Hi everyone. I just would like a little input from some of you "older" post op people. Here's my dilemma, if you want to call it that--or situation. I have to make a decision really soon about whether or not I'll be able to return to work in January, and I have no idea right now. I'm an elementary school librarian with a full day of planning for and handling classes of students from kindergarten through grade 5. When I don't have classes, I have individual kids coming to switch books, etc. I also have to fill in occasionally for lunch and recess duties, keep multiple bulletin boards looking nice in the library, and so on. I also have books to handle and re-shelve every day-- probably about 300-400 books each day. The bookshelves go from shoulder height to the floor. I took the first semester off because there was no way I could handle the job starting in August, although that had been my original goal. I was still on too many pain meds and wearing my brace all day, etc., plus hadn't been released to drive yet.
I go for my 6 months check-up on Thursday, so I will know then what limitations I still have. Up till now I've been told not to twist or bend or lift anything very heavy. I know you should squat and not bend to get up and down, but I have arthritis in my hips and knees and don't do that very well, especially since I can't take my arthritis medicine because it interferes with fusion. I can sit on a computer/rolling chair that can go up and down some, which will help a little. I'm just not sure about handling all the books and going up and down--and just working a full day in general. But I still have 2 months until I'm scheduled to return for 2nd semester. I found out last night that I will need to let them know later this week whether I will actually come back or not this year. I just don't know what I'll be like in two more months. How were some of you that may have similar problems like me, at 8 months post-op? My fusion is from T2-L4.
Thanks for any help/thoughts you can give.
I go for my 6 months check-up on Thursday, so I will know then what limitations I still have. Up till now I've been told not to twist or bend or lift anything very heavy. I know you should squat and not bend to get up and down, but I have arthritis in my hips and knees and don't do that very well, especially since I can't take my arthritis medicine because it interferes with fusion. I can sit on a computer/rolling chair that can go up and down some, which will help a little. I'm just not sure about handling all the books and going up and down--and just working a full day in general. But I still have 2 months until I'm scheduled to return for 2nd semester. I found out last night that I will need to let them know later this week whether I will actually come back or not this year. I just don't know what I'll be like in two more months. How were some of you that may have similar problems like me, at 8 months post-op? My fusion is from T2-L4.
Thanks for any help/thoughts you can give.
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