New Challenge

[RDUczyJr]

I had TKR on April 27th and have been recovering well. I am involved in a rather strange situation I want to go back to my job (police officer) and have met up with resistance. The Department I work for indicated an IME which I know I must attend. They are trying to get a Dr to say I can't go back. Usually it's the opposite...I did obtain a lawyer...however it is psychologically draining...I still have PT three times a week and have been progressing well. My PT has been using kinesio tape around the knee caop area which seems to keep my knee cap in p-lace when walking and exercising. The attorney for the PD asked me if I thought about retirement....not yet! I'm 54 years old with 32 years on the job. I would still likle to go for another 5 years.

 

[Josephine]

A novel turn of events indeed! I take it an IME is what I would call a "return to work medical"? After 5 months I take it all is well and you have the all clear from you PCP and OS? In which case, they have a very thin case for enforcing retirement on health grounds.

If the doctor is up to his job and fair minded, then he should not be influenced by the Department's wished (I never am!) and will clear you for a return. Doubtless friend Doug with have something more informed to offer on the subject. Hope you win the case!

 

[RDUczyJr]

Josephine, I have had some lingering swelling, however my surgeon advised me he felt I couldn't return full until six months from August when I last saw him. I could return now for desk work, however we are too small to have an officer sit at a desk all day. I must be able to return full duty which the surgeon said I could in due time.

 

[Josephine]

I see - can you get a phased return to work? Or will it have to be straight back into full time?

By phased I mean
week 1 - 2 half days each a day apart;
week 2 - 3 half days each a day apart;
week 3 - 2 full days each a day apart;
week 4 - 3 full days each a day apart;
week 5 - back to full time

In any case, if things are not back to normal, then you shouldn't rush it.

 

[RDUczyJr]

They expect me to come back full....I wanted to add one more thing. I had previously posted a comment that I needed to get an attorney. The insurance company never told me they denied my claim until I started to get bills from my personal health insurance. I had 5 previous work related surgeries on my knee which were all work related. The insurance states my TKR was an elected surgery.......LOL So I am facing a battle on both fronts. I can see where people would throw up their hands and not fight it. I am comitted to follow through, I wish they would give me a chance to gradually phase back into work.....I don't think I'll see it.

 

[Josephine]

Shame - what can I say? Sounds like you have a lot on your hands.