Need to make a big decision about job!!

Hello Ladies!

I am having issues with my job. I work as a Vet Tech, (animal nurse) and I am trying to decide if or when I can return. My GYN has given me strict restrictions of lifting, dragging no more than 15-20 pounds for 1 YEAR. My GYN says it takes this long for all of the scars to be formed correctly from the surgery. Animals range from less than 1 pound all the way up 150 pounds!!. Before surgery, it seemed like this wasn't going to be an issue, people would help me, etc. Now, it is an issue. I received a letter, (a very rude one!) from my work that says they did not want me back until I am 100%. My GYN told me that maybe I should look for a different job. I know in my heart that my health is 100% the most important thing in my life right now. I do not want to have all the work my GYN just did to me ruined. Also, I am having mesh erosion and may have another surgery in Feb. I still do not feel ready to return to work. I have had many complications after surgery and my recovery is taking a lot longer than predicted.

My Question is, return to my job when I am better, or quit? Maybe I really should not work with staff that won't help me at all?? Go to a desk job until my lifting restrictions are released?? Has anyone ever had to make this decision while they were out recovering from surgery?? I am very thankful to have my health issues repaired, but it seems this surgery has turned my life upside down! Luckily I have a DH that supports me in what ever decision I make, and his job is the main income.

Any advice or help would be appreciated. I feel terrible and guilty about having a hard recovery and depression has set in pretty badly. I am working with a therapist to help with this. It seems like the majority of other sisters are able to return to work so fast!! I really thought since I recovered so fastly after my vaginal deliveries, that this would be a piece of cake!! Thanks for letting me vent and I wish everyone speedy recoveries!!

Hi RosieMe!

First of all I want to tell you how sorry I am for all you are going through. Health should absolutely come first!! I would not go back to that job until you are healed 100%. Being that they were so rude and have no empathy Im not sure Id want to go back at all. As far as a desk job goes, do you physically/mentally feel like doing that? If you dont "have " to work, in my opinion you should be pampering yourself 100% until you are healed. I wouldnt do anything to compromise your recovery. It's not worth it!!!

I did have a job situation similar to yours. I had to lift, bend and all kind of crazy positions. I had a ruptured disc in my neck and I worked as long as I could with the condition. In my situation I over did it and because of that I have some nerve damage that may be permanent in my upper back. I wish I had quit sooner because I am suffering now. My boss was quite cruel at times and had no understanding and didnt care about the pain I was in. I left that job and never looked back.

It is not your fault that you are having a hard recovery! You shouldnt feel guilty or blame yourself, it cannot be helped. Everyone heals differently just take it one day at a time.

It is wonderful that you have a DH that is so supportive. My best wishes to you in your decsions and recovery. I hope you feel better soon!! Im sure some sisters will be along shortly with some great advice and support. Vent as much as you need to, we are all here to help!!

Rest and take care of yourself!!

I am also sorry for everything you are going through... and I understand!!! I work in a scientific research group of men, and my boss thinks no one should ever get sick, have surgery, basically be weak. He was concerned about my having this surgery and how it would impact my work. I did not have repairs, and should have no restrictions when i return, but still, dealing with someone like this is NO fun.

My opinion is, since you are not the primary breadwinner, perhaps another job/career type is in order for you. If you love what you do, and want to take a desk job just until you can return to the regular work, I'd do it. You DON'T want to ruin those repairs!!

In my case, I am the primary breadwinner, and it would be catastrophic if I lost my job. I do worry about it a bit, since I am only a few days post op and feel HORRIBLE! Am hoping to be ready to go at 6wks like my boss wants.

To my knowledge, and I may be wrong, an employer CAN lay you off if you cannot perform you job duties, even if they are due to health reasons. Maybe others can chime in on this... Not sure if it happens much, but I do know of another tech who was on disability (had a lot of health problems) during a layoff last year, and she was let go.

And yes, you need to think about the character of the people you are working with to send you such a harsh letter. I am thinking along those lines too... but need time to see what else is out there.

CC

Hi Rose Anne~
I think that you should put your healing first. If you injure yourself on the job you will only set yourself back for a longer period of time. You will still be qualified to do your job down the road. Take it easy now and get back in the vet game later when you are physically ready to do the job again. I am glad to hear that you in therapy for your depression. That is probably the biggest issue for you right now. Take care!

Hey Rose,
I used to be a vet tech, so you have my sympathies. I agree with everybody else here. Vet techs are always needed. So someone will need you when you're ready to go back, if not your current employer. I suppose you've thought about the option of working PT as a receptionist in a vet'y clinic instead of as a vet tech?

I am having similar issues working for the health dept. I want to go back PT, but they think I'm a legal liability so they're suggesting I wait until I'm 100% too. I am living on life savings right now.
wish you well, annalee

are you recieving short term disability through your employer. If so i would keep taking that until it is time to go back and tell them your restrictions and let them let you go. If you are not getting any kind of disability or insurance through them i would tell them you had no intention of returning to a work environment where they did not care about their employees health. You will have no problems finding part time work once you are ready, but if you do something to hurt yourself and it could be an even bigger financial burden plus your health. Im a single mother and the sole breadwinner so i dont have that option. Be thankful your husband is the main bread winner and do what is best for you.

I want to thank all of you for your wonderful support!! I knew if anyone would understand, it would be all the wonderful Ladies on this site.

Isn't it sad that after all we go thru with our pre-op medical issues, then surgery, and recovery, that there are some people that are not very supportive and make our recoveries even harder than they need to be? If they only knew first hand what we had gone thru, maybe they would be singing a different song. It's so nice to know that even though we are all so far apart, that we are all so supportive of each other!

I have made my decision to turn in my resignation at my job. When I am feeling up to it, I will look for a desk job to keep me busy until I am able to lift more weight and can return to teching again.

Take care Ladies and thanks again for listening and supporting me!!

I'm sorry you are going through this. I work with a bunch of men and really thought they wouldn't be sympathic, but they have been very good about everything.

A bit of advice .... If you resign and apply for unemployment, make sure you tell Unemployment you resigned because of a "Hostile" work environment and show them that letter. That way you can collect $$$ while you decide on a new career.

I think I would wait for them to fire you and then apply for unemployment listing the reason of them not wanting to accommodate your physical disability. That would serve them right.

I'm thankful that my work has accommodated my physical problems over the last year or so (carpal tunnel, arthritis and this stupid cyst and then hyst). I'm a Registered dental assistant and my coworker and I trade off on stuff that I can't do but she can and vice versa.

You'd think your boss being a vet would understand surgical problems. Nevermind, some Dr's are absolute arses.

But if you get fired, you can't get Unemployment .... at least not in our state (WA). My hubby got fired back in June and hasn't gotten a cent from them and he can't find a job now.

I too am thankful my work is being so accommodating ... I can't believe some employers can be such arses and not be sympathetic..

I'm so sorry you are going through this !