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how soon did you go back to work?

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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.

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