how long where you out of work

[cindy26]

This is a major question I have.  I have already used all of my FMLA at work and they are wiling to let me off again in Dec.  I am a nurse in a pain clinic.  I really don't usually have a very physical job.  The part that is getting me right now is that the office is very big and alot of walking.  We see on average 150-250 pts a day and just have on average 3 nurse to get their vital signs and get them back to their rooms for the dr.  We have a phone nurse who answers the nurses voicemail and pulls the charts for the drs to review the answers.  My question is will I be able to maybe go back to work part time and answer the nurses line or will I not be able to walk after a couple weeks.  I just really want to get back to work.  I know I am too eager to get back but I love my job and I defiately don't want anything to jepordize it.  How long was everyone off work?

[Pat Walter]

Hi Cindy

Unfortunately, no one can predict how quickly you will recover.  One emergency room doctor had a resurfacing and was back to work the next day after he left the hospital.  That usually doesn't happen.

A lot depends on your energy level after surgery.l  I was older and it took me almost 6 months to get mine back.  Younger people often get theirs back quicker and some people have been back to work a week or two after surgery.  It really depends on you and your recovery.  Most people find it difficult to sit from long periods.  You normally need to get up and move every 45 minutes.  I flew 8 1/2 hours 10 days post op and I got up every hour.

I was walking with just one crutch at 4 days post op.  I was able to get around quite easily, but I was so tired.

A lot depends on your doctors protocol.  You need to ask if you can use just one crutch, 2 crutches or a walker.  Some of the US doctors have people on walkers for 6 weeks.  So you need to ask the questions and get the answers from your own doctor.

Some people have a lot of swelling when they are up and about a lot and need to be icing.  If you are on your feet a lot, you could have that kind of problem. No one can tell ahead of time.

I wish you a fast and quick recovery  -  that's what you need and want - but there are no guarantees.

Good Luck.

Pat