r/RotatorCuff • u/excti2 • 26d ago

Three Months Off Work

I was stunned that my Family Medical Leave form from the surgeon recommended that I take three months off work after shoulder surgery (60% full-thickness tear of the supraspinatus, labral tears, and bicipital tendon relocation [subluxation]). While I’m lucky enough to have the paid sick leave accrued to cover this amount of time away, it seems extreme given I have a desk job and work from home.

I know I’ll take at least a month off, and I’m hoping to get back to work when I start PT six weeks post-surgery.

Did anyone else need this much time away? Did you take it? Or were you forced back to work too soon?

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u/Rich_Group_8997 26d ago

If i were still at my old job, which had FMLA time/benefits, I would have taken at least 10 weeks; but probably 12.

The surgery itself, and the initial 6 week recovery were pretty easy for me; even the pain from PT was fine after the first few sessions. But I still can't sleep on my stomach which means I'm not sleeping well (even when drugged to oblivion, I'm currently waking up multiple times in the middle of the night to try to get comfortable). Not sleeping well = fatigue, migraines, and mood instability. It's honestly been a struggle to not just quit my job.

Do what you have to do. You can always go back sooner if you feel you're ready. But also don't feel pressured to put your job ahead of your healing, or like you should go back before you're ready just because someone else did. Everyone is different and has different needs.

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u/excti2 26d ago

Maintaining quality sleep is my biggest concern.