Waiting for surgery.... work problems...

So I have y hyster schedualed for sept 11th.... I'm an LNA... nursing assistant... and I do a TON of lifting and pushing and pulling and bending... so anywho... I'm killing myself at work... my pain levels are through the roof by the time I get home... not everyday.... but most days.... sometimes I have to go home early... anyways my question is.... have any of you had a doctor take you out of work for the last couple weeks before surgery? I wonder if mine would... because I don't want to mess up this job.. I really love it... and I love my patients... it might be better for me to leave with FMLA for my last remaining weeks than to miss time and jeopordize things by missing time.... anyone have any advice?

Hi, good question, my Dr did take me off work for 2 weeks prior. My bleeding and pain increased when I had to work, plus my Dr did not want me to be anyplace where my chances of catching a "bug" would be increased.. I am an RN so I understand where you are coming from. If you believe your symptoms are made worse because of work, or if you will be more exhausted or run down prior to surgery because you have such a physical job then I see good reason for the request. Plus the bottom line is you will not know unless you ask, The Dr may say sure, or at worst, No I cant do that. But if I were in your position I would ask.
I don't know if you being off work would have to be covered by insurance or anything like that, because its different in Canada where I live, but you could certainly check it out. Good luck

I work for the state... we have this thing called family medical leave act.... if my doctor says I need to be out.. I'm covered with insurance still... they can't fire me... and people can donate time to me while I'm out... everyone that works for the gov gets a certain number of comp hours in their check every week... so a bunch of people are donating time so I can still get a paycheck while I'm out...
I just think it'll be my best bet... I dont want to lose my job... or hurt one of my patients because my legs give out or anything...

Hi Emily,

As you probably already know, FMLA allows up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave...providing you've met the qualifications (have been employed there for at least a year and have worked at least 1250 hrs in the past consecutive 12-month period).

I'm an HR professional - I actually memorize this kind of information. Wacky, or what??

Seems to me that it shouldn't matter if your leave starts two weeks early...cuz even if you're out for 6 more weeks (which is standard), you're still not in danger of going over what's allowed.

Take care girl...hope you're feeling better soon!
*Erin