Hi All- My surgery was 11/6/12, almost at the three month mark (removal located between brain and spinal cord). I was wondering when others returned to work after surgery. How did you find work to be? Did you return part-time or full-time? I don't think I have a job anymore its been so long they hired others. I feel sad about that but at the same time do not think I am ready to go back do to all the post-opt things going on - especially the overwhelming feeling. How do/did others deal with this?
I can't answer directly, and frankly, with everyone's AVM, surgery, and recovery, I don't think there is one standard answer.
I would caution you on a couple of fronts: Try to simulate "a day in your job" as close to reality as you can and see how you feel. Chances are you will be TOO TIRED to keep up the pace. A better approach might be to try half time at first, to see how you do.
The other factor, if you are in a company type job where you took FMLA (stands for Family Medical Leave Act), once you go back to work full time, if you have a relapse, it's like starting the clock over, so if there was a waiting period before you got sick leave or disability, the clock starts over and you miss out on benefits.
My recommendation to stay off til you feel 100%, and then try to go back part time.
Best wishes,
Ron, KS
Thank you Ron, Kansas.i work for a very small company so FMLA does not apply. I have another question, not sure if you have the answer, but can your doctor send you back to work and or say you are no longer disabled (because I am on temporary disability) if you feel you are not ready? Thanks.
Yes, they can send you back. I had an experience where I was on temporary disability, with a Dr's OK. The insurance company came back to the DR and convinced him to change his mind, which he did.....................
I think your best course is to be honest with your Dr concerning stamina, ability to concentrate, etc. If you can try to do something constructive (work like) at home and track how you were able to keep up. Then share that with your DR. It will give him better data to determine if you are ready. Or try to do several full days at home (laundry, vaccuum, dusting, cooking, etc)--how you can perform will help tell him how ready you are.
Hope this helps.
ron, ks
I was back after 6-8 weeks on light duties and full time after 6months...hope that helps. Take into consideration every job is different and i had been at my current job for near 9yrs so i had a lot of things that worked to my advantage as a loyal employee.
God bless
Hi, it’s been nearly a year since my AVM surgery (brain hemorrhage). I am due to start work again soon, although my company would prefer me to take another year off to recover… I am going to start work again soon (April) on a part time basis, and take it from there… As my surgeon says recovery and going back to work depends on how I feel. I was blessed that I have very good insurance policies and excellent hospital service in London, UK.
Hi...i underwent this trauma during my study life at the age of 15....so the recovery period may not be comparable with ur situation..... but now that i am 26 yrs old n working n still after 12 yrs of struggle..facing lots of humiliations n pain to cope up with my daily deliverables in office..i can suggest 2 things:-
1. I know circumstances may force us to be employed to meet our daily demands of livelihood n we HAVE TO earn...but something is better than nothing..so i agree with Bhav's response on this discussion string...try to work part time for few months n u urself will get a self-feedback on what ur capacity is to manage stress n fatigue...
With regards to feeling sad n those emotional traumas...pls pls keep ur mind always busy n occupied....try being associated with some charity or social service..it will make u feel good n proud..
good luck
Santhosh
Hello Xtine...I returned to work ten weeks after my surgery. For about a week I worked part-time, but things at the office had gotten so busy so fast that I had no choice but to start working full time.
Work was overwhelming, especially with me facing problems with my memory, speech (never making sense when I speak) and processing/understanding. It's gotten better over the years, but it's something I still battle.
My advice is not to return until you feel that you are ready. Good luck to you in your recovery and your journey.
Thank you santhosh - I find it hard to keep my mind busy with things that do not cause stress. This is something I have to work on. It is hard to find positive things to think about sometimes but I am working on it. I am scared to go back to work. I also lost most of my hair which adds to the stress.
Wow that is very soon to return to work Leslye. I am happy you were able to pull it off. I am trying to get my act Together and I can’t believe how difficult it is.