Work and surgery

Ok why do I feel SO guilty about having to take time off from work for my surgery? I am really anxious about telling my boss I will be having surgery and will be out of the office for a few weeks. You see my company just went thru a re-org. and I have to learn a new job. I don't have a surgery date yet but I am in Dr.Bell's June 10th group meeting so I imagine I will have surgery by the end of August. I am really ready for the surgery and know that if it came down to my job or the surgery I would do the surgery but some how I feel guilty. Chryssie

Chryssie, Don't you dare feel guilty. I understand completely about being away from a job and how it falls to someone else to do. Just remember, that you've worked hard to meet the requirements to have the surgery and you deserve the time off. Besides, think of all the energy you'll have as you lose weight!!! Good Luck, Maggie

I know how you feel. I work for a small company, so my absence if felt very strongly -at least I like to think so! Just remember- surgery is surgery- you need the time off for medical reasons. It's not like you're going to be frolicking on a beach or something. I would be as close handed with the info as possible. If you feel it's apropriate for you to mention it to your HR person now, go ahead. I'd just say, I'm working with my Dr. on a medical condition and it looks like I will need to have surgery. It will most likely be in X month and I will likely need X weeks off. I can give you more specifics shortly. I will submit a note from my doctor, if you require it. You do not need to say what kind of surgery you are having or why. All they need to know is that it's surgery and you'll get a dr's note. Your note from the surgeon will be generic and say abdominal surgery or something of that sort and give a recommended number of days out. The problem with this surgery is that there are so many who are biased against it, I'd hate to see someone's opinion make it difficult for you. You are ENTITLED to disability time or to use your vacation time/sick time, etc to be out. This is something you must do for you. I really don't think they can fire you because you have to be out for surgery. Somebody here will know more about the laws around this than me and I'm sure they'll fill you in. Good luck to you and remember you DESERVE this! Lisa C

Chryssie.. don't feel guilty at all. You can't wait any longer to have this done.. because it's always going to be something. Do it now while you can. Work will have to find a way around you not being there and I'm sure they'll be ecstatic when you return to work. I was talking to my boss, who is a doctor, about the surgery and she said "you're going to feel like you've been run over by a truck (in her cute Indian accent) and you'll be out for 2 weeks" I said "oh, I was only going to take 1" and she said "no, you'll need 2" woohoo.. guess I got lucky there. Anyhow.. I'm sure that if you do things nicely, they won't have an issue with it. To make yourself feel better, tie up any loose ends at work and do as much as you can before it's time to leave. Good luck! Michelle