I judged and refereed at a local skating competition yesterday. Judging was OK because I could sit, and the events weren't very long so I was able to get up and move around in between. But while ref'ing I had to stand for fairly long periods of time. My hips got very angry about that, to the point of hurting most of the day today.
I am supposed to be chief referee at a competition in another state 10 weeks or so after surgery. I have been reading on the Hipwomen list that traveling alone on a plane 10 weeks after surgery is probably going to be a Very Big Deal. Then to chief a multi-day competition after the plane ride/airport-to-hotel journey may be a bit ... much.
I really thought that after 10 weeks I'd be feeling great and able to resume such activities. But now I'm thinking, Not So Much. Even if I have the perfect recovery (not likely at my age, which for this type of surgery is advanced) it's going to be a major endeavor featuring muscle relaxants and walking aids and wheelchairs and fatigue and annoyance and mostly lots of pain.
I can still back out, but this is sort of an important competition to chief since it's supposed to lead to a referee's appointment, something I've been saying I was going to do for about 6 years. But obviously the timing stinks. I hadn't foreseen hip dysplasia in my future last year when I was setting goals for myself.
I also have said I'd be back at work in 6 weeks, because I only have 12 weeks FMLA on a rolling yearly basis and so need 6 for each surgery. But now I'm thinking that's not going to be possible either. It's a total shift in my thinking, but I realize this recovery is going to be longer and more difficult than I've let myself believe until now.
Outstanding.
2 comments:
Hi,
My OS advised me to be out of worh for at least 10weeks ( I will be 40 at surgery, and have a job that involves a fair amount of standing).
I have actually told work up to four months, so I am not under pressure to return before I am ready. I figured it would be a bonus if I am able to return sooner. The sick leave in the UK is a bit different though.
Hope this helps,
I wouldn't know what to say about the 10 weeks trip, I think thats probably an individual thing, depending how the recovery goes.
How late could you leave that, before backing out?
Kate
I am usually a pessimist, but when it comes to my surgical recovery I've tried to be optimistic. I don't think it has been realistic though.
My job is sedentary and I can work from home somewhat, so I think I'll be able to return at 6 weeks to part-time work. There's no way I could take 4 months off. I'll probably cancel the 10 week trip. Rats!
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