Recovery Time

General
1

Hi, all!

I am scheduled for decompression surgery with Dr. Mark McLaughlin on 25 March. He's doing a decompression, with the skull, the back of one vertabrae, and a dural patch.

I am trying to ballpark the amount of time I will be out of work for my boss. I figure I should give him a worst-case scenario. I work at a desk job, at a computer (I am a Contracting Officer for the US Army)... about how long should I say? I have gotten hugely different answers from people.

Also, anything else I should know? I am seeing I will have to lose the nail polish.

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2

Thanks... Dr. McLaughlin said 7-8, and suggested I'd probably be in bed about three weeks afterwards?

Yeah, they put a note in my file. Not sure I would have thought of fish oil! I put a red "NO ASPIRIN" circle on my calendar.

3

Nah, I have Sally Hanson "Salon Effects" ... Pink Camo for work on Base. :)

4

I was just told by a PA that I may well be cleared to return to work at 14 days. Does that sound right to anyone???

5

I’m 5 weeks post-op and my neurosurgeon has me out until at least the end of April. He aaid he doesnt want to rush me back to work and not allowing my body to heal fully. He said it will take several months to know for sure if the surgery was of any success. So make sure you take the extra time if you could.

6

Thanks, all. I have surgery the 25th, and I put in for leave through May 20, just in case. That just didn't sound right, you know?

7

I had a really easy recovery and needed 8 weeks off so whoever said 14 days is crazy! I think May 20th is a much more attainable goal for you. You really will want to take it easy for as long as possible. I'm 5 months out and still get a lot of muscle fatigue in my neck by the end of the work week!

8

Anglyn do you still do your neck exercises every day? I’m just curious.

9

I am supposed to but I will admit I forget a lot. I do exercise in general almost daily and I'm sure that helps my neck muscles to an extent but I need to do the designated exercises more often!

Donna said:

Anglyn do you still do your neck exercises every day? I'm just curious.
10

I’m 4months out and I feel I’m well enough for light work.It really depends on the type of work you do.Take care and listen to your body.