BUBS Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 I'm hoping I could get opinions from the forum on a situation I've found myself in with work. I recently started working a full time stable job since December. The job itself doesn't pay anything specail but it is the first one I've had in years that offers decent benefits and steady consistent hours and paychecks. My set back is that I have neck and back herniations and it has been adviced to me to undergo neck surgery to relieve the issue, the neck surgery will put me out of work for 4-6 weeks, which ultimately will result in me losing my job this soon in the game. The reason I can't really hold off on the surgery is because I am currently in a lawsuit, and beside that the pain is really getting to me and pain management hasn't worked. I'm not sure what to do, I was going to be looking for places again finally after living back home and saving for a year and a half since my break up with my ex fiance, and if I do the surgery and lose my job, I will be right back at square one again with nothing to show, I wont even be able to get my dog back from him still. If I don't do the surgery I will continue in pain, and potentionally lose a great deal of money and all of the effort I've made thus far in my law suit. I don't know which I should do. I know it ultimately comes down to me, but I'd love to hear what others would choose in my situation to get some more perspective on it. Hope to hear some responses soon, and thanks in advance Link to post Share on other sites
GorillaTheater Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 Jobs come and go, but you only have one neck. Take care of it. Not for any money that may be at stake, but because you need to take care of yourself. 3 Link to post Share on other sites
MidwestUSA Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 I suffered with neck problems for nearly twenty years before undergoing a two level anterior cervical fusion. The improvement in quality of life is worth losing the job and starting over. You're going to have to have it done sooner or later, right? Is was actually a very easy recovery for me, and if I'd had a desk job, I could have gone back in two weeks. Good luck! Link to post Share on other sites
Author BUBS Posted February 18, 2014 Author Share Posted February 18, 2014 Thank you for both of your advice! I do have a desk job, but my job entails answering phones all day which is why I'm not sure if I will have to recover fully before being able to speak consistently since the incision is done through the neck. It is kind of a relief to hear that you were up and running after two weeks, it gives me hope that maybe I can keep my job after all, but even two weeks is a long time for a job I've only been at for two months. Link to post Share on other sites
MidwestUSA Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 Did your pain management include steroid injections? I'm going to assume that you're dealing with bulges or even herniations. I'll even venture a guess at the level - C5-6? LOL! Steroid injections bought me a couple years time. The neck incision really is pretty (okay, relatively) painless, talking at two weeks out shouldn't be a problem. There's a lot of room between the tissues that are incised and your throat. A sore throat from intubation would be more likely, and only last a day. Do you hold a traditional phone or is it a hands free system? That kink in your neck from a phone at your ear will be a bigger problem. Link to post Share on other sites
Author BUBS Posted February 18, 2014 Author Share Posted February 18, 2014 haha, I have had steroid and facet injections as well as them burning nerve endings off. Its been about 4 years, I am young which is why I was hesitant to get the surgery (24) but I know ill need it eventually no matter what. I have a headset so I dont have to worry about the neck kinks as much, really I just have to be able to handle taking and transfering calls all day, my job is pretty simple. Link to post Share on other sites
MidwestUSA Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 Then it probably comes down to how much longer you can put up with it. My surgeon actually was going to let me go back to work at four weeks, and I'm a nurse, pushing patients around and all that. But, I had my knee scoped at the same time, so the ortho guy made me stay out six weeks. How long would you have to stay at the job to be eligible to take off to have the surgery? 1 Link to post Share on other sites
MidwestUSA Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 Sorry, I did read about the lawsuit. I would definitely, if I were you, want to get my neck done before I went out and tried to get my own place again. Get it done, get healed, get another job, get your own place, and get your dog back! 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Author BUBS Posted February 18, 2014 Author Share Posted February 18, 2014 Thank you for all your help. I'm not even sure how long till I qualified, I know I have to be here at least a year in order to even get 15 days vacation/sick time, but I def got more motivated in hearing your responses. Thank you very much! Link to post Share on other sites
GorillaTheater Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 Are you in the States? If so, you may qualify for FMLA leave. Something to talk to HR about. Link to post Share on other sites
Radu Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 You are young enough to survive the loss of 1 job, but going through life with pain and complicating your life when you have this on your plate ... well. Focus on one thing and fix it well, do the surgery. Link to post Share on other sites
Author BUBS Posted February 21, 2014 Author Share Posted February 21, 2014 Thank you all for your advice, it gave me the courage to tell my boss about the surgery and I'll be meeting with my Doctor on the 5th to discuss possible dates. I am nervous still about going without a job or financially secuirity, but you are all right, its better to just get it done and take the loss. Link to post Share on other sites
MidwestUSA Posted February 21, 2014 Share Posted February 21, 2014 Thank you all for your advice, it gave me the courage to tell my boss about the surgery and I'll be meeting with my Doctor on the 5th to discuss possible dates. I am nervous still about going without a job or financially secuirity, but you are all right, its better to just get it done and take the loss. Good luck to you. I remember laying in the recovery room, FEELING my right arm for the first time in a while! The relief was that immediate. I sincerely hope it goes as well for you! Link to post Share on other sites
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