work release

[psalmist]

I am on longterm disability (sounds like more than what it is) from work . . . up to 12 weeks. I had to file for that time off. The problem is that I need a signed work release from my cardio saying I can go back to work. I just found out that he won't release me until I am 8 weeks out! I was expecting to back at 6 weeks. I have read that some of you go back at three weeks. What gives? I had no idea. I am a manager and have a pretty stressful job. My comanager is really wanting me back and I want to. Because of insurance and liability they won't let me without the work release. What do I do?

 

[Karlynn]

Is 8 weeks a standard time-line for your doctor? If you've spoken with the doctor and he just won't do it, there's not much you can do.

 

[psalmist]

protocol

protocol

My wife got the call. She was told by the doctors assistant that the Cardio would not sign a release until 8 weeks and that was their practice. My wife asked about 6 weeks and the cardio got on the phone and said that 8 weeks was protocol. He said that the mayo (since that was where I had the surgery) might would give me one. The mayo is not in charge of my care . . . he is and I am sure they would not go against his charge. I had told my boss 6 wks. I am not sure where I heard that number but I am sure I had heard that. It is just frustrating. Seth

 

[donnamarie]

I am on longterm disability (sounds like more than what it is) from work . . . up to 12 weeks. I had to file for that time off. The problem is that I need a signed work release from my cardio saying I can go back to work. I just found out that he won't release me until I am 8 weeks out! I was expecting to back at 6 weeks. I have read that some of you go back at three weeks. What gives? I had no idea. I am a manager and have a pretty stressful job. My comanager is really wanting me back and I want to. Because of insurance and liability they won't let me without the work release. What do I do?

If your job is that stressful, maybe another 2 weeks at home will do you good. Not to sound harsh...but nobody is indispensible. Also, I try to remember that nobody ever died saying "I wish I worked more." If the doctor won't give it to you, maybe his experience with prior patients tells him to do this. Relax and have fun with your son.

 

[MikeHeim]

Wow. I was thinking the same thing as donnamarie as I read your post. Regardless, if your doctor won't release you I think you're stuck. As a manager, you should be familiar with those rules as I think you would typically be the one enforcing them. Your best bet is probably to go in to the Cardio's office and show them that you're fine. Of course, they have liability if they sign a release to send you back, just as your company has liability if they accept you back without a release.

 

[WayneGM]

My doctor and Cardio both told me pre-op to expect to be off work 10 - 12 weeks. I probably would have gone back at 10 but due to a bump in the road, which included another week in the hospital, I ended up taking the 12 weeks, with full approval of the insurance company handling my short term disability claim (my benefits defined short term as less than 15 weeks). I had a stressful management position and even at 12 weeks, going back to work full days was very tough.

Personally, I'd take the extra 2 weeks if your disability benefits cover it. Not everyone has this advantage which may be why some go back to work so early. Relax, and let your body heal. Work will still be there when you get back. Best wishes whatever you do.

 

[Karlynn]

Amen to all the above!

 

[PhillipCinci]

My doctors told me originally 4-6 weeks. They did know I work from home on a computer and the phone and travel about 50% of the time. My surgeon on the other hand after surgery tells me 8 weeks period. He still has me on a 5lb lifting limit til the eight week mark. My short term disability was approved to the 8 week mark. But, I did get the surgeon to write a return to work at 6 weeks. He said I could return to the desk but not to traveling until at least after the 8 week mark. I have returned to working as of last Thurs. My job is also a high stress process/people management. I will say that when you go back see if you can 'work back up to the pace'. I quickly realized that I could not keep the pace of an 8-10 day. I am now working a reduced number of hours and not jumping back into everything yet. Bottom line, I wanted to get back....but I may not be ready 100% yet. And for those who went back at 3 weeks that is amazing to me!

 

[Kathleen]

Perhpas you can get an ok to work part time. It makes sense to ease back into a stressful job. Make sure you leave the office before you are tired since the window of getting home without feeling total exhaustion is small. I could not wait to get to the couch once I got home. Not really good for the family unit to work all day and then go to bed and get up and repeat the process.

 

[blessed1416]

Slow down

Slow down

Seth, you are a young man who's very much devoted to caring for his family. So I know you are feeling the pressure of returning to work to provide for your family. However, right after surgery, our brain tells us we are ready to resume our regular duties, but our bodies tells us a completely different story. I was teaching 2nd grade at the time of my first surgery. Even after my 6 week release to return to work, I found I couldn't hold out for the entire day. Fortunately, my school board approved an additional 3 weeks /half day work schedule. I found that the majority of my subjects were covered in the morning anyway, so this really worked well for me. As soon as I got home each day, I rested and prepared for the next day. Anyway, just enjoy being at home with your family. Your work will be waiting on you when get back.

 

[catwoman]

Seth:

Enjoy the time "off." The work can wait. You need the time to heal without having to worry about the office. I went through this when I had a complete hysterectomy in 1985. I was a newspaper copy desk chief, and my employees called me nearly every day begging me to come back. I was off 6 weeks, but didn't feel rested when I went back.

When I had my MV replacement, I went back part-time (20 hours) at 7 weeks post-op. I was on STD for the time I was off each day during the 4 weeks I worked part-time. Because my PCP had to fax notes each week to the STD insurance company, we decided to specify that I would work 4 hours X 5 days each week. At the end of those 4 weeks, I went back full-time.

The transition from being home to working part-time was rough on me, and it was a little rough adjusting to full-time at the end of those 4 weeks working part-time.

My husband was off about 8 weeks with his MV repair. Went back at the beginning of the 2nd summer term (he works for a community college).

 

[doberman]

Dude! enjoy the time off, looks like you have another 20 or 30 years to catch up on your work, the fact that you want to go back shows you must be in good shape. I went back after 2 1/2 weeks, I never told anyone on this site at the time as I would have got a solid scolding. My wound was still bleeding, and I had to have a nap every afternoon. Personally I could have used another month off. I will say this much, you will never have a more solid excuse to take it easy! enjoy your rehab and chill!
Jd