Very physical job and worried :(

[FosterPussycat 11]

Does anyone else have a very physical job? I was sleeved 6/11/14. I'm due back to work July 21st, *I think*...I'm a truck driver and unload 99% of my own freight. Hundreds/thousands lbs freight with a pallet jack And/or by handcart. I'm extremely nervous about not being able to preform my job, as I am still sooooo tired and so winded easily. I could sleep 14 hours a day. I still get lightheaded, but not as bad as it used to be.

Pain management was terrible in the beginning. And I'm way behind in food. It's still pretty painful so I'm still on three Protein shakes a day. Some days I'm able to eat a little pudding, or a string cheese.

I'm super scared. Should I be asking my doctor for more time off? Ughhhh don't want to lose my job!

Been doing Water aerobics daily 1-2 hours and dog walking. Just...so...tired

Carolyn

[Pamalamb 72]

Maybe you should talk to your doc and see if it is safe to return. It sounds like even driving might be an issue if you feel dizzy. You can always find another job if you have to. Your health is more important.

[Madam Reverie 2,958]

I think you know the answer to this yourself.

Whilst you're probably capable of driving, the fact you're getting dizzy, is not good when you're in charge of such a heavy vehicle. Lest we go into the ability to move pallets of freight so soon after surgery.

I'd be having a little chat with my doctor; asking for some more time off.

I don't know about employment law in the US, but I'm sure if your absence is covered by a doctor, your employers can't sack you for it. If they try to sack you on your return for nefarious reasons, that's a different story.

As far as your energy levels are concerned? Try taking your foot off the gas pedal with regards to the exercise and focus on getting some more food and Water in. The moment you do that, you will surely feel better.

As for moving the pallets? Sadly, this is only one you can decide upon. You had major surgery, its not something that can be overcome in a month and if you're sore - you're sore for a reason.

I'd go and speak to the Doctor. By rushing back into things you could endanger yourself - and who wants that?

No one.

Take care and let us know what the Doc has to say about it all.

[FosterPussycat 11]

Is being out 6-8 weeks normal for someone like me? I just hope my doctor will work with me. He seems very eager to send me back. And I'm like wtf?!? I can't!

[adrinicmen 3]

I'm getting 6 weeks off so that I can recover. Talk to your doctor and explain your concerns. The Family Medical Leave Act ensures that your employer can't get rid of you if you have medical time off, up to 3 months.

[Hoginona04 61]

I agree with the rest, and you need to speak to your doctor. That being said, I am a oilfield worker so I would say my job is very physical. I returned to work just under 3 weeks post op (19 days). I was told to walk as much as I could handle when I woke up from surgery. So I was walking a mile every day from the day I was released from the hospital. I too had some issues with being tired and weak. I found that once I started eating mushy foods, that went away. I assume the 60 grams of Protein was not enough, but with some tuna added to the menu, I feel great. Been back at work in the Arabian Sun for the past 3 weeks and not having any issues at all. BTW it's 116 degrees over here. I drink Water like a fish, (around 120-150 ounces a day) 80 grams of Protein and feeling great. (60 grams from powder, 20 plus from tuna)