ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: mindyandy on December 28, 2011, 04:02:14 pm
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I'm not rich by all means. I am wondering how one can afford to have treatment and then time off? I only have 100 hours of ESL and 1 week sick pay. So that is a total of 3 weeks. My husband will only have 3 days vacation by mid February. This is when I plan surgery(nothing is final yet). Paying for airfare to LA & hotel stay & misc expenses.
Sorry guys just need to vent...more anxious & nervous...Thanks for listening.
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Mindy ~
Granted, AN surgery is expensive and unless you live in or near California, travel and lodging expenses at HEI can add up.
Obviously, each AN patient is in a different financial situation. Some can draw on savings and other sources of funding while some have to make financial sacrifices. Some of us are retired or non-working spouses so 'time off' is not an issue. In any case, although the financial stresses can be a bit daunting, this is your health we're discussing, not some vacation to an exotic locale. Perhaps your HEI trip & surgery will preclude actual vacations for awhile, or you'll have to put off some planned major purchase (such as a new or better car). I've read of AN patients that obtained a second mortgage to pay for their HEI expenses because it was that important to them. Of course, how you and your family handle this is your business but although your concerns are valid, the 800 pound gorilla in the room is the unrelenting reality that this is serious surgery and you want (and deserve) the best doctors and facility you can find. If, for you, that is HEI, so be it. I know, like others, you'll find a way to handle the financial burden.
As for post-op time off, again, that is up to you. If you are unable to perform your usual job-related responsibilities, you may need to be re-assigned, cut back to part-time or simply 'bit the bullet' and take the time you need to recover under 'medical leave' provisions (no pay but your job is protected). Of course, we hope your surgery is successful, your recovey is swift and time off from work won't be a serious issue for you or your husband.
Jim
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That is the plan/hope anyways is a swift & full recovery ;D. I do understand that I have to make sacrifices to financially afford this.....*sigh*. Thanks for the reassurance
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Mindy, talk to your HR peson at work regarding taking time off through FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act). Like Jim said, no pay but your job is protected for up to three months I believe.
Good luck.
Karen
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Many of us who had surgery didn't have to take extended time off, so pay wasn't an issue.
For example, I was back to work 1/2 days 2 weeks post op and returned to work full-time 4 weeks post op.
A lot depends on the job you do and how physically and mentally taxing it is. I'm an accountant, so basically I have a desk job and was able to perform my duties; my biggest issue was fatigue.
Everyone is different, but most docs will tell you that recovery from surgery typically takes about 6 weeks.
Jan
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You will be amazed by the kindness of people. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
There are many opportunities to do things on the "cheap". I am divorced and my sister travelled to Mayo (Rochester, MN) from Milwaukee (5 hours). Mayo is nearly two hours from my home in the Twin Cities and it was winter so driving back and forth was not practical. I did some research and found a church sponsored home that charged $25 per day for her to stay. It was like a bed and breakfast, very nice. Also check with the hospital's social work department. They will provide you with alternatives, they deal with this all of the time.
A lot of stuff to worry about. Believe me life will be better.
Tim