How soon did you go back to work?

[EmilyJune 43]

Hi everyone!

So I work in homecare and also go to nursing school and I currently care for 3 clients and work about 55-68 hours per week due to my husband being disabled and I have two young children to support. Doc says I shouldn't go back for about 3-4 weeks but financially I can only take two weeks off and that even seems like a lot. Two clients are more independent than the third, but the third is about 200lbs and a slide board transfer therefore pretty strenuous position. When did you guys feel comfortable going back and have you been in this predicament?

Surgery next Thursday, can't wait..

Thank you!!

[dashofsunshine 875]

I wasn't allowed to do heavy lifting for five or six weeks. I think that's pretty standard, and you should definitely ask your surgeon, because nasty stuff can happen if you lift a 200 lb person before you're ready I'm a teacher, and I tried to go back at 2 weeks, but after a full day I was exhausted, weak, and dehydrated. I went back at 3 weeks full time and did fine. Everyone is different, though! I would think your job would be pretty strenuous and exhausting, so definitely speak with your surgeon.

[Teapot 26]

One of the surgeons I consulted with said no lifting type work for at least 5 weeks. Only desk job workers get a 2 week release.

[EmilyJune 43]

Stress :-/ thank you guys for the advice.. just sucks being in my situation I hope work is understanding..

[KristenLe 5,979]

You should be eligible for FMLA. Many States have Temporarily Disability too - if you pay into that then you can collect when out.