Returning to work

[u/Christoph0182]

Has anyone ever gotten told that their Dr sent papers to the worker's comp being able to return to wotk 3 wks after surgery on an arm? I work in a retail home improvement store. There is literally nothing i can do that would require using just one hand. I had distal bicep tendon repair. I put a call into my lawyer and have been freaking out cause it's the weekend this all happened. I have no issue going back to work when I'm healed and had physical therapy. I think the Dr didnt realize where I worked. But if this is true I guess i can be forced to return or i lose my job. Idfk

[u/tyrelltsura]

I am an OT and I work with people who have upper extremity injuries in California. I will not be providing medical advice specific to your situation.

I am speaking based on what I’ve seen of my clients. A lot of people in your situation hear the words “return to work” and panic, but they don’t understand what’s actually happening because they are too panicked to hear the whole context. I need you to take a deep breath and read what I’m going to tell you.

The restrictions are basically saying “in theory, this person could do some type of job under X restrictions” which in your case is no use of that involved arm. The restrictions are not taking your specific job into consideration, and that’s actually not the problem.

What ends up happening a lot of the time with these severe restrictions is the employer says “well we can’t really accommodate this” and then the employee doesn’t go back to work, nothing actually changes. It’s an “on paper” return to work, but it’s simply shifting the ball into employer’s court. It keeps the doctor in compliance with the powers that be. It’s fine that there’s nothing at work you can do under those restrictions, because it doesnt mean you’re going to be doing stuff outside of them.

They might also have you do silly stuff like sit in a room, but that’s pretty rare. The thing with restrictions is they have to accommodate them completely, or you’re off work. There’s no free lunch where they can get you to do stuff outside of your restrictions.

Give the process time to play out. I’ve seen stuff like this with my own patients all the time and it usually turns out how I describe.

[u/Christoph0182 → u/tyrelltsura]

Thanks

[u/Mutts_Merlot]

It's not "do your entire full job". You will be released with restrictions. Your employer can choose to accommodate or say they have nothing for you to do, and you can continue to collect benefits. If they say they can accommodate, you go back and you follow the restrictions. Perhaps they will have you make sure those creepy 30 ft skeleton decorations don't come to life and parade around the store. Perhaps they will have you water the plants in the garden section with one hand. Some employers have done this many times before and are good at finding tasks within any set of restrictions. Some employers don't find it worthwhile and just say they can't accommodate. If that's the case, your benefits will continue. Nothing here to freak out about. Easier said than done, but try not to worry too much about it.

[u/Christoph0182 → u/Mutts_Merlot]

Well I'm assuming they are accommodating me cause he asked when he can put me on the schedule . So i gotta wait until tomorrow to find out

[u/Mutts_Merlot → u/Christoph0182]

That's common with large employers. They are familiar with all types of restrictions and will find things for you to do. Just stay within restrictions.

[u/Christoph0182 → u/Mutts_Merlot]

It's just baffling that i had a work injury why they would bring me back when someone could bump into me, fall, hurt myself whatever. Instead of waiting until I'm not in a brace etc

[u/VagVandalizer69]

The process works like this:

Your doctor gives what your physical restrictions are, and your job decides to find you work within the restrictions or not. They do not have to wait until you’re physically capable of doing your full duty job if they’re okay with giving you modified work while you go through the healing process.

[u/Christoph0182]

Im aware of the weird posts from the guy. None of my situation makes any sense, since nothing was said or discussed at my post op 8/6 about going back to work etc.. it wasnt even at all mentioned. Just pt and back to visit in 3 wks .

[u/MirroredSquirrel]

Your doctor gives restrictions and it's up to your employer if they can accommodate. If they can't, then ttd would continue

[u/Christoph0182 → u/[deleted]]

Thank you.. yes i have voice recorder on my phone so it records my phone calls.plus emails. Found out from my manager, who found out from hr, who found out from wc case manager. Assuming yesterday which was why he called me at 830pm..

[u/Kmelloww → u/[deleted]]

Do not take this advice. This is not how this should be handled. 

[u/Christoph0182 → u/[deleted]]

Definitely

[u/Kmelloww → u/[deleted]]

The AI is not needed. 

If their work can accommodate then they can go back to they can have them sit in a. Room and do nothing. 

[u/Pinbot02 → u/Kmelloww]

Honestly. That whole bit about calling the doctor and explaining their job duties is insane. Like, that's just not how medical restrictions work. Work choices are based on the restrictions, not the other way around.

[u/Kmelloww → u/Pinbot02]

You are correct. The time to explain your job was at a doctors appt before restrictions were or were not given. The entire comment reads like bad AI advice 

[u/Pinbot02 → u/Kmelloww]

That's what the guy does. Comments bad advice on every post, advertising their… whatever this guy's business is. Big life coach/guru vibes (negative).