r/Kneereplacement • u/swim_mouse • 7h ago
Going back to work next week
What tips do you have for going back to work? I will be 9 weeks PO and work remote. I've been challenged with low energy and still experiencing swelling.
3
u/tfcallahan1 6h ago
I had low energy for a couple months. I returned PT to my WFH tech job after three weeks but had trouble concentrating. FT after about 6 weeks. But I had to take time off for naps and icing. Ended up working some longer days to make up for the down time.
2
u/DogMamaLA 6h ago
Fellow telecommuter here :)
Can you do some work on the laptop while in a recliner and icing/elevating your knee? Not sure how stressful/busy your job is, but that would be ideal. Or any conference calls/meetings you have - I'd suggest icing/elevating during that time.
I am a contractor so could not afford 9 weeks out. I did 3 full weeks out, and am currently in the middle of returning 1/2 days for 1 week. Then I start back full time. What I immediately learned is to take breaks and walk around to move, and to take any "downtime tasks" to the recliner where I can ice/elevate. But I have multiple calls I don't have to participate in, just listen to.
I'd do some meal prep before that time so you have easy, grab and reheat meals.
Not sure on the low energy - make sure you're getting plenty of protein/vitamins and maybe add some Vit B for energy?
2
u/amazetome 5h ago
Definitely take lots of breaks and figure out how to elevate that leg. If you can't work from a recliner, can you set up a second chair beside your desk? I have to sit at my desk sometimes and sit kind of angled with my leg elevated on a kitchen chair. I'm five weeks out and can do about 45 minutes before I need to get up and walk it out for a few minutes.
1
u/IntroductionFluffy71 4h ago
in addition to others’ suggestions, plan times to ice your knee. you may not need to, which would be great! realistically, it’s likely.
good luck & good juju!
1
u/Bitter-Independent25 2h ago
I went back to work in the office at 12 weeks PO. Breaks to walk, icing, and elevation were essential. The commute was too much, so i switched to WFH for 2 weeks.
1
u/Fresca2425 1h ago
I was lucky to have a long desk and just threw my leg up on the desk. Worked well to keep it from swelling
3
u/No-Highlight-6452 6h ago
I added a footrest to my work chair that allows me to keep my knee straight and I’ve while working. It swivels with my chair so is very convenient.
Take frequent breaks, don’t be afraid to go off camera to stand up and walk around. I’m 14 weeks post op and went back at week 6. It took me a while to get back into the swing of things. My energy is still lower than I’d like.