Wednesday A Taste of Flava

Preparing for Surgery Feels Like Another Full-Time Job

I now see the challenges patients face when trying to prepare for surgery. And let me tell you… it’s not just the medical preparations. It’s the medical leave paperwork, too.

Everything is so detailed. Forms need to be submitted within a certain timeframe, and the wording has to meet the requirements for the leave application. You can send a letter explaining what’s going on, only to find out they need more information or a different form.

Then you’re back to sending messages, checking for responses, and making sure the right people have what they need.

All while you’re still in pain. All while you’re still working.

I have a newfound respect for frustrated patients. I hear their concerns at work, but now I’m experiencing this part for myself. And whew… I understand a little more.

This is my first surgery where I’ve had to arrange time off from work. It feels like a full-time job just staying on top of the paperwork process—and I already work full time! 😱

I also need to understand how I’m going to get paid while I’m recovering. Because taking time to heal doesn’t mean the bills take time off, too.

One thing I’m appreciating through this process is acknowledgment. Just having someone respond and say, “We received it. Here’s what happens next,” takes some of the worry out of it. I don’t need every answer immediately, but I do need to know my message didn’t disappear into thin air.

Surgery is 20 days away. Twenty days! It’s going by so quickly.

My daughter is also applying for time off to be my caregiver. She seems to have her part under control, and I’m grateful she’ll be there for me.

I’m getting things done, one piece at a time. But I’ll be honest… I didn’t realize how much work goes into getting ready to be off work.

Have you ever had to arrange for surgery while you were still working?

How did the process go for you?

Do you have any tips? Somebody might need what you learned—including me. 😁

From Flava in Her Tower 🌻