Advice needed...

carmendanielle

Okay I'm gonna try to make a long story short.... FTM with GD, regular contractions every 5-10 min. since 28 weeks but no changes to cervix so my DR is not concerned. Back pain started this weekend, it's SO bad! I can't walk or reposition myself without really sharp pain. I had to call in sick to work Sat night (I'm an RN who works 12-hr night shifts) because there is NO way I can work with this much pain. I talked to my OB this morning and she said she could release me from work BUT that it would take up my maternity leave, and I still have 3 weeks of work to go.... so I told her to hold off on that for now. I know I have PTO available and can use that so I'm hoping to get excused from work by my manager and use that (waiting on her to call me back). But if I can't just use my PTO the next 3 weeks do I take the leave and use up 3 weeks of maternity leave? I really didn't want to use it until my LO arrives, I want more time with her. But I know I can't work if I can't walk.... Any ideas or suggestions?

hmp1

Is there any other options you have with your work where you can still go in and assist with clerical work and not walk around? I would also look into using your PTO at the end of maternity leave. Maybe that would be allowed since you could put in request for your PTO with notice.

willy_gert

I wish I could give you some advice on this!  I am in a very similar situation where working is very difficult, but I am doing what I can, because I have no idea how much longer my doctor is going to let me go.  I can't afford to be gone from work for more than 6 weeks, no matter how much time I am "allowed"!  So, I would say hang in there and see if there is anything you can do to modify at work or something!  I go to the chiropractor almost weekly now, because my pelvic and SI joint pain is so bad, maybe try something like that!  I would think that your work would accomodate you for a certain amount of time before making you take leave!  The best thing to do is ask!  Maybe you can do paperwork or some project that needs to be done that involves sitting that no one ever has time for!  I am sorry you are in so much pain!  I am right there with you!  I hope you get something figured out that works for you and your family!

carmendanielle

Both great ideas. I will mention them to my manager when she calls me. I really don't want to miss out on time home with my LO, but hate leaving work short handed. I don't think I can do anything clerical, we have unit secretaries already on staff, I might be able to come in after they leave for the night, usually 10pm and see if they need help. But I don't know. 

BeebopandBuddy

I was told by my HR department that if my supervisor would accommodate me, I could stay on light duty.  Otherwise, I would have to go out.  So my doctor sent in a note and my supervisor has been finding little organization projects or other things that I can do in the office so that I can stay.  I'm trying to work until the end for the same reason you stated, I want to stay home with the baby.

mommy510

I would try going to the chiropractor or doing some exercises with a birthing ball. That always seems to help LO get off my sciatic nerve.

Holly_1007

have you looked into seeing a chiro or getting a prenatal massage? also swimming might help loosen things up?  and try rotating heat and ice packs? 20 mins on 20 mins off?

see if your co-workers will work with you and give you the "easier" patients? (do those even exist? haha)

carmendanielle

After having talked to my manager, Dr, and HR dept. and mentioned various ideas here is the conclusion. They are taking me off work with extended FMLA. Thank God. Thanks for all of your ideas and suggestions. I totally mentioned them all. Unfortunately there is no real thing as "easy patients", I can't do clerical work or light duty, rotating heat/ice doesn't make much difference, I am wearing a maternity support band as well as a band I got from phys. therapy (pre-pregnancy back pain related). Luckily my manager is AWESOME and said she would extend my FMLA and Maternity leave for me to accomodate my time off now and for my leave that I had planned to take already. Such a lucky duck I am!! Hate having this pain but love my manager for working with me. Thanks again ladies!