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Sick Leave

Posted , 16 users are following.

lorene30860
lorene30860

I had my TKR just over 5 weeks ago and have been on leave since then. There was a 2 week section in the middle when I was on "holidays" but nonetheless I have not returned to work since the operation. I have to say that I still at this stage feel totally incapable of working at my job - at a computer - I am always feeling the need to change positions ie from up to down, and from down to up, which I cannot do once I return to work. Also, by the time I complete the required exercising, walking, icing, physio appointments and dr appointments, the day is practically taken care of.

I'm wondering how long people in my situation have had off work. I saw one post some time ago where the patient said they'd had 12 weeks off but I'm wondering if I should be moving back to work yet or am I pushing it?

1 like, 60 replies

60 Replies

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  • linda04825
    linda04825 lorene30860

    Posted

    5 weeks is nowhere near long enough for recovery of tkr. The recommend time is 12 weeks and you need that time just for the internal healing I'm 9 week with no problems or complications but still not ready to go back don't be too hard on yourself you've had a major op and need the 12 week for your body to recover xx
  • kathryn42410
    kathryn42410 lorene30860

    Posted

    Hi Lorene, my job is computer based too. I had a tkr 22 weeks ago, mine is complex and I have further surgery next week to straighten the leg. I'm lucky in that I've been able to work from home, I have been doing that since 8 weeks. My boss has driven me in to the office a day each week as I can't manage the 60 mile round trip drive myself. As my leg is still bent at 30 degrees, it is quite painful at times. That one day in the office is incredibly hard but I'm desperate to get back to normal so enjoy it. I am hoping for a quick recovery from my next op and hopefully I'll be back to normal in Sept. 

    Without all of my problems I think 12 weeks would of been about right for me to go back to work. Everyone is different though, don't go back until you're ready. I would think 5 weeks is too early, I would say you still have a lot more recovering to do. I certainly did at your stage but I appreciate mine is an extreme case. 

  • mark32801
    mark32801 lorene30860

    Posted

    My surgeon required a minimum of 2 months - and actually signed for 3 months for short-term disability payments - I believe fairly recent laws in most states require your employer to accomodate a "Reasonable amount of time" for your rehabilitation

     

    • lorene30860
      lorene30860 mark32801

      Posted

      Thanks Mark. I have sick leave available but wondered where I stood in relation to other people's recovery time. 
    • mark32801
      mark32801 lorene30860

      Posted

      Yes lorene - I am at 3 weeks post op and it has been a battle with swollen feet/ leg and some sleepless nights. Finally woke up this morning with some definite improvement.  I have pushed my rehab...maybe to my detriment and have had some setbacks, but I can see myself back to work in 8 weeks.  As a medical device rep for hip and knee replacements for 25 years and more than 8,000 patients, I have seen it all.  One thing I know for sure is that the implants are all excellent - that the best predictor for successful outcome is your participation in Post-op Physical Therapy!!
  • andrea30334
    andrea30334 lorene30860

    Posted

    Hi Lorene ive been off with a sick note since 5.3.15 and if it wasnt for the fact that il go onto half pay beg August id still be off because im just soooo tired but hey ho il have to cope???
    • lorene30860
      lorene30860 andrea30334

      Posted

      Thanks andrea - I'm incredibly tired too. Not sleeping for longer than 2-3 hours at a time. 
    • andrea30334
      andrea30334 lorene30860

      Posted

      You need to contact your employer and ask about your hols we are different hols are cancelled or don't count when your off sick and they are given back to you if you see what I mean

  • sharon52158
    sharon52158 lorene30860

    Posted

    I had 12 weeks off which my consultant recommended have been back at work 4 weeks now and finding it very tiring most days 
    • lorene30860
      lorene30860 sharon52158

      Posted

      Thanks sharon. I'm very tired too and emotional. Had to go to my GP today for something else and he asked how I was - I dissolved into tears!
  • susan20089
    susan20089 lorene30860

    Posted

    Hi If you are on sick leave you can't take holiday in the middle of it and then sick leave again.   That holday accrued shoukd be taken at another time or taken into account within a phased return.   The certificate from your gp will reflect this.   I was off work three months.
    • lorene30860
      lorene30860 susan20089

      Posted

      Thanks Susan but under my employment condiitions I have to take the hols when they fall. 
    • susan20089
      susan20089 lorene30860

      Posted

      I have looked at this again and it s so not right!   Ok you have to take your holiday when they fall but you are on sick leave, therefore cannot take your holiday.  In tgat case if you can't take your holiday surely they have to pay you in lieu.  You cannot be expected to take a holiday in the middle of sick leave.   I would find out about enjoyment law in Australia before accepting this!  
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