Question for those who are working!

[reachbree 140]

How are you managing your time off?

I pretty much just started this process 2 months ago and I've already had several appts. I feel bad for having to request time off from work so often...and its not over. I have several more appts I need to make (blood lab, ultrasounds, surgeon 2 month followup, NUT 2nd Followup) and so forth. My job is already wondering what the heck is going on with me....

Just curious how everyone is managing their time off with work.

Also, the surgeons office suggested 4-6 weeks off from work. Does anyone know if State disability will cover that time? I definitely don't have 4 weeks of sick time saved up, I had a baby 2 yrs ago and since then its been difficult for me to really save alot of time.

[2goldengirl 2,076]

I'm salaried, not hourly, and my supervisor and manager know I'm having the surgery and are totally supportive. They know I work extra time when there is extra work to be done (like tonight), and they don't insist I make up the time for medical appointments.

Your surgery and follow up visits should be covered under FMLA leave, unless you've already had your surgery and maybe even then. FMLA leave doesn't have to be taken in full-day increments if you're hourly, and can be taken a day at a time for things like medical appointments. If you haven't talked with your HR department already, do so now. they aren't allowed to share any information about why you are taking leave without your permission. FMLA protects your job for up to 12 weeks total for care for a medical condition or illness.

I don't know what state you're in, but in my state, state disability insurance covers you for the period of time your surgeon says you are unable to work due to medical illness, which includes recovery from surgery. In my state, SDI only covers about a third of my income. I have Extended Sick leave as a benefit from my employer that picks up the other two-thirds.

I hope this helps!

Edited January 15, 2016 by 2goldengirl

[Dub 9,922]

Salaried here, too.

I've banked up a ton of sick time.

With the exception of 6 weeks for a herniated disc.....the only sick time I've used is for surgery recovery.....4 in the last 8 years.

The 3 weeks I took off for my sleeve + abdominal hernia repair was no issue. They were shocked actually...as I had two coworkers who have had recent hernia repairs and were out of work for way longer. I'm stupid that way, I suppose. I could've used some more time to get acclimated to the new diet and new way of doing things.