Question:
Is it appropriate or feasible for me to ask for medical leave 5 days early to surgs

I am to have surgery on 3-5-03; bariatric treatment ctr admissions dr. took me off of Vioxx 2 wks prior to surgery. I am on 50 mg Vioxx per day (max dosage allowed) due to 4 herniated discs in spine and fibromyalgia. Dr. told me to increase my pain meds (Percoset) to make up for lack of Vioxx. Normally I take 1-3 Percoset per day and now I am taking 4-5--makes me so sleepy that I am having trouble going to work and staying awake all day. I'm wondering if bariatric dr might be willing to allow me to go on medical leave now instead of waiting for 3-5-03. anyone have any experience with this or advice?    — Suzanne S. (posted on February 27, 2003)

February 26, 2003
I had to go through my HR department at work to get approved for the medical leave. I submitted my paperwork a few weeks in advance and I designated the to and from dates that I'd be off. I also had to submit the paperwork from my doctor that I was having surgery. I started my leave a few days prior to surgery due to the bowel prep, etc. and had no problems whatsover getting approved. It's the end of February already, so you're surgery is not too far off. I'd talk to your HR department and your doctor about this because it's not uncommon to start the leave earlier than the actual surgery date itself. GOOD LUCK and CONGRATULATIONS!
   — Cristy K.

February 26, 2003
My husband is scheduled for surgery the first Wednesday in April and he is planning to take Monday and Tuesday as vacation days. It depends on your company's policy regarding medical leaves of abscence. Some are more liberal than others. Check with your HR department. You don't need to give them a reason other than to say you need the time as part of your medical leave as it pertains to your surgical procedure. Good luck!
   — koogy

February 27, 2003
KEEP IN MIND IF YOU HAVE A SET MAX ALLOWABLE LEAVE, THAT ANY TIME YOU TAKE OFF PRIOR TO SURGERY WILL BE FIGURED IN, I SAY TAKE IT WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST
   — **willow**

February 27, 2003
hi-i'm not sure about the work. But I just wanted you to make usre you let your surgeon/anesthesiologist know about how much percocet you are taking. I know they ask, but make sure they know and understand, b/c they may have to adjust your pain medication (suualy morphine drip/pump) afterwards. I was taking percocet on a daily basis like you for months due to a chronic illness and was in ALOT of pain during my recovery b/c my body was more tolerable of narcotics. And i had a recent ulcer surgery and was so used to the pain killers that I had to have injections of morphine in addition to the constant pump of diuladid (stronger than morphine) So I just want you to make sure you know, so you aren't in pain. Goodluck to you and congrats on your surgery!
   — Lezlie Y.