FMLA?

Has anyone had their spouse/caregiver take advantage of FMLA when they had their surgery? Hubby is wondering if he can use this when/if I have my surgery. He took it last year when I had gum surgery and this is way more serious. When/if I get approved, I will ask the surgeon about having/needing help. Basically, I need hubby there when I am having the surgery and to take me home when I get released. Oh, wait, I can't drive for 2 weeks after the surgery, might need him during that time to take son to basketball practice if my daughter has to work.

You may also need help getting in and out of bed...I had to rent a recliner to sleep in for the first week because I just could not get up from a flat-lying position on my own. I imagine you will be extremely tired for a while, too, and may need help with every little thing, although some people seem to breeze through this like it was nothing (lucky folks). I would think it would easily qualify for fmla. Best of luck!!

Hi Sherry, may I ask if you had a lap RNY or open RNY? I am planning on having a lap RNY and hadn't really anticipated problems getting in and out of bed. Fortunately, I do have a recliner just in case, but I live alone, so it is something I had better be thinking about. Thanks for mentioning it. Denise

Mine was open and I had a lot of adhesions removed, which causes extra soreness they say. I get the impression laps don't have as much abdominal pain from what I read on the main board, but do not hesitate to take your pain meds if you need them! You'll heal faster and be much nicer to be around! and the chance of addiction is so remote if you use them correctly, it's not even worth discussing, so don't listen to any of that crap. Just take good care of yourself, you deserve it. Best of luck!

Hi Denise, I had lap in July and I never had a recliner. I went to my own bed right away and was fine. It takes a while to get comfortable but 11 pillpws did the trick lol. The first few nights are tough but you can always sleep in the daytime. Its so worth the pain just to get on the scale and always see a drop. I am a very slow loser but I am fine with it now because the skin isnt so bad. Good luck and you will find the comfort zone,Cindy 5 months 76 lbs and still going 44 to go yeah

Hi Cindy, I was glad to hear you had a good experience at Deaconess. You mentioned that you hired your own nurse for the first night....how did you go about doing that? I might consider it in order to prevent my friends or family from having to camp out in my room all night. Thanks for your posts, I feel I know you from reading about your experiences. I hope my surgery with Dr. C. goes as well as yours. Denise

Pauletta, My husband applied for it for the days he didn't have vacation to cover. They said they would approve it however, they denied him because the person who did the follow up didn't ask the right question when they spoke with my surgeon's office. He didn't request the leave until the last minute (due to cir****tances beyond our control) but they said if he had asked at least 30 days prior, he would have been approved. At this point in time, its a mute point for him however, he is appealling it-not sure if he'll win but hopefully the person who made the decision will at least find out she needs to be more specific in the questions she asks the doctor's personnel. Beth