TVH Return to work

I had a Vag hysterectomy on April 30 2012. Everything went well. I was told by my surgeon , at my 6 week post-op check to return to work on June 18, 2012. However- when I applied for the Family Medical Leave pre-op- they set the return to work date up for June 11, 2012.
Now they are refusing to give me my 60% pay for the week after June 11- no matter that my surgeon told me to return on June 18. they asked for the written doctor's excuse and the entire transcript from my last office visit dated June5, 2012. Which I happily supplied . Based on a remark the surgeon made in her note -I had asked about returning to activity post=op- " when can I take a bath?, when can I have sexual relations?, when can I push the sweeper?, how much weight can I lift? ,When can I mow grass on the riding mower? , walk up steps? and when will I safely be able to ride my horse?( Expecting to be told no horse back riding for months) the surgeon said " no horse back riding for one week!" Well- I still haven't gotten on my horse, and don't intend to either! My problem is- because I asked the surgeon about the horse and she documented- ... now the " Work Partners "from work is insisting that I should have returned to work June 11. and is refusing to pay the last week of my leave- and my boss submitted the code for vacation time for that last week.!!!!! At my 6th week check the surgeon said that there were stiil sutures visible and that it still needed to heal, urged me to begin using estrogen cream , take it easy-no problem, so I was completely taken off guard by my last week refusal.
I work in a busy hospital out patient/ inpatient department exposed to germs, pushing heavy patient carts, lifting heavy patients up in bed, and I was exhausted just walking around the hospital on the day of my check up.
My first day back at work I was in the recovery room- and worked 11 hours. No one said " Do you feel ok?', " Do you need a break?" It was grueling. But I did it with out complaint. I am glad that my Surgeon told me to wait the additional week. But I feel that I should not have to use a vacation week to cover it. Any one have any similar experiences, or suggestions for how to stick up for myself?

Didn't have this issue but can you go talk to HR or whoever made the decision to not extend the leave? Ask if there is anything you can get from the doc to help document.

Is there anyway you could get "reduced activities"? Maybe lighter work for the first few weeks. Again your doc may need to prescribe.

Good for you for persevering your day without complaining. If it is a job you enjoy it may be best to just let it go.

Thanks for your input. I guess I could directly approach HR. I thought I was correct in dealing with work partners first. But I was not prepared. I have a kind person that would be at least a willing listener and unbiased at employee health, I could talk to her too.