# Surgery Oct 23rd **URL:** \ **Category:** General\ **Created:** [October 5, 2026, 11:25pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/surgery-oct-23rd/24579 "2026-10-05T23:25:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Kgreene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/da6949/32.png) [@Kgreene](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Kgreene)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2026, 11:25pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/surgery-oct-23rd/24579/1 "2026-10-05T23:25:59Z")
Hey everyone! it’s getting closer to my surgery date, and I’m feeling a little stressed! I’m working on my FMLA paperwork, making sure all of that is in order and that’s stressful! I got a letter tonight from them saying I only got approved for 2 weeks. I feel like that’s a little too soon to be going back to work, what do you guys think? Will they approve me for more? I see some people on here that has had 3-4 weeks off, so I was just curious. I work in a hospital setting where it’s a very strenuous day pretty much every day that I’m here..so I’m just curious. let me know what you guys think? Thanks!! ---
**Author:** ![MGORNEAU](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/76d3ee/32.png) [@MGORNEAU](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/MGORNEAU)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2026, 1:57am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/surgery-oct-23rd/24579/2 "2026-10-06T01:57:31Z")
@Kgreene I actually went back to work four days after my bilateral styloidectomies, but I work from home at a desk by myself, which is a completely different situation. If I was having a rough day, I could stop for a bit, take it easy, or honestly just sit there and cry if I needed to. For a hospital job that is physically strenuous and mentally demanding all day, though, two weeks sounds really early to me. There is a big difference between being able to sit at home and work at your own pace versus being on your feet, interacting with people, staying focused, making decisions and getting through a full shift when your body and brain are still recovering. I would definitely talk to your surgeon about what your job actually involves and whether they can extend the time on your paperwork. Recovery is so individual, but being technically able to work is not necessarily the same as being ready to return to a demanding job. ---
**Author:** ![Isaiah\_40\_31](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/isaiah_40_31/32/3054_2.png) [@Isaiah\_40\_31](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Isaiah_40_31)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2026, 2:09am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/surgery-oct-23rd/24579/3 "2026-10-06T02:09:10Z")
@Kgreene - I completely agree w/ @MGORNEAU. It would be best for you to get 4 weeks off with the demands of your job, but if you can get 3 weeks off & go back part time for a week or two that could work as well. Lifting more than 5-10 lbs, in particular, is something that needs to be put on hold for a month or so post op so that alone could be a reason to give for needing the extra time off. I’ve put your surgery on my calendar so I can pray for you that day. Have you mentioned who’s doing your surgery? I like to also add the doctors name as I pray for that person, too. 😊 ---
**Author:** ![Kgreene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/da6949/32.png) [@Kgreene](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Kgreene)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2026, 7:57am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/surgery-oct-23rd/24579/4 "2026-10-06T07:57:31Z")
Oh goodness, I’m glad you did so well after surgery that you could go back to work. Even being able to take breaks in between doing stuff, that would be so nice! I will talk with my surgeon and see what he says. Thank you so much for you input! I’m so thankful to have this community! 😊 ---
**Author:** ![Kgreene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/da6949/32.png) [@Kgreene](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Kgreene)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2026, 7:59am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/surgery-oct-23rd/24579/5 "2026-10-06T07:59:00Z")
I will talk to my boss today, because my schedule is already out through Christmas, which is so crazy! 😳 It’s Dr. David Campbell who is going my surgery, here in Indiana! I’m grateful that you’ve put me on your list, and I’m thankful to have this community to reach out and ask any questions. It’s been a huge help for me having this! 💛 ---
**Author:** ![Jules](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/jules/32/404_2.png) [@Jules](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jules)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2026, 10:44am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/surgery-oct-23rd/24579/6 "2026-10-06T10:44:12Z")
I agree to , if you can delay going back to work for another couple of weeks then that would be best, especially if you have to do lifting with work? I was just doing voluntary work when I had my surgery, but did have to lift toddlers about, I couldn’t have done that without being in pain for the first 4 weeks, and if you’re working at that level every day I think you’ll feel it… hope that you can extend it, & will pray for good results 🙏 ---
**Author:** ![MGORNEAU](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/76d3ee/32.png) [@MGORNEAU](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/MGORNEAU)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2026, 12:59pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/surgery-oct-23rd/24579/7 "2026-10-06T12:59:21Z")
@Kgreene Oh, I should clarify, I was definitely not doing well at all, but I wasn’t doing well prior to surgery either. It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t really have a choice, and working from home was an absolute blessing. That’s why I think two weeks sounds very soon for someone returning to a strenuous hospital setting. ---
**Author:** ![Kgreene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/da6949/32.png) [@Kgreene](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Kgreene)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2026, 5:09pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/surgery-oct-23rd/24579/8 "2026-10-06T17:09:10Z")
Thank you, this makes me feel better! I think 2 weeks is too soon as well, so I wanted to reach out you all and see what you thought. My boss just said I should talk to the FMLA people, and the doc to clarify the timeline about taking more time off. thanks so much Jules! ---
**Author:** ![Kgreene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/da6949/32.png) [@Kgreene](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Kgreene)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2026, 5:11pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/surgery-oct-23rd/24579/9 "2026-10-06T17:11:23Z")
Thank you for replying again, I appreciate all your help! I really don’t feel that well most days either. I’m hoping the recovery will go well for me, but I don’t want to risk my job of going back to work too early! ---
**Author:** ![callove](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/278dde/32.png) [@callove](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/callove)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2026, 7:14pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/surgery-oct-23rd/24579/10 "2026-10-06T19:14:09Z")
Legally, your boss cannot talk to you about FMLA, it is not a manager’s job to deal with it and they are not supposed to interfere with that determination. Large employers have HR teams who specifically process FMLA paperwork. The doctor is the one who says how much leave you get, on their FMLA certification form. So he/she would be the one to talk to if you feel you need more time off of work. Do you think your surgeon is receptive to giving you more leave? You should tell them your job is physically taxing, that you’re on your feet all day, etc. If they know that, they might be willing to give you another week or two. If they agree, you can ask them to fill out a new medical certification with a longer leave time. FYI, this is a sample FMLA medical certification from the federal government: > **[WH-380-E.pdf](https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/WH-380-E.pdf)** > > 239.74 KB The form your workplace uses may be a little different, but the information they request will be the same. ---
**Author:** ![Isaiah\_40\_31](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/isaiah_40_31/32/3054_2.png) [@Isaiah\_40\_31](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Isaiah_40_31)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2026, 11:36pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/surgery-oct-23rd/24579/11 "2026-10-06T23:36:59Z")
Thanks for this info, @callove. It will be helpful for others who are in a similar situation. ---
**Author:** ![Kgreene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/da6949/32.png) [@Kgreene](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Kgreene)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2026, 9:01am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/surgery-oct-23rd/24579/12 "2026-10-07T09:01:09Z")
Thank you for all the info! I’ll need to call the doctor today, or when I see him to tell him all of that. I’ve never been through this process before, so this is all brand new/confusing! I’ve had to ask my coworkers to help me because HR people here are hard to get a hold of. thank you again for all the help!! I appreciate this! ---
**Author:** ![sarahmarie5](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/sarahmarie5/32/14423_2.png) [@sarahmarie5](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/sarahmarie5)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2026, 12:57am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/surgery-oct-23rd/24579/13 "2026-10-08T00:57:50Z")
Definitely request 4 weeks with your surgeon…I had one side removed and am able to work from home laying in bed. That being said, there is zero chance I would’ve been able to survive a fast paced day like yours at 2 weeks post op. I’d get exhausted just cooking dinner! And I am an extremely active person (5-7 miles a day of walking, weight lifting, Pilates, etc). This surgery was HUMBLING! I know everyone is different but I took the advice I read on here and prepared for every possible scenario I could. Thank God I did! This community is amazing. Seriously. You’ll do great by the way, I’m excited for you and your outcome!!! ---
**Author:** ![Kgreene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/da6949/32.png) [@Kgreene](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Kgreene)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2026, 1:00pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/surgery-oct-23rd/24579/14 "2026-10-10T13:00:35Z")
This is good to know, should I just call the office this week? I’m 2 weeks out as of right now. I think I’m prepared as much as I can be, but I’m taking in all of the advice! I’m glad you’re doing well! Thank you for responding, and being so kind! I might be reaching out again once I know more. Thank you again! 😊 ---
**Author:** ![sarahmarie5](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/sarahmarie5/32/14423_2.png) [@sarahmarie5](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/sarahmarie5)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2026, 3:35pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/surgery-oct-23rd/24579/15 "2026-10-10T15:35:22Z")
Absolutely! I’d contact them ASAP and relay the information and experiences you’ve read from other Eagle Syndrome patients, and request 4 weeks minimum. Advocate fiercely for yourself! Your future self will thank you. ---
**Author:** ![Kgreene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/da6949/32.png) [@Kgreene](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Kgreene)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2026, 2:07pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/surgery-oct-23rd/24579/16 "2026-10-11T14:07:13Z")
Thank you! I will do that first thing in the morning. I truly appreciate all your help! 😭💛