I spoke to my doctor last night as he was preparing the paperwork for my leave request. Unfortunately, things aren’t improving as quickly as I’d hoped. I still can’t sit or stand for more than a few minutes at a time, and walking more than a dozen steps makes the pain nearly unbearable. I told him I was aiming to return to work on Monday, thinking I might finally have the right combination of medications to function again. He told me that was overly optimistic. Realistically, he expects I’ll be out at least two more weeks.
Today has already started off rough. I had a hard time falling asleep last night, and Isabella, ever punctual, wanted to be fed at her usual 5:00 a.m. breakfast time. She was somewhat patient and let me sleep until 5:30.
After feeding her and brewing a cup of coffee, I settled in with an episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. That might sound like a decent way to start the day—except I’ve also got a migraine on top of everything else.
At least I can sleep the day away if I want to. And right now, that’s probably the best plan.
Isabella Pic of the Week:
She’s been curling up on a black blanket lately—so well camouflaged that I nearly jump out of my skin every time the blanket moves. It’s her own personal cloaking device. Somewhere, a Romulan engineer is taking notes. 🖖🐾
Tell Isabella, "Jolan'tru," which is a Romulan greeting meaning, "May your day be filled with peace." Yes, one should embrace one's inner nerd. Hope that your physician is wrong about your recovery time and that it is briefer than expected.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Wishing that being from the South, Star Trek fans, WWI buffs, history majors, religious, and liking guys were the only things that we had in common. I just went through three hours of nausea from a migraine.
DeleteI hope my recovery time isn’t that long either. I’m hoping I can in for physical therapy soon and hopefully see more improvement. Right now, the medication is managing the pain, but doesn’t do much for the condition at all.
DeleteAnd did we order our TENS machine yet. Delivery in two days from Amazon? Physician, or professor, heal thyself. Now you know who I is.
ReplyDeleteI’ll look into the TENS machine and see what I need to get.
DeleteDon't know the medical direction will take BUT do contact your HR post haste and be ready to apply for FMLA. Remember FMLA does not pay out money but is a place holder for your position. You qualify because you have been in your position longer than a year. Who knows you and your provider may work out a treatment plan where you don't have to off all together. Happy healing.
ReplyDeleteI have already applied and been provisionally approved for FMLA. When I first started, my employer granted 130 days of paid sick leave, basically 6 months. When we got a new HR director, he took that away. However, if we are out more than 5 days, FMLA automatically kicks in. I still had to apply and get my doctor to fill out the medical certification, but all has now been submitted. I am fortunate that my employer and Vermont state law provides for paid leave. Our FMLA leave is paid at 100% our regular pay for 30 days, with an additional 30 days paid at 50%. However, they will take what sick leave (12 days/year) and our vacation time (22 days/year) to bring that 50% up to 100%. I am very glad that my employer provides full benefits and pay during FMLA leave. I didn’t realize until recently how rare that actually is.
DeleteIn 30 days, Joe, you will be able to walk again without too much pain.
DeleteVery tempting view ! :)
ReplyDeleteGet well soon as FMLA and Isabella protects you.
-CA jock
I wish you well. Truly sorry to hear of your medical situation and I am ever hopeful that the medical team will be able to sort out a reasonable path to better health for you.
ReplyDeleteJoe---If I reading your response correctly your employer throws in some money for FMLA AND will use what ever you have on the books (sick, vacation) to bring it to the percentages you mentioned---Which is very rare---FMLA is basically job protection----While FMLA does not provide compensation, employees may use accrued leave---sick or vacation----A good benefit indeed----
ReplyDeleteYou read it correctly. My employer is very generous with FMLA. I’ll be honest, until recently, I thought the way my employer handled FMLA was how all employers handle it. Part of the reason my employer is so generous is because they used to be even more generous by giving exempt employees 130 sick days a year. Now, we can accumulate up to 130 sick days by carrying over what is unused.
Delete