My daughter needs to have her tonsils and adenoids taken out and the first available appointment for surgery is at the end of July.  There are only two people in the department that I work in and the other person will be on vacation for two weeks after my daughters surgery.  I talked to our supervisor and she told me I don't know what to tell you.  Really, you don't know what to tell me!!  I am just really frustrated because if something should happen where my daughter needs to be readmitted to the hospital or have to go to the ER I will not be able to go with because I won't have anyone to cover for me at work.  I just don't know what to do about this.  I would like to take a few days off to be with her while she recovers because it is a 10 day recovery time and she can't go to daycare during that time.  I can't take any time off accept for the day that she has surgery because the other person is on vacation and just don't know what to do.  There should be something that my employer can do but they won't do anything.  I have thought about quitting but I have it good there besides this problem.  I live two blocks from work and work 3 blocks from the school so if I need to go for something at school I can.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated!  Thank you in advance!!

Jen

Hi Jen,

Surgical removal of the tonsils and adenoids (known as a T&A) is one of the most common operations performed on children in the U.S. Only 2% or 3% of children have adequate medical reasons for this procedure. Parents need to be armed with enough facts to prevent any unnecessary surgery.

The tonsils are not just some worthless pieces of tissue that block our view of the throat. They have a purpose. They produce antibodies that fight nose and throat infections. They confine the infection to the throat, rather than allowing it to spread to the neck or bloodstream.

This information was taken from :http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/pa/pa_tonsilsu_hhg.htm

Having said this, try to reschedule your tonsils/adenoid surgery to a later date that will work with your work schedule as well as having a co-worker(s) available if needed.

Esther

I would say if shes mostly healthy right now, (which Im assuming she has to be in order to have surgery- I dont think they'll do it if she has an existing infection or anything) .  . I would post pone the surgery to the next availability. That way you should be able to take off a couple of days to be with her afterwards and monitor her health.

If you keep it at the end of July, where you will have to return to work immediately, who will be with her during the day, since you say she wont be able to go to daycare? If you are comfortable with the person taking care of her, and you really want her to have the surgery ASAP, then I guess you would have to deal with the work situation. But, if you say you have it good at your job and they tend to be flexible, then I wouldnt jeopardize that.

Well, Jen firstly I'm so sorry to hear that your daughter is ill.  Even though T&A is a common surgery for kids I understand your concerns.  I also understand that your daughter is out of daycare because she is sick and that postponing the surgery will further prevent her from going.  I suggest getting a second opinion.  I am almost 30 years old and never had my tonsils removed.  Why do they want to T&As removed?  Maybe you could negotiate directlly with some co-workers to see if they might empathize.  You might have to take someones crappy shifts or a relativelly unwanted duty to up the anty on your negotiations.  I would not suggest quiting.  Maybe study up on your company's FMLA (this is the same policy that covers maternity leaves for pregnant women) Family Medical Leave guarantees you paid/unpaid time off with the contracted promise of returning to your position or one of equal pay for certain instances. Its worth a shot.........GOOD LUCK DEAR

I had the same surgery as a child. It took about a week to recover but I functioned quite well. I agree with Esther, if there is a way to reschedule try that. If not, do you have friends/family available who could watch her during your shifts at work? Also If your company employs I think 70 people then FMLA should apply. What does your HR rep say? That's what they are there for. Good luck.

FMLA only applies if she would be out of work for two weeks or longer, and if the company employs 70 or more people.

Other options that may apply would be taking the child to work with you, asking if someone from another department can cover (even partially) the work, offering to take some of the work home.

I do think the others ladies have the best suggestion of postponing the surgery.

FMLA only applies if she would be out of work for two weeks or longer, and if the company employs 70 or more people.

Other options that may apply would be taking the child to work with you, asking if someone from another department can cover (even partially) the work, offering to take some of the work home.

I do think the others ladies have the best suggestion of postponing the surgery.

Maybe so, thanks "Suga".  It sounds like the other ladies might have more experience dealing with this sort of thing so you might be right.  Myself nor my kids have ever had this particular procedure.  Jen I sympathize for you and your daughter, I'll pray for you guys.

quit.  if a company doesnt understand about family and kids then its not a good company to work for.