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Posted 8/12/2010 3:25 PM (GMT 0)
I am going to my post surgery check with the Urologist tomorrow.  I feel that the surgical site has healed well, but since my readmission to the hospital I still feel pretty rough.  I wake up with a trapped air feeling every morning.  Then whenever I eat my stomach gets all upset.  I am having to try to figure out what works for me now food wise and what doesn't.  I am authorized off work until next Wednesday, supposedly to go back to work next Thursday.  The problem is I still feel really rough, and at this point cannot even imagine sitting at my desk doing work. shocked

But....the surgery has healed, so the Urologist could just formally say he releases me from his care now.  He is a really nice guy, but I am just not ready to go back to work yet.  Can you help me figure out what to say to him to get him to extend my leave?  I don't think they did anything to me in the surgery, I think I did something with all that power dry heaving I did in the hospital when I had to be readmitted 12 days after surgery, plus just having Crohns this long, you just don't recover like the normal joe.

I think if he at least gave me two more weeks (until Sept 2) that would give me more time to heal and figure out this diet thing, also going back then I could slowly work my way back up to full time.  I would work 2 days, off for 3 day weekend, then the next week would be 4 days long, then back to a full week.  Plus my next GI appt is 9-9-10, I wish I could see him sooner, but he is always really booked up.

I have casually thought of permanent disability before, then said nah you aren't as bad as some.  I have always been able to push thru alot and still work.  But for the first time, I told my husband that I think that day is not as far away as I once thought.  I can't even think of my knee replacement now as the thought of another surgery just gives me major anxiety.  Thanks for any and all thoughts.

Hugs

Gail*Nanners*

Posted 8/12/2010 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
Gail, why don't you try telling the urologist exactly what you've told us. I'm a firm believer in listening to our
own bodies, and yours is telling you there's something not right, and that *not right* feeling came after surgery,
therefore, there should be some correlation. I really don't think he should sign you off, yes your wound has
healed, but something in that area is bugging you!!

As far as disability, I think it's a good thing. You know you've worked hard, sometimes it's the right time to throw
in the towel and take a well earned rest. I'm sure you would get all the help you need from you doc.

Keep us posted my friend, ((( hugs)))
Posted 8/12/2010 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Vicky! I am just going to have to be strong and let him know exactly how I am feeling. I just am so not ready to go back to work, and am afraid I will be forced back. Thanks again!
Posted 8/12/2010 6:32 PM (GMT 0)
Nanners I agree with Vicky. When I had my post surgery I explained to the surgeon that I didn't think I was ready to go back to work just yet emotionally or physically although i felt guilty about it I had to think of myself rather than co-workers at the time. Take it easy and don't rush back to work until you feel properly right. a big gentle(((( hug)))) to you. Bev x  
Posted 8/12/2010 7:12 PM (GMT 0)
I agree - just be totally honest about how you feel, and I am sure he will sign you off for a couple more weeks. Sometimes we just have to accept that we arent well enough just to trot back into our normal lifes. Follow your bodys lead. I hope you feel better soon
Posted 8/12/2010 8:36 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with everyone. You should tell the surgeon exactly what you said here. But as a back up, who was your admitting doctor while you were in the hospital for the emergency admission after the surgery? Was it the surgeon, or someone else? Because if it was someone else, that could be the next step if the surgeon releases you from his care, since you feel that this "something wrong" stems from the dry heaving done during that time.

As far as the disability goes, I know that I could not work full time with this disease. I am lucky that I don't have to, so I have never had to make that choice. But I would not hesitate to do it if I had to. As I have seen you write so many times on this board, this is a chronic debilitating disease that affects all aspects of our lives, we have to take care of ourselves or we will be of no use to anyone much less our selves. If you can take LTD and you feel that its time, then it might be time. You deserve to enjoy the other aspects of your life, your husband, daughters and grand babies, not just survive so that you can get up in the morning to go to work. If LTD is the way to do that then go for it.
Posted 8/12/2010 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
I don't think he'll give you any problems about extending your medical leave - why should he? Tell him exactly what you typed - in fact, print it off and take it with you so you don't leave anything out! Good luck.
Posted 8/12/2010 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
I agree - print your post and make him read it.

A pain and symptoms and emotions log might help. Doctors seem to like data in tabular form, and respond to them.

Rate your pain out of ten; list your symptoms over time; detail how they're affecting your energy & anxiety and emotions and quality of life. DON'T UNDERSTATE OR TRY TO BE BRAVE: the point is to get him to listen and respond.

I'd think that if you're in lots of pain and struggling, they can't in all conscience send you back to work. You could become an occupational health and safety risk, apart from anything else. (That might be worth pointing out to him).
Posted 8/12/2010 10:43 PM (GMT 0)
When I had my emergency resection, I asked the Doc how long I would be out for. He told me I could probably go back in 2-4 weeks since I do any office job and wouldn't be lifting anything heavy. I flat out told him that my boss stressed me out and that I would feel better waiting 4-6 weeks to not only heal phyically, but also mentally from the surgery. He had no problem letting me stay out that long. I ended up losing my job because of it, but that's just cuz my boss was an a**hole. I didn't mind losing the job, hated losing the insurance since that was the only reason I was there.

As long as your job is secure, I don't think the doc would care if you want to stay out a couple extra weeks.
Posted 8/13/2010 1:28 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with all the others.... make sure you actually discuss the timeline of your return. I told my doc I needed more time and he only gave me a week. When I said something at a later date he said I should have told him exactly what I wanted. Now I know to be ver specific with what I want. I hope you feel better soon.

Elizabeth
Posted 8/13/2010 2:27 AM (GMT 0)
If you are considering disability, you definitely should not go back to work. From your recent posts, you clearly are not feeling up to it. Let go of the guilt, and focus on getting better. The doctor has nothing to lose by giving you more time to recover. You might tell him that you are not sure that you are up to returning to work at all, while you are at it. I sure hope you feel better soon. Take care of yourself.

Glori
Posted 8/13/2010 1:55 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all so much!! I woke as always with the trapped air again, and am having to force myself to eat something just so I can take my meds. I force myself daily to get out and walk for a bit, just so I am not laying around all the time. But I am still so weak, weak as a baby. I will be honest with him and tell him how I feel. And your right, why should I be strong all the time. If I feel bad, I am going to continue to feel bad. I think I need to express to him, that never before have I ever thought of permanent disability, but since this surgery I have and alot more. Thanks again for all your great advice, I do appreciate it. I will update after my appt. Love to all! Hugs!!!
Posted 8/13/2010 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
I'd talk to the surgeon again and tell him you honestly don't feel ready for work physically. I always have to fight the doctors to give me the "okay" to work earlier BUT I've benefitted from being as honest with the doctors about what I think I actually do AT WORK.

If you're still that sore and unsettled, don't push to work. Tell your surgeon and all your doctors because it could be something changed as an effect of the surgery or the medicines that they used DURING or FOLLOWING the operation.

If I were you, I'd get to dialing the phone and not letting those nurses put you on a waiting list for the advice from the doctors. Sounds too serious to let it wait. Good luck and feel better.
Posted 8/13/2010 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
Nanners, I wish I had the words/knowledge/advice to REALLY help you out.

Like everyone said........I have found it works if a doc makes me feel rushed..........stop them and ask your questions.  That doc's next patient he is rushing to is no more important than you are.  I have found docs will answer the questions once they realize how much you need the info.  I haven't seen to many deny people more time off when needed either.

Posted 8/13/2010 9:13 PM (GMT 0)
Go for it nanners and the very best wishes to you and dont forget WE ALL LOVE YOU Hundreds of hugs are on the way to you from us all
Posted 8/13/2010 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Nanners, I hope your appt. went well. I don't think I could go back to work so soon after what you describe. I really hope your doctor listens to you.

As far as the permanent disability...I felt the same way as you did for a long time. But my doc recommended it, (it has been 7 yrs since I could hold down a job.) He said he thought I should start the process, as it does take awhile. Well now that I have done that...I wish I would have started it sooner. I did get it, and it sounds like you are worse off than me. (I have no surgeries other than fistula to date) You worked hard all those yrs, and have paid into it. I worked for 30 yrs and paid into it, so no guilt here....that amount I get is pitifull, but it does help. and I only had to apply once.

I wish you luck, and hope you feel relief soon.
Posted 8/13/2010 11:12 PM (GMT 0)
Nanners, it sounds like you said it perfectly to us, so just say that to the doc. It sounds like you've really been a champion and a trooper for a long time with this disease and pushed through some rough times. Trust your intuitions and your body. Have you thought about talking to anyone like an attorney about applying for disability? It might be time to get some advice on how and when to apply. The timing might be good for you right now while you are out on sick leave. I know it is tough. Sending thoughts and prayers your way for lots of healing and strength.
Posted 8/13/2010 11:24 PM (GMT 0)
Gail,

<<<HUG>>> Just ask for an extension & explain what is going on. I'm sure you'll have no problem. I had to that time after the sytone removal. Remember when they too the stent out & I started hemoraghing after trying to go back to work. My surgeon did the same for me. Yeah, it was a bit more drastic, but most docs will listen to you over post-op stuff.

God Bless,
Matthew
Posted 8/13/2010 11:34 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with all! And disability is there for a reason.....you sound like you've worked long and hard enough! Get on DS, and concentrate on YOU. (((HUGS)))
Posted 8/14/2010 12:50 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all so much! As I said he is a really good doctor/surgeon. He extended my leave for one month. I do not go back to work until September 16th. He also gave me a phone number for a dept with my insurance that is for folks like us who live with chronic illnesses and also folks like me who are having a hard time recovering from surgery because of our illness. I will be calling next week and talk to them.

Whats wierd is I have a therapist but whenever I have asked in the past about people who help those of us with these chronic health issues, and they said they didn't have anyone who specialized with chronic illnesses. Hopefully these folks will be able to help me work with this, or decide if permanent disability is now needed.

Thanks again for your advice and support. You guys are the greatest.

Love ya all,
Gail*Nanners*
Posted 8/14/2010 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
That's good news, Nanners.

Wishing you a happier recovery from now on.
Posted 8/14/2010 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Ivy!
Posted 8/14/2010 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
Ahh, good news is the BEST news! I'm happy that worked out for you.

Matthew
PS. Where did all those typos come from in my first reply????
Posted 8/14/2010 11:29 PM (GMT 0)
Great news Gail. I'm so happy for you:0)
Posted 8/15/2010 5:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Gail,
I'm hoping that now that the stress about immediately going back to work is removed, you will be able to relax and recover more quickly. I'm sorry this has been so rough for you. Feel better soon!
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