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Posted 3/14/2017 10:54 PM (GMT 0)
I am 7 weeks post op for ACDF C4-5-6 with hardware. Still experiencing right arm numbness. Both shoulders feel like they are being stood on. Start PT this week. My job is member service at a large wholesale warehouse. I stand for entire shift other than 2 fifteen minutevbreaks and half hour lunch. Every hout we do floor safety walks and at the exit I swipe teceipts all day ( I am right handed) . I am out untol further notice. Next dr appt is 4/19. Any thoughts on returning to work full time?
Posted 3/15/2017 11:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Memberservice & welcome to the forum. Is your surgeon aware of the type of work you do? If not then you need to inform the dr about your job activities. Surgeons are often quick to return patients back to work after surgery. I would say see how you feel at your next appt. If the dr starts making noises about sending you back & you don't feel that you are then make it clear you are not there yet. I also suggest that when you are released ask for part time for 2 weeks. Going back full time we see that is often too much at first. Kind of ease into it. The main thing is listen to your body. You had a lot of work done & this should all get better in time. Also, make sure you have good shoes to wear when returning to work.

Take care.
Posted 3/15/2017 2:02 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the response. Yes a job description was attached. Hopefully they paid attention to other job requirements listed. Unfortunately my employer seems to cop an attitude on people who are out on comp or disability. I was informed by the Co. That does our disability that we can do a "transitional" period of part time for up to 12 weeks. When I mentioned it to the GM he gave me grief. Our store is super slow and shouldn't be an issue. I am concerned with standing on the concrete floors for the extended periods. Yes, I dif go purchase good shoes. I guess I will see how things go with PT. Dr put approximate return to work as 5/31, (surgery in 1/25). Disability approved to 4/4 and awaiting approval to 4/19 as its my next appointment. Continue to have swallow issues. Terrible ROM. Still pain on movement. Hopefully PT will help.
Posted 3/15/2017 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
Use this time off to be gentle with yourself, let your body heal. Everyone heals differently, do not push yourself in other words. You are still fresh from surgery so I am not surprised at how you feel. Follow the drs instructions to the letter.

All you can do is see where you are later on. I am not sure of your age or over all health prior to surgery this is also a factor. As far as the GM goes, employers can be a real pain in the butt. Just remember, do what is best for you.

Take care.
Posted 3/15/2017 2:27 PM (GMT 0)
Always advocate for myself. I am 56 years old. No spring chicken.
Thank you
Posted 3/15/2017 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
Well, I am older than you & know how much more difficult it is to bounce back from things. In all honesty, you may find the jarring from walking on the concrete pretty difficult. I have seen a few say after this surgery, their first week back they thought their head was ready to come off of their shoulders. However, in all fairness, they went back full time & that is just pushing it too much.

Try not to worry about the return to work so much right now, just work on getting yourself to feeling better. Take care.
Posted 3/15/2017 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
Check back in after PT and or my next Dr appt.
Thank you
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