My surgery is next week. I'm at a cross as to whether use sick days or use vacation. If I use more than 3 sick days, I will have to bring a doctors statement, and HR may not let me return until the doctor releases me. What if I feel like coming back before he does? Should I use vacation since I can use what I want, and save the sick days for bad band days (feelings), fills or something?

Take them as sick days, I strongly belive holidays should be taking as holiday days. You might feel like a week off soon to show off your new figure. My date is saturday coming and i'm off saturday and sunday and hope to be back in monday. If i don't feel up to it I'll ring in sick but I'm sure i'll be fine. You could ask your surgeon for a note if you do go over the three days and tell him when you think you'll be able to return to work.

i took FMLA for a week

I guess that would depend on how many days you have of each, but I would recommend the sick days first, then if needed use the vacation days for later. Your doctor could always rewrite another note stating that you can return earlier.

My time goes into a PTO (paid time off) bank and I just used the hours I needed. I took off two weeks since it was close to Christmas, but I also had to do FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) papers too because I was out for more than ten days. I think I was out a total of 12 days, and I just got a note from my surgeon to return to work early. I work at a hospital though and had to be approved by Employee Health to go back to work anyway. They have the final say, even over my surgeon. I transcribe all day though, so it's not physically strenuous and I had no problems getting cleared for work.

You could also check with your surgeon and see how soon he/she will release you back to work as long as all goes well. That may make a difference for you. I would say err with caution and use the sick days if you have the time because you can get a doctor's note that way and the possiblity of FMLA, which will protect your job in the event of any complications as long as you are eligible for it at your job.

Good luck with everything!

I would use sick days, I am sure you will be a little sore at least for a week. It all depends on how your employer lets you take your time. It also depends on your job. Do you have to move a lot (walk quick) because I found that my prt would get a little sore from walking too fast and too much for about the first few weeks.

Do you have to move a lot (walk quick) because I found that my prt would get a little sore from walking too fast and too much for about the first few weeks.

It's really too sedentary. I sit at a desk for at least 6.5 hours, so I will have to get up and move frequently.

I thought that I would be back to work in 3 days because I can tough it out... I couldn't. I took a week, and needed it. I don't think you will want to go back before your doctor says....so take the sick days... and save the vacation for when you are feeling great! Good luck!!!!

I had my surgery on May30th and went back to work on June 4th I thought that was plenty of time and it was. Guess it all depends on what kind of work you do. I work at a radio station and answer phones and stuff like that. I don't lift anything heavy there are plenty of men to do that around here. Go at your pace not anybody else's. Everyone is different so if your body is telling you that you still hurt then be it.

godness, my op is sat and i plan to back in monday. not only that my driving test is on wednesday.

I don't know if you will be able to take a driving test. The place where that port is at really hurts and it's been 20 days since I had my surgery so I don't know if you want to be in a big hurry to get back to work. I didn't drive till last week sometime and if you turn that wheel just the right way pain sure does hit ya. Good luck with whatever you decide but I say I would postpone the driving test.

I agree. I was not permitted to drive for 2 weeks. I know everyone is different but I did not start feeling even remotely like myself until I hit the 1 week point. Take care of yourself. Even though it is laproscopic, it is surgery. I am 3 weeks out from surgery and my port sight is still sore. Good luck!:scalesno:

I'm still working on getting a date for my band but I am going to take vacation. I can’t call in and take vacation (like I can sick) it has to be scheduled. I also plan on retiring in April 08 and my sick time goes as time worked toward my retirement. I’m at 900 hrs sick time and counting. I also have about 5 weeks vacation.

Keith

Try to schedule your surgery on a Thursday. You will most likely be able to go back to work on Monday and not have to provide a doctor's note. I had mine done on a Thursday and played in my softball game Monday night with no problems. Hope that helps.

I am taking neither. I am very lucky to have the boss I do. We have a "don't ask, don't tell" policy here. We haven't seen anything in writing regarding sick leave/vacation, so in our office (there are 4 of us) we take the time off and still get paid. Usually if I am out of the office I transfer the calls to my cell and nobody is the wiser:).

By the same token, if needed we are there. I can also work from home if it takes longer than a week.