PA's, PT and return to work

This is the 8th week after knee scope surgery. Follow up w/ doc (PA) after 3 weeks and then started PT 2X per week for strength training and range of motion . After the first week and a half of PT I brought up walking as I walk a lot at work, the therapist kept saying it'll be soon but it didn't happen. I walked on off days from PT, just around the grocery store, mall, neighborhood etc. but PT sternly warned me to be careful and don't over do it.

Two weeks ago I had another follow up w/ the PA. My PT evaluation of strength and motion range was excellent, I agreed. PA thought I'd be ready for work. I disagreed as I still need to get my walking up to speed. I later found out that PT couldn't let me walk as I requested because it wasn't on the order. PA then wrote a script to include treadmill walking in PT.

PT was increased to 3X per week and they upped the weight in my workout (which tweaked my back) and I started treadmill walking, working up to 20 minutes or a little over half mile by yesterday. PT told me to rest after workout days but I still walked on my off days... but my back was still killin' me.

Week eight follow up w/ PA, she thought surely I 'd be ready for work, I still disagreed. By her change in attitude I think she thought I was trying to milk it. I explained how a one hour PT workout and 20 minute treadmill walk 3X per week does not transition well to being on my feet all day and walking an average 5 miles/ 8 hr shift at work at 5 days minimum. She became a little miffed.

I suggested allowing me another week, dropping the PT weights which were killin' my back and restricting my walking. Let me walk every day on my own... in the real world not a treadmill. Working up to walking (on/ off) two miles/ day on my own would be a good transition from PT to work.... I'd be totally satisfied... send me back to work in a week, no problem. I'd continue the PT exercises at home. As strength training is key, I'd resume the weights after returning to work.

Although I only asked for a week, the PA scheduled me for two weeks to see the surgeon... as if she washed her hands of me. I'm still stopping in their office next week to get my release to work.

I know what I need to do at work, they don't. My boss or HR isn't concerned about my time off, only that I feel ready when I return, they stand behind my decision. I'm totally confident this plan will work.

Am I being unreasonable? Suggestions, experience etc?

TIA

I don't think you are being unreasonable, like you said you know what a typical night / week at work involves for you they don't. And if you rush it too much you could screw it up and need a lot more time off.

8 weeks? Bob Costas. Chuck Norris roundhouse kicked his surgeon while he was still under the knife.

Any chance of a part time return to work? If you aren't fixed after this much time, you probably won't be, so get yourself back in shape, and hit the floor.

Note: I am neither a physician, nor Chuck Norris. All advice is worth price charged.

In reply to Streetwiseguy:

4-6 weeks is typically quoted for return to work and that's what the PA brought up. We figure that's a comp/ insurance estimated time. A professional orthopedic site says 6-8 weeks for heavier work. We are moderate to heavy work plus walking a E36 M3load so I still think I'm right on the money.

I should have had my first follow up after surgery w/ the doc within 7-10 days but didn't till 17 days out. I reminded the PA that's a full week lost where I could have been in PT. Also, because PT wasn't allowed to let me treadmill walk earlier and dissuaded me from walking much on my own I prolly lost another two weeks of walking progress. As far as I'm concerned they dropped the ball and I'd be compromising myself if I went back too early w/o getting my walking closer to our work standards.

No part time or light duty at my workplace. I wanna get back to work so I can buy a used Mustang GT before the prices go up this summer... what better motivation is there.

Wc will try and push you out back into work as soon s they can. They don't care at all. You could always try visiting at work and see if u can make the day. If your back still hurts u need to notify the pt and pa, don't get screwed over on that. I was out for 4 months. 8 weeksis nothing.

In reply to Jaxmadine:

Last doc visit yesterday, the PA thought I was a comp case, maybe that's why she was trying to push me back in sooner.

I'm not comp, I'm on sick leave... not work related.

In reply to fasted58: Ah, sounded like comp 100%. Maybe that was their issue?