When did you go back to work?

Thank you for all your ideas. I have decided to take next week off and then try 1/2 days after that. On Tuesday I will be at the 3 week mark. My knee is feeling pretty good, but it is still very bruised. I got a muscle stimulator this week and have been diligent about using it on top of exercise. I didn't have to use that CPM machine that people talk about...don't really know why?

Stakro-- I am so sorry to hear that your battles continue. I am praying that my knee is coming along well and that walking won't be as hard as I envision. I tried to get my classroom as put together as I could before the surgery, but I just figured that crutches would be easy to use....sooo not the case! I forgot that they take your hands away too! I am working on a new invention to replace them. ha!

I figure that if 1/2 days become too much, I'll just pull back. I just feel so bad that I'm not starting the year off with my kids. My sub is leaving for Elk Hunting so I have to find someone new. I have a lot of technology in my classroom so I need to find someone qualified. Our new school is two stories and does have a elevator, but my room is at the end of a VERY long hall. great! Than you for your help. I am so glad to have found this site!

Hi,
I too am a first grade teacher, and I took 6 weeks off. I tried to go back half-days at the 4 week mark, but my school wouldn't allow it b/c of liability. I am so glad that I did take the time off though. It was extremely hard being away from my kids, but I found a great long-term sub who communicated with me daily.
I actually had to be on crutches longer than expected (8-10 weeks), so I did go back to school w/ crutches. The day that I tried it without them, I tripped over one of my students who had a disability herself, and that set me back a bit.
I think you could probably teach, but if you could take the time off, I would recommend it. I was able to rehab 3x/week plus do all of my knee movements (insurance didn't cover the CPM machine) consistently at home.
I hope this helps! Good luck with your recovery!

Little Angel

Hello All---I'm two weeks post surgery and realizing that this NWBing issue is a lot more frustrating than I figured. I am a 5th grade teacher and school began today. I have been crutching around my school the past week to get the room ready and I am exhausted and my palms and whole upper body aches from those annoying crutches. I have a sub for 3 days and then I was going to start back to full time teaching next week, but now I'm concerned about my stamina and trying to DO IT ALL while on crutches. I have a wheelchair, but I can't get around the classroom as easily as I want. I still have 4-6 weeks of NWBing and that worries me.

My question is... how long before you went back to work? I hate being away from my students, but I also don't want to go back too soon and be a worn out teacher...what fun is that for the kids?

Your help is appreciated!