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Ankle Break Accident Administrative Question

Posted , 4 users are following.

mary51013
mary51013

Hi all,

I am entering week 4 of 'couch living' with an elevated ankle.  As for many of us, this is a huge adjustment because I was always very active, moving, and doing things.  (The down time is starting to get to me.)

My injury was a result of a car accident and I was taken to Shock Trauma in Baltimore.  These people are wonderful and there is one admnistrative nurse who has helped me with handicap tags, wheel chair prescription, etc. after I left the hospital.

I applied for a leave bank from my work and also for the ability to try to work at a location a little closer to home as I slowly get back to speed in the future.  (I can't drive until November).  That said, I was just sent this ghastly amount of forms by my employer to be completed by the doctor - what is the injury, how long will I be out, why, etc......

I hate to send these forms to this very nice lady who has been excellent just because I feel like I am piling on.  Has anyone else dealt with the sort of paperwork?  Who did you forward it to?

Thanks,

Mary (getting a little contrary)

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • dawn83397
    dawn83397 mary51013

    Posted

    Hi Mary,

    I am sorry for you injury. I hope you feel better soon. I have no answers for you but I was between jobs. I gave my notice because I got another job, then I was injured before I started the new job

    The new employer gave me a single form for the dr. to fill to release me back to work. On the form there are a bunch of items listed that I can or can't do, orperform limited such as lifting, standing, kneeling, walking, etc. Then there are places for them to fill out dates indicating for how long. But how can that be predicted? I want to go back in 2 weeks but not 100 % sure I am ready but once I commit there is no turning back. I hear your fusteration.

    • mary51013
      mary51013 dawn83397

      Posted

      Thanks Dawn.  I hope things go well for you when you decide to go back to work.  I am really looking forward to bringing this piece of "normal" back into my life.

  • Guest
    Guest mary51013

    Posted

    She most likely knows exactly what to do. It's part of her job.

    • mary51013
      mary51013 Guest

      Posted

      Thanks Julie.  I needed to hear this.  :-)
  • jan30278
    jan30278 mary51013

    Posted

    Mary- so sorry for your accident and injuries.  I am a week ahead of you and agree- this couch w the propped leg and pain is tough.  I have had a few days filled with tears and self pity, but at the end of the day- we need to keep our attitudes positive and just know there are better days ahead.  Like you, I am out of work for 3 mos (at least) .  I work in a dialysis clinic so am on my feet a lot and at this point, I cannot imagine going back but my plan is to go back.  It is my right foot so no driving for the 3 mos either.  I love that the hosp. folks helped you so much- I had mentioned to my hubby that a handicapped tag would be nice, but honestly i am not going out much (have to go down 8 steps to get out of our house) and when we do go out- he just drops me off at the curb and gets the knee scooter out so it works ok.

    So- to answer your questions about paperwork.   All I needed was the FMLA form and a note from my surgeon stating how long I would be out (with a caveat that he would amend the date if needed).   The FMLA was easy- all i had to do was put my name and date on it- then the MD did his portion (which had all the info that you had noted injury, amount of time off needed, restrictions.....

    Unfortunately- I was supposed to have a lobal thyroidectomy (suspicious hurthle cell growth)  2 weeks after my fall and it had to be postponed (the surgeon did not want me off aspirin at that time) so has been rescheduled in October- right when i should be able to go back to work for the ankle fx.  So- if all goes as planned- I will need yet another note from another MD- but that will be easy enough.  

    my forms went to my supervisor and she approved and sent them on to HR for final approval.  FMLA protects your job while you are out so not sure what your situation is-  but depending on the size of your company and job security, it may be worthwhile to look into this if you have not already done so.

    Hang in there Mary- each day we get thru is a day closer...

    • mary51013
      mary51013 jan30278

      Posted

      Hi Jan!

      Thanks for your note and all of your info.  I will take your advice.

      I agree that each day is one day closer.  My husband pointed out that we are talking about 30-60 days which is a drop in the overall life bucket.  I try  to set daily goals, keep physical, and stay positive.  Yesterday (for some reason) was one of my lesser days.

      I remind myself that I was very fortunate in my car accident (air bags saved me) and that I have great medical care plus a terrific husband, collegues and friends.  Lots to look forward to and make the most of my time on the couch.  :-)  

      Thanks again!

       

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