Getting MIS surgery 1/12.

Getting MIS surgery 1/12. She told me I could return to work starting at 6 weeks (end of February). Then she filled out the FMLA paperwork and said I wouldn't be going back until April. Is she just being cautious? I only have 30 sick days. She said, "You will be weightbearing as tolerated after the surgery (based on your pain) and transition into regular shoes as soon as symptoms allow (may be 4-6+ weeks). For the first week or so you will be elevating a lot (50 minutes out of the hour if possible), but you can progress the amount of time your foot is down based on your symptoms. In your experience, when did you go back to work? I work in fifth grade at a school and will have use of the elevator and can sit periodically throughout the day. I had major ankle surgery (trimalleolar fracture- broke all 3 ankle bones) so I am well aware of how long healing can take, but I can't imagine this being anywhere as bad as that surgery (I was out for 12 weeks for that ankle surgery, same amount of time she is quoting on FMLA paperwork for bunion)

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Community replies

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Community comment#1

That sounds excessive for sure. I would double check with her closer to the time of your surgery.

Community comment#2

I work from home thankfully. I didn’t work for 3 days. But I was still in some pain and some swelling for 8 weeks. I’m not sure how people go back to work so early. I’m sorry!

Community comment#3

They do that so they don’t have to refill out the paperwork if you need more time🥰 also you can take partial time off if you’re not ready to do full time work in 6 week so you’d have days for that. It’s up to you how much time you need and they gave you plenty🥰

Community comment#4

I was back to work really quick but I have a desk job. Being on feet all day would be tough any earlier than 6 weeks for sure. But also I had BOTH feet, if just one you could use a knee scooter?

Community comment#5

I went back at day 12. Three weeks would have been more ideal.

Community comment#6

Be sure to apply for STD along with the FMLA . You should only be required to use 1 week paid time off and then I think up to 3 months STD so you will have at least 60% of your income. I was off work 7.5 weeks and really needed longer even with remote desk job.

Community comment#7

With MIS I could see you going back to work at 4 weeks. By then you won’t have pain and limited swelling. You still may be in a walking boot or a croc

Community comment#8

6 weeks for me. I had osteotomy of 3 metatarsals as well as bunion surgery. I was in the trainer and one crutch for maybe 1 week after that. Everyone is different.

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#9

I called them today and they said it’s up to me when I want to go back 🤷🏼‍♀️

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#10

I gave them an estimated date back of feb 24 which is 7 weeks- hoping for the best 🤷🏼‍♀️

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#11

I think that should be good! I guess it depends on how much you’re on your feet.

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#12

Its different when you work in a school, at least here. I don’t even get paid for FMLA, but my husband who is taking FMLA to take me to appointments will get nearly full pay and he’s not even the patient. So ridiculous.

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#13

that sounds frustrating! I’m glad your hiusband is able to help and not have that affect his pay.

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#14

I went back to work at 3 weeks, I had MIS surgery.

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#15

thank you! This is helpful!

Community reply · In reply to an earlier comment#16

I am almost 5 weeks on from MIS. It's only in the last few days I have been able to wear regular (wide fitting) footwear. My foot is still swollen and my surgeon advised it could be few months before it's back to normal. I don't have to work as I am retired but if I had to travel to go to work I wouldn't have been able to do that just yet.