I have a staff member who has just joined us in recent weeks. Time management is a crucial prerequisite in this role, she has had 3 weeks to get her self achieving the requested work load within the requested time frame, however we seem to always be getting the “Ive just had a hysterectomy” when we question the time she is is taking.
This woman had a hysterectomy in November last year.
Now I am aware it takes time to get the muscles in the area functioning properly, but 5 months later, am I being selfish thinking this woman is using this as an excuse? I have never had, nor do I know anyone who has had such a major surgery to understand the healing time.
Tomorrow, It’s my job to tell her “pick the times up or no job”
How long does it take to recover from a hysterectomy? Employment reasons.
How long does it take to recover from a hysterectomy? Employment reasons.
Posted in:
Self Care
11 Replies
I answered but seems to have disappeared.
This will depend on the job.
Office job, she should have no problems.
Lifting, digging, moving things etc, may still cause issues. It took 12 months for my sister to be at full physical capacity.
Depends entirely on the job a full recovery would be expected by 12 months.
6-8 weeks off work to recover but there is pain and the body adjusting for 12 months as it is such an invasive procedure.
I don't think she is using it as an excuse. You could suggest she see her dr and get an all clear to work because if she is experiencing a lot of pain maybe something is going on.
Be gentle with her, a hysterectomy is a big deal.
This comes down to personal medical issues. If unable to perform duties she needs a doctors certificate.
I had keyhole hernia repair surgery.
It took me 6 months to be physically opperating at my best again after that.
A hysterectomy is much more invasive, organs are removed, hormones can go batshit crazy. I've known a few people who had hysterectomys and getting to that full recovery point has been extensive, one friend still struggling with post op complications 12 months down the track.
So I think it's definitely within the realms of possibility that's she's still feeling the effects, but it's not unreasonable for you to ask for doctors certificates and/or a doctor's clearance for her to even be at work
I guess it would depend on how much has been done because it's not just the "muscles" that can be affected. If they've taken her ovaries out means she may be experiencing hormonal withdrawal and menopause which can cause debilitating physical, mental and emotional side effects.
However, the specifics of her procedure aren't your business. If she's been there 3 weeks, she's well within her probation so you can just say it's not working out and leave it at that. That said, if this is a role that she doesn't have experience in, I wouldn't expect anyone to be across everything within 3 weeks, hysterectomy or not. That's why there are probationary periods and why, if you think she has potential, you could spend a bit more time investing in her.
It took me well over a year because it just doesn’t effect you physically but also mentally. I worked an office job and ended up quitting because I just wasn’t in a good place hormonally. Now I can’t seem to get a job because people don’t seem to want to employ women in their 50’s 😡😡😡
I'm sure she would if she could, nobody starts a new job and purposely does a shit job. You're probably making her worse by putting pressure on her. She has been there 3 weeks, give her time or let her go so she can find a more understanding employer.
Was she aware about the job requirements before accepting the position?
Did she disclose she had a hysterectomy before she accepted the position and it could hinder her ability to complete it?
Given she would be on probation, get rid of her ASAP I would say.. otherwise I bet she will be the one to claim unfair dismissal when it’s too late.
I know some will say it’s harsh, but businesses succeed on productivity and if she’s doing a crap job and not keeping up, get someone who can :) business is competitive and there’s plenty of men or women who could do the same role and keep up.
So I'm an allied health professional and review a lot of people post surgery including hysterectomy. Some women have chronic regional pain years later. Others recover physically within a few months. Many struggle physically due to the hormonal changes that can last for a long time after their actual surgery has healed. Many struggle psychologically which can manifest physically. I had my appendix out last year. No complications and I was working the day after I was released from hospital... And I was released at my request 2 days prior to hospital recommendation so I could return to work. I'm in an office so physically I was ok... But it took me 4 months to do more physical work which was super annoying since we bought another house and moved... I was pretty much only doing light tasks and couldn't do it for a full day. That's much longer than anticipated. She might be using it as an excuse but she very well may not be.
I looked into this, and I was told 6-10 weeks post op, for basic recovery, but up to 12 months in total..
Is this business a fast paced supermarket and if so buddy her up with a workmate who does run load within the timeframe so she can see how it is done