I understand that the full scope of symptom improvement takes many many months. My question is, in general, how long until I can go back to work (essentially a desk job) after unilateral styloidectomy with C1 shave (Fargen). I understand that everyone heals differently, but is 2 weeks, 3 weeks, even 4 weeks needed to be able to return to a very low impact job?
For normal styloidectomy, 2 weeks can be enough, but for bilateral & a C1 shave, personally I’d opt for the 4 weeks if that’s possible with your job? Even with a desk job, your posture might not be ideal, & I’d think it would be a strain on your neck if you’re sitting at a screen for a long time. Also some members have found talking is uncomfortable after surgery, so if you do much talking for work that might be difficult? Also I wasn’t able to drive for 3 weeks or so as I couldn’t turn my head very well, so that’s something to consider unless you’re WFH…
Otherwise you could see if you could go back part time initially?
1 Like
I’m a NP (outpatient cardiology), so yes I’d have to talk to patients 
. I have an adjustable desk, so I can sit or stand depending on how I feel. I am putting in for accommodations to come back with a lower patient load to start. I am putting in for short term disability, but that kicks in after 4 weeks. I have 5 weeks of PTO saved up, but don’t want to burn it all in case I have the right side done in the coming months (Hackman).
2 Likes
Sorry, I mis-read your post & thought that you said bilateral! It’ll be good to have a smaller caseload for a few weeks… I had each side done separately and no C1 shave, I was just doing voluntary work at the time but did have to lift little children about so took 4 weeks off from that. Hopefully others who’ve had a C1 shave too can let you know how they were, but like you’ve said it does vary so much!
2 Likes