Question:
Preparing for surgery- what do I do about work?

Howdy folks! I've searched the library and I can't find information pertaining to this. I'm curious to find out how you arranged your surgery with work? I've read a little about FMLA or Disability. Which one are we supposed to use? Did you just call your HR department, and they handled it? Thanks for your input!    — Jess S. (posted on November 8, 2002)

November 8, 2002
Jess, every company handles medical leave differently. Your company may have short term disability insurance that will insure that you are paid either all or a portion of your salary while you are out. If not, you may be eligable for a state short-term disability program, which would pay part of your salary. You could also arrange to use your sick and/or vacation time. Your HR department will be able to provide information on your companies policy. The FMLA guarantees that you can take up to 12 weeks off for your illnes, but it does not guarantee any payment of your salary. In other words, most employers are required to give you the time off, but they are not required to pay you under FMLA. (FMLA may not apply at all if you work for a very small company.) Hope this is helpful.
   — Amber L.

November 8, 2002
I filled out all the paperwork for short-term disability. My boss was great! Work was not a problem at all.
   — Cathy S.

November 8, 2002
I read your profile. I see that you are having lap rny, that is the same as I had. I work for a large company GE Capital. I just told my boss that I was having surgery and would be out for two weeks. When asked what kind I just said gastro intestinal (it wasn't really a lie) not many people ask further questions when you put it that way. I told him I would be out for two weeks. I was told two weeks would be fine I didn't have to do the whole short term diability thing for that. By two weeks post op I was fine to go back to work. I also have an office job, this may not be possible if you have a physical job. But you are also young so you may be fine after two weeks too. Read my profile for more.
   — Linda A.