how soon did you go back to work?

[srokeeffe]

My tumor was fully removed 7 weeks ago.  I have an extremely demanding, stressful job, and I went back to it last week, and I feel like though I'm (was) doing well physically, emotionally I'm not.

My typical work week is 60 hours, and when I told them I could only work 40, I got questioned about that, along with them needing a note so that they weren't dealing with "performance issues" because I'm not pulling my full 60.  And when I draw the line in the sand about by 40 hours I get push back.

I want to go right back to being old me, but physically it is taking its toll.  Yesterday I woke up with my hearing diminished, and my ear feels numb and the side of my head just feels weird. Dr called in prednisone for swelling. 

I don't know if feeling like this about going back to work is normal. 

[alabamajane]

Hi,
So sorry you are having issues at work. I did not have to go back to work as I'm retired so can't help you there except that I know I would not have been ready at 7 weeks to face that demanding a job!

Even though you had a small AN, you none the less had major brain surgery and it is going to take awhile for your brain to recover. It is a type of brain injury and it just doesn't "heal" like a broken bone.

Did you look into FLSA leave when you knew you would be out for several weeks/months?? The company is actually required to offer it to you when they are aware an employee has a qualifying medical need. You can still fill out the paperwork and get Dr to fill out his portion and give to your employer. This protects you from "performance issues" discipline. They have to abide by what Dr says are your restrictions.,, medical or emotional. Something to look into.

I wish you well,,, you sound as if you are recovering well but maybe pushing yourself too hard too fast. Just my opinion.
Jane

[srokeeffe]

Thanks for the reply and for the words of support.

I used California disability insurance for the 6 weeks I took off.  My doctor's office was surprised that I was going back so early, but I felt like I was doing so well.  Now that I'm back in the thick of things at work, I feel like it will be hard to walk back out the door. Physically I look fine.  I think the hardest part is that I'm very good friends with so many of my co-workers, and it's hard for me to be at home with nothing to do (except for recover, which is important) while they're all in the thick of it at work and feel like I'm not pulling my weight.

I know that legally I'm protected, and I am valued by my company so they wouldn't use this an opportunity to get rid of me.  Plus I have other job options.  Just stress on top of recovery is playing tricks on me.

I'm thinking a trip to a therapist might not be a bad idea.

[robertwh2]

I to have a demanding job, but had a very understanding boss. They were amazed I came back at all.

I returned 8 weeks post op and it was probably a little to soon. Fro the first month I went to work and crashed right after dinner for 2-3 hours. I slept more than I did anything else. It took a month or two to get better, but even 5 years later I am normally tired by Thursday evening and still have to work Friday.

I pray things get better for you quickly.

Robert

[New girl]

I went back eight weeks post surgery and I also think I needed more time.  I was able to take Wednesdays off for my first month back but I was still totally exhausted when I got home from work.  My job was also 50 to 60 hours a week but I could not do more than 40.  I think it took about six months before I felt better.  To this day I still rely heavily on lists to make sure I am not forgetting to get something done since it is now harder to keep track of everything in my head.  Just hang in there and try to eat as healthy as possible.

[Sueoelke]

I sell real estate so I am self employed, but I have 2 business partners.  We each typically worked 50-70 hours per week.  I went back to work for 4 only days when I was about 10 weeks post op to cover for one business partner who is also my boyfriend.  He took off for a 4 day long weekend and It was a greatly needed break for him!  My doctors both told me at 8 weeks I could go back to work whenever I felt ready .  I figured 2 weekdays plus Saturday and Sunday would be okay.  It resulted in total exhaustion and the worst headaches I've ever had.  ENT prescribed steroids which helped.  8 weeks later I finally worked my way up to about 30 hours per week, but I took a lot of breaks and worked out of my home so I could nap as needed.  I never scheduled showing appointment between 1-4 pm as that was mostly likely when I would need to nap.  I sell bank owned homes, so it is demanding in that I do a lot more computer work for clients than a typical agent would do, plus there are the physical aspects of driving and showings.  The office environment still has too much commotion for me and is too loud.  I am grateful that I have the flexibility being self employed.  I have minimal balance issues (until I get too tired), SSD, and overall I think I'm doing well, but I really need to pace myself and not do too much or it all catches up with me and then the only thing that helps is about 12-15 hours of sleep when I crash!  I'm now about 4 months post op from my second surgery.  I'm probably working 40 hrs per week and this recovery has been easier.  I think each person is different and it depends so much on an employee's working environment and demands (physically and sensory.)