returning to work after global(anterior/posterior) fusion

[jstadfrntpn]

My question is does wc try to send you back to work before a fusion has been achieved. my job is physical, in a fast paced retail store. I recenty had spinal fusion front and back incisions. any info will be appreciated

[1171]

most medical and rehabilitationprofessional recommend a trial of modified or light work as soon as possible.
"You must attempt a job approved by the authorized treating physician even if the pay is lower than the job you had when you were injured. If you do not attempt the job, your benefits may be suspended."
you can find out more here
http://sbwc.georgia.gov/vgn/images/porta...ndbook.pdf

[Lilly]

Hi, to answer you question...YES they do try to send you back to work as soon as they can....this is a money saving act that benefits themselves. 1171 is correct , if you have written doctor's restrictions...and your employment can give you work inside these restrictions...then you must try. IF doctor has written restrictions that says No Work.... the WC or your NCM has no say about you returning to work....it is solely the doctor's decision.
If I may ask....what restrictions does your doctor have you on? Does the doctor plan on returning you to work "light duty" or "no restrictions"?
I cannot imagine him sending you back to work if you are still having pain & problems.
another question....Will your employment allow you to RTW while taking medications like pain killers etc?
Take care, Lilly

[jstadfrntpn]

1171 Wrote:most medical and rehabilitationprofessional recommend a trial of modified or light work as soon as possible.
"You must attempt a job approved by the authorized treating physician even if the pay is lower than the job you had when you were injured. If you do not attempt the job, your benefits may be suspended."
you can find out more here
http://sbwc.georgia.gov/vgn/images/porta...ndbook.pdf

thank you 1171, and i am well aware of what you said but i really am referring to the spinal fusion, there is a period of time that it takes for the fusion to actually take place and the recovery time is 6months to a year, my question is whether or not i will be expected to stand on my feet for 8 hours a day for 40 hours a week before my vertebrae are fused, 6-8 weeks after the surgery.

[jstadfrntpn]

jstadfrntpn Wrote:

1171 Wrote:most medical and rehabilitationprofessional recommend a trial of modified or light work as soon as possible.
"You must attempt a job approved by the authorized treating physician even if the pay is lower than the job you had when you were injured. If you do not attempt the job, your benefits may be suspended."
you can find out more here
http://sbwc.georgia.gov/vgn/images/porta...ndbook.pdf

thank you 1171, and i am well aware of what you said but i really am referring to the spinal fusion, there is a period of time that it takes for the fusion to actually take place and the recovery time is 6months to a year, my question is whether or not i will be expected to stand on my feet for 8 hours a day for 40 hours a week before my vertebrae are fused, 6-8 weeks after the surgery.thank you 1171, and i am well aware of what you said but i really am referring to the spinal fusion, there is a period of time that it takes for the fusion to actually take place and the recovery time is 6months to a year, my question is whether or not i will be expected to stand on my feet for 8 hours a day for 40 hours a week before my vertebrae are fused, 6-8 weeks after the surgery.

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[jstadfrntpn]

Lilly Wrote:Hi, to answer you question...YES they do try to send you back to work as soon as they can....this is a money saving act that benefits themselves. 1171 is correct , if you have written doctor's restrictions...and your employment can give you work inside these restrictions...then you must try. IF doctor has written restrictions that says No Work.... the WC or your NCM has no say about you returning to work....it is solely the doctor's decision.
If I may ask....what restrictions does your doctor have you on? Does the doctor plan on returning you to work "light duty" or "no restrictions"?
I cannot imagine him sending you back to work if you are still having pain & problems.
another question....Will your employment allow you to RTW while taking medications like pain killers etc?
Take care, Lilly

I was cut in my back and front for my fusion, and i do have some pain, but i am no longer on narcotics., but like i said it takes usually 6-12 monthis for the fusion to take place and my question was specifically about the fusion, not necessarily procedures in general
but thanks for your reply i wanted to know how soon i should start looking for another job, bc i don't feel welcome going back to that one, if you know what i mean...........

[stiffnecked]

3 years after my cervical fusion surgery it never fused. One of the neurosurgeon I saw called me a walking time bomb. Said he really wasn't interested in trying to fix the mess either.

Make sure they do a CT scan in about 6 months post op. Those are bit better in looking at bone density.

[Lilly]

Hi again,
I doubt very much if your doctor will release you before he feels you are healed enough to RTW. If you do, you run the possibility of "un-doing" what surgery they did. What does your doctor say?
Good luck, Lilly

[jstadfrntpn]

Lilly Wrote:Hi again,
I doubt very much if your doctor will release you before he feels you are healed enough to RTW. If you do, you run the possibility of "un-doing" what surgery they did. What does your doctor say?
Good luck, Lilly

Lily, my next appointment is Nov 18th, i am told to walk as much as i can, and mostly lay down. He said i need to be laying down a lot.ofcourse no lifting anything more than a 10lbs and no bending lifting and twisting, no baths just showers.
I do experience some discomfort with my abdomen around incision along with numbness, and with the back area i have a burning senstation, at the site of the cage, and a pain that lets me know that i need to go lay down, also painless spasms in all limbs. oCCASIONal heavyness in the leg where the sciatica was. Nevertheless i feel that i could possibly work half a day, sitting down, but there really is nothing i could do at my place of employment with that type restrictions, with that being said i am going to go ahead and start sending out my resume and applying for other jobs.
I DO NOT FEEL WELCOME GOING BACK TO THAT JOB, EVEN THOUGH THEY ACT AS IF I AM. IT IS AN ACT. THE COMPANY HAS PUT OUT AT LEAST A QUARTER OF A MILLION DOLLARS ON MY INJURY OVER THE LAST 12MONTHS.