable about everything. I'll be having my clipping at a totally different hospital that I am not familar with, so I'm hoping that they will let me "tour" around. I'm sorry I'm rambling, I'm stopping now. Thanks all!
Angie :)

[silverfern]

Hi Angie,

I had 8mm anterior communicating artery clipped on 20th June. I had 2 days in ICU and 7 days in Hospital in all. Surgwery went well but is hard, this is brain surgery not a minor op. My NS has been very realistic and told me to ease back into life very slowly. It's well worth it in the end, knowing that aneurym can't rupture but please give yourself as much time as you are able. I am a community nurse, had 6 weeks off work then returned 2 days/week for 2 weeks. The first week I worked I was exhausted! I am currently working 3 days /week and am finding it OK. I can't drive for 6 months (NZ rule) so am doing office work, I still find PC work hard on the eyes and get very tired. I am back to 'normal' but sometimes my brain just feels fuzzy.

As for looking around the unit-great idea, We did it as a family and the nurse even took the kids (aged 10&12) into ICU so they knew what to expect. They were still trasumatised when it was me in there but as least they'd seen it.

Hope this helps, take care
Catherine x

[pandagurl]

Catherine,
Thanks for that info! Were you expecting to spend that much time in the hospital? I'm so worried that my NS is down-playing everything...like he doesn't want to tell me it will be hard. I'm going to have to be very honest with him and tell him what I've heard on here and let him know that I NEED him to tell me the truth. I already pretty much told my boss that 6 weeks is the max I'll be out because that's what my NS told me. I'm afraid of getting fired if I take more time (our company does not legally have to abide by the family medical leave act because it doesn't apply to us and TN is an at-will state). I'm pretty sure I'll get fired if I can only go back part time after 6 weeks. This is not good, but I'm trying really hard not to think about it. All I can do is try to focus on doing a good job until my surgery, and then focus on getting better and see what happens. I promise you all though, I WILL NOT return to work before I'm ready, its not worth it. I can find another job when I'm ready if I have to.

Angie

[Chris B]

I was super worried about how long I'd be off, and even though I've been working at the same place since 1995, I have a hero boss who has had different diseases, surgeries etc. over the years and "drove himself back to work from the hospital after 3 days" yada yada.......

I thought I was just getting a stent in my artery and that it would be a fast-ish recovery and the big boss said to the middle boss, once he learned I would be off longer "this isn't what I was sold on". Thank goodness the middle boss stood up for me. I came out of surgery with an incision from ear to bottom of neck with the carotid artery shut off, still in physio for shoulder, couldn't turn my neck, swallow or speak properly for at least 4 weeks.

But there must be some laws, even maybe a 800# free legal advice if you think they will fire you for being away for more than six weeks. The first thing I did before surgery, went to my family doctor and was furnished with a medical form saying my "off time" could be up 6-8 weeks. I wanted that in my back pocket BEFORE the surgery so I wouldn't have to deal with it afterwards. I have the best "second in command" boss who went to the plate for me and everything has worked out fine.

If you can, get a physician's note for the estimated recovery time and maybe try to find a free legal clinic. Are there any kind of unemployment sick benefits through the government that you can qualify for? We have it here in Canada, it only lasts for a maximum of 15 weeks and you get 55% of your wages, two week waiting period with no benefits at the start, but something is better than nothing.

I really understand your feelings on this one Angie, it is tough. Your recovery is #1 absolutely, and anything you can do ahead of time to get yourself prepared is great. If you own a home and had a lawyer during the purchase you could talk to, or have a friend or relative who is a lawyer or a paralegal maybe they would check things out for you. It may all depend on how long you've been working there, but there must be some protection for you.

Hope I haven't gone on too long, it just upsets me that beyond diagnosis which is traumatic, getting tests, then surgery, then recovery, one of the main things we have to worry about is this!
Chris B

[pandagurl]

Actually, Canada has much better laws on leave than we do here. My dad's wife works in labor law and is an advocate for those that are descriminated against. It varies from state to state, but there is no legal protection in this case for me. I know its wrong and it seems impossible, but it truly is that bad. For Tennessee and other "at-will" states you can be fired for NO REASON, they do not have to give you a reason at all and there is nothing you can do about it unless you can prove it really had something to do with something that is covered by another law. For example, if you got fired because you are pregnant and can PROVE that they fired you for being pregnant, you are covered under the pregnancy desrimination act. And there is the Family Medical Leave Act that covers most people where they have to give you up to 1 year (I think its one year) of medical leave for yourself or your family member with a medical problem, but it is UNPAID leave, but at least you won't get fired. However, it does not apply to companies that have 50 or less employees, and since my company only has 10 employees that work in Tennessee, I'm screwed. Tennessee also has NO goverment offered disability or anything of that sort. Very few states do, I think maybe just California and Ohio? (not completely sure). Some people have short term disability insurance offered through their employer or the short term disability benefit offered through their employer. Mine doesn't offer that. So, yes as wrong as it is, I have checked into it and they CAN fire me, and this really is completely unpaid leave I'll be taking. Just like my maternity leave was! I will say this, if I have to get a new job, I'm finding a bigger company with better benefits! ;)

[Chris B]

That's a real drag!!!! We do have that unpaid family emergency medical leave for companies over 50 employees here too, and my company is small like yours. I am very lucky to have the government sick benefits for sure then, I thought that was something that you guys would have too. I bet if it doesn't go well in that company you will find a better one, you sound like someone who doesn't give up :-)
Chris

[onyxgates]

I was originally told I would be back to work at six weeks but ended up taking eight weeks. I think the doctors like to sugar coat the recovery (as mine told me I would be back to 100% at six weeks). Now I love my doctor and would not change him for anything. He was more realistic after the surgery. I am back to work my regular hours. I still get headaches and am three months post op. Good luck!!!

[silverfern]

I can't believe some emplyees are punished for being unwell....it's so unfair. Is it worth being totally honest with your boss now and seeing if part time is an option for a while?
In answer to your question about hospital, I was told I'd be able to go home after 4-5 days but i had problems with dizzyness and sickness and just wasn't ready so stayed an extra 2 days. it sound like you're sensible, don't want to scare you but just being reallistic...for the record, 10 weeks later I feel great! perfectly 'normal' apart from the tiredness but thats not too bad I just make sure I go to bed early (9pm) and occasional have a daytime nap, ususally at the weekend.

[pandagurl]

Thanks everyone. I actually did have a heart to heart with my boss just today. I told him that I didn't know if I would be back in 6 weeks for sure. I told him that even if I do come back after 6 weeks, I really think I won't be 100%. I also told him that I am not feeling 100% right now either because I'm so distracted by everything going on. It took a lot of courage, but I figured I really needed to do it because of all the worries I'm having. This is not the first time I've mustered courage to talk about stuff with this man, and I'm pretty always glad I did.

He said he didn't expect me to be 100% now or after the surgery. He said that what I'm going through is hard and although I've been walking around smiling and trying to stay focused on my work, he can tell that this is really getting to me. He said that I don't need to worry about losing my job as long as he is there. He said that he knows what kind of work I do and he has seen some wonderful growth in my job over the 3 years I've been doing it. He said that he's proud of me for everything that I have accomplished in this job and in my life. I cried like a baby in his office. He said the most important thing is my health and that he's not just saying that. He said he wants me to get better and although he wishes they could rig up some kind of hospital bed in my office where I could work and recover since I'm really not easily replaced, he understands that I will need to take as long as it takes to get better and back. I didn't ask him about part time, through all the fatherly advice and pride he was showing and my tears flowing out like the niagra falls, it didn't get mentioned. I will probably bring it up again though.

Also, since our insurance is renewing in November, I mentioned to him that we might have our broker provide pricing for short term disability. I know its not going to help me now, but maybe someone else or me later. Who knows, maybe after all this, I might feel brave enough to take on another pregnancy. Also, there is one other woman at the office that I know is thinking about babies with her husband. Plus, you truly never know when some kind of medical condition is going to hit someone. He said it isn't a bad idea to check into it. So, I'm going to bring it up with our broker when we have a meeting coming up.

Hugs all! Thank you so much for all your advice.
Angie :)

[ChrisC]

Angie - you have one very nice boss. It was a tribute to the kind of woman you are, and what calibre of work that you do for him. You're valuable and it was wonderful of him to let you know that. Communication is a great gift and you were right to open that line with him. You will come thru this whole thing just fine - your boss needs you back at work, and God will help you both get your wishes. Prayers to you......

[XTinaMarie474]

Hi Angie,

My mom had her anterior communicating artery annie clipped on Sept 4th. It will be 2 weeks day after tomorrow and she is definitely not able to work right now. (Or wouldn't be able to if she did work - she's one of the lucky ones that don't have to work) Anyway, she isn't well enough, yet. She's still taking 2 naps a day and does still have pain. She finally went out for a walk around her 2 acre property yesterday and then stood outside and talked to a neighbor for a bit. That's the most she has done since the surgery. There's no way she could go to work yet. The nurse did tell her that she should start feeling much better this next week, though.

She was in ICU for 24 hours after the sugery, then moved to a regular room. They tried to get her up walking 48 hours after, but she was too drugged up still. She was basically sleepwalking. Day 3 for her was the worst - she was in a lot of pain. They had taken her off the heavy duty pain meds, plus we were doing everything we could to make her stay awake long enough to eat, use the bathroom, walk around a bit, etc. She was much better by day 4. Wide awake, talking, walking around voluntarily. She didn't remember anything from the first 2 days and only a couple of things from day 3. She was released from the hospital on day 4.

She still has pain in the side of her head, but says it is getting better and says the pain isn't nearly as bad as she expected, so that's definitely good!

I'm glad you were able to talk to your employer like you did and that it sounds like you don't have to worry about losing your job! I'm sure that's a load off of your shoulders!

Good luck with your surgery. I hope everything goes well!

Tina

[pandagurl]

Thanks Tina! It helps to know how others handled or are handling the surgery I'm going to have.
I'm glad your mom is doing well and healing. I think two weeks is really a ridiculous expectation and I don't know why my doctor even said that some people can go back to work after two weeks. I guess he was clipping superman's annie maybe...lol. In any case, I'm pretty sure it will be 6 to 8 weeks. My dad actually said that it shouldn't be a big deal going back to work because i only work a "desk job". Hello? My office job is quite stressful and I'm making complicated decisions. I can barely handle it now since all I think about is the upcoming surgery.

I think everything is going to be okay. I just hate this waiting and I hate the not knowing what it will feel like and how I'll be.

Angie :)

[silverfern]

Angie,

well done for having the courage to talk to your boss. I really believe honesty is best and as he know's you're an asset to the company it sounds like he'll support you and in return you won't take advantage so he know's he has to look after you or lose you to someone else in the long term. Regards part time, maybe you could do a little from home - thats what i do to make up my hours. i finish at 3pm as I get tired, then later in the evening or at the weekend do a few bits at home. There are ways around things as long as all partys are willing.

Regards you not being 100% I was a wreck before surgery, couldn't concentrate, definately couldn't handle stress and struggled with descisions. I am loads better now after surgery. The waiting is the worst. Now even though I get tired I just tell my self 'it's over' and I feel great.

I feel sure nothing is as bad as you make it in your mind. Is it easy - hell NO but once it's done you concentrate on recovering and it feels so good

Good Luck
Catherine x

[FireflyR7]

*forgetmenot I am sorry you have to go through "the wait"!!! *fear I know it is very nerve racking!! I even had to get Xanax before mine because I started having panic attacks and even chest pains. I had to go get my heart checked out because of it, everything was fine, just stress!! :p It might help if you go to the BAF site and print out the information so that your Boss, family and friends know what to exspect after your surgery. The BAF site is listed at the top of the page under useful websites, it gives you short but, great info.!! I am so glad they caught yours before you had a rupture!!
Hopefully you will recover quickly, many have amazingly fast!! Try to spend your time with the ones you love and have fun as much as you can to take your mind off of the surgery!!
If you have a upstairs bedroom, you will have to stay downstairs for a while. I had to set up "camp" in our spare bedroom downstairs. You won't be able to lift or strain for a while either!! So try to get everything set up and ready for when you get home. You will need lots of sleep, rest and TLC!! Do you have people that can be with you around the clock for a while?? I had people bring me meals, money, gifts... It was amazing all the help I was offered!! My sis stayed with me when my hubby was working, for about a year. ( I had a rupture & complications though ) I have had so much help from friends too!!
*smallrose I will be keeping you in my prayers! Don't be afraid to ask your Dr. for something to help you if you are getting to nervous or having panic attacs. You can get something to help!!! Try to eat heathy and stay well hydrated with water before your surgery. Try to stay away from caffien and soda, no straining or lifting either. Try to get as much good sleep before your surgery too!! If you are a smoker, STOP!! It makes your arteries brittle and the surgery more dangerous! I smoked since I was 14, I am now 47, my NS said he hates doing surgery on smokers!! Take care sweetie, I am sure you will do great!!
God bless you hun!! I will be praying for you!! Tricia

*cg20 There is a God, he does do miracles and answer prayers!!

[tink]

Hi Angie! First I am sorry that you have to have surgery, but I'm glad they found your annie. I had a rupture and 2 clippings. I am also an RN and I can tell you that returning to work in 2-6 weeks is not going to happen. It's not even realistic. You have to have time to recover. It takes more time to recover from hemorrhoid surgery then 2 weeks! Ask your Neurosurgeon when he had his annie clipped, how long was he off work and see what he says. Just plan on being a lady of leisure for awhile. At least plan on giving yourself a couple good months. I wish you the best. Please keep us posted. You will be in my prayers.

Love,
Lori

[Feeni]

Hey Panda,

I just returned to work part time today (September 17, 2007). I went in for my surgery on July 9th of this year for an unruptured 7mm annie behind my left eye. I was in the hospital for 4 days and would have been there for one more but I pretty much begged my NS to let me go cause the lady next to me was a horrible roommate. I DEFINATELY would not have lasted even an hour at work 2 weeks after surgery as I was still sleeping from 12-18 hours a day. Everyone is different but don't rush anything! Make sure YOU are comfortable going back to work and not any time before that.

[MikeS.]

Angie,

I had a clipping done on 4-5mm annie at the anterior communicating artery on Jan. 30th. I was out of the hospital on the fourth day, and back to work after 3 weeks. Everything went very well for me. The only pain I had was due to headaches, and back pain, I was getting from the drain they put in my back. Anything they do inside the spinal column can cause some bad headaches. I took some Advil (after asking the doctor) in week two and "voila" the headaches (and back pain) were gone. I had to go on a business trip to NY after 3 weeks, and it was not a pleasant experience. But, looking back at it now, it would have been very bearable if I were not worried that each ache could mean something disasterous. Everyone is different, and I appear to be very lucky since I recovered quickly, but it is possible all could go well for you. I am 42, so I suppose my age helped in the recovery process too. Be careful not to over-analyze everything that happens to you at the expense of forgetting to lead your life the way you want.... I liken the experience to being abducted by aliens where all the physical stuff happens quickly, and then you are left to deal with the experience mentally. I think the mental recovery is sometimes harder than the physical recovery.... I believe that courage and fortitude go a long way to a faster recovery. So many variables, however, go into each persons recovery that it is really hard to know how long it will be before you can return to work. I know it is not mentioned much on this site, but fear plays a big role in recovery, so quickly understanding your bodies pains (post-op) and what they mean will assist you in your recovery. I wish I knew then what I know now and my recovery would have been less traumatic psychologically. Be really emotional and crazy leading up to the surgery, since there is not too much you can do, but after the surgery have a game plan to try and figure out your body and deal with psychological baggage from the surgery. Good luck sweetie!!!

Cheers,

Mike

[jbodley]

Angie,

i had my 5 mm annie in my right carotid artery clipped 2 and a half years ago. I was in the ICU for about 36 hours then stayed another 4 days in the hospital. I wanted to return to work after about 3 weeks but the NS said no. I could return after 6. I was very upset because I thought I was ready. I wasn't even allowed to drive yet and still thought I was ready. I returned to work right at the 6 week mark.( my job was pretty stressful as well). I realized after the first few days why he made me wait! I wish I would have waited a little longer or started back part time.

My advice, and yes I agree everyone is different, take your time. You know your body and know your limits. Allow your brain and body to heal. If you feel you need more time don't be afraid to take it.


My thoughts are with you.

[pandagurl]

Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences. I agree that I will probably feel better mentally once the surgery is done. The waiting is really hard. I'm hanging in there though. It really helps to read stories about your surgeries and how you all got through it. No one around me really seems to understand what I'm going through. So, when I read you all telling me that the waiting is really hard. It makes me feel less crazy :o . Some people around me think that I should be at home laying in bed waiting for the surgery or something. And others seem to think that I should be just functioning as normal. I'm living in between. I'm just trying to focus on getting things done that I feel are necessary and letting the little stuff go because I really can't handle the little details in my head right now.

[JohnS]

Thanks everyone. I sometimes get the feeling that my NS is trying to talk me into getting this surgery by assuring me "it won't be that bad". He said it won't be too painful and the recovery should be fairly easy. He really made it sound like 6 weeks is the max that I would be out of work. He said that "people who really like their jobs sometimes return as early as 2 weeks". I told him that liking my job or not has really nothing to do with it because that comment made no sense to me. I have an appointment for a second opinion and I plan to ask him about the recovery time too. Thanks all!

Pandagurl,

I have a 7mm in the same location as yours. My NS told me to expect a week in the hosp then 4-6 weeks before returning to work. I'm holding him to his word. Well not really those are timeframes are the 'usual', 'average', or whatever you want to call them. 2 Weeks from what I've read and been told by more than one NS is waaaaay too short. I understand the financial impact, but listen to your body it will tell you when it is ready. Maybe you can start back on less than full time if that works for your boss, say 2 hours then 3 - 4 -6 - 8/ day or a few short days a week, then finally full time - again your body will tell you when you are ready.

[mayansun]

Hi pandagurl.

As you can see it varies. I had an unruptured annie clipped in June 2004. I was in the hospital 6 days (my choice I was afraid to leave). After that I was home for 2 weeks. I then went back to work part-time for one week then full-time. My job was mainly a desk job. I would have stayed out longer but as it was I took a week unpaid because I didn't have enough accrued time off or sick time.

My doctor cleared me to go back that soon but I'd say more is better. The biggest issue for me was shear exhaustion and then fear. I was so emotionally distraught I found it hard to work--frankly I wasn't even interested.

Just my 2 cents, everyone is different :o

[mumpie]

Hi pandagurl--
I'm new to this, but had a clipping back in Jan. I truly think doctors don't want you to have too much information because everyone is so different and heals at different rates. I think the doctors don't want you to have any preconceived notions in your mind.
I will say that I needed at least 3 weeks to do nothing and take care of no one else (my son was 7 at the time, so it was hard to manage that: friends and family really pitched in). After 3 weeks my NS told me I could drive again. I felt nowhere near ready! The pain was unbelievable and I needed medicine, so didn't want to drive.
I still get bad headaches, but otherwise I am fine. I was very lucky and hope your surgery& recovery is smooth sailing.
Allow yourself time and listen only to your own body. Good luck!

[pandagurl]

Thanks all for your words of support and advice. It helps so much to hear other's surgery stories. I know I'm not the only one going through this.

I have decided that I'm going to take my time to heal at my own pace. I know there will be financial pressure to get back to work, but I also know that the most important thing is my health. I have made arrangements for my husband to take out a loan (already signed paperwork and such) should we need it. I told him to just not tell me about it, and just go ahead and put the paperwork through if we need it. Because I know that if he tells me about it, I'll just say I'll go back to work to avoid it. So, I've asked him to keep the financial woes to himself and I'll just concentrate on getting better. I'm determined not to go back before I feel ready.

Hugs all!
Angie