How long were you off work?

[bookworm79]

I know everyone is different, has different issues, and heals differently but how long were you all off for your decompression surgery?  What type of job did you have?

[bookworm79]

Thanks for the replies.  Abby I am also a wannabe author (or you may already be).  I've completed 3 manuscripts and have another 4 almost done.  I told my husband that if I do have the surgery, I hope that I'm well enough to write during those few weeks I'll be off.  Unfortunately, I hope if I do, I can return to work.  I've been in my career for well over a decade, educated greatly in it and am the breadwinner.  We would not be able to afford 3/4 of the way we live if I did not have my income - and no we're not materialistic either.  Fortunately we're both very practical and frugal.  I haven't shopped for clothes a dept store in forever.  I love thrift stores.  But my husband is trying to relaunch a competitive career after military service and I can't get hired in anything else (so far) because I only have experience in this field.  I do have a desk job and am hoping that will make it easier for me.  My only issue is that though I do have good benefits, being off work for more than short term or long term disability is not financially feasible.  Fortunately we're almost debt free (aside from student loans) and don't even have a car payment so we'll see what happens.  I know I'm better off in that respect than most people but like everyone else, it would only take a few missed paychecks to lose it all.   My apt is in a couple hours.  I'll let everyone know how it goes.

[Sabbynal]

Hiya!
I love the way you asked your question. Here is my experience. I had my surgery back in May and have done extremely well. I am back to doing business out of my home. It works for me because I set my pace, and when it gets to be a bit much for me, I have just  learned to pull back or relax my goals for the day a little.
I also write. I am working on two books. I have found that things that are cerebral (strangely enough) are easier to get back into.

Physical work is not an option for me right now. I have tried to work out a little, even just doing 8-10 squats at home, and nearly fell over. It's not smart to do anything that alters your intra-cranial pressure. So running isn't an option.

I have lost track of some important things, and have found that my instant recall memory is not at my beckon call all the time. So I wouldn't want anyone to depend on me to keep up with their scheduling if life depended on it. But remember, the fulla recovery from head surgery is about 2 years. The dura and skull don't get cut often, so they take a long time to heal. Your body takes a long recovery time. But if you take it slow and have support, there isn't a reason you can't work again. Some people have extenuating circumstances. I will never be a skydiving instructor, but there is no reason that at some point I couldn't go back to teaching.
Thanks for asking,
Abby

[linnielou232]

I am also unable to return to work.  I worked in the food service for 23 yrs and it was very physical, fast pace, I was lead so had a lot of responsibility, but due to the NS advice of not going back to work I had to quit.  It was the 2nd hardest issue for me to deal with. 1 issue Chairi.   I loved my job, but we do have to do what is best for us and our families.  Hope the best for you.  

[selmaS]

  I never went back....I used some of my sick time and FMLA bcuz b4 I got my DX  I had a drop attack and had injuries that required surgery so I had 2 surgeries b4 I got my dx of chiari ....

having other issues I know I would not have been able to go back...I worked retail management and put in 70 plus hours a week.

It was far too stressful and physical a job to go back to.

    "selma"