I’m having spine surgery on March 11th. I’m trying to figure out if I tell my referring agents I’m having surgery or just say I’m going on vacation for a month? What do I tell them or clients when they call? Do I just create a voicemail message stating I’m unavailable till whatever date? Do I update my website?
I certainly don’t want to loose referring agents thinking I can’t do my job after having spine surgery.
I had cervical spine fusion surgery in 2008 but I was not in this situation back then. Having spinal stenosis and degenerative disk disease is no fun, but it doesn’t stop me from doing my job.
Thanks in advance for any input from guys that may have gone through similar situations.
They don’t need to know what type of procedure you’re having, reach out & explain to your referring agents that you’ll be recuperating and you’ll be in touch when you’re ready to go.
You may want to work out a referring inspector arrangement with someone in your area.
I would stay involved and still answer the phone, etc. You can tell individual callers that you are unable to do their inspection due to being out on medical leave. You can tell agents when your expected return time will be.
Thank you, my wife wanted me to just say I was unavailable or on vacation. I was going to let them know what was going on.
I have reached out to another inspector I know who is willing to accept my referral to them.
Being out on medical leave sounds good.
Just say that you are scheduled out for X number of days and leave it at that. There’s no reason to explain things any further.
How long will you be laid up? It’s not near what you will be going through, but I had hernia surgery a few years ago. Afterwards they had me on a 10lb lift restriction for two weeks. I temporarily hired a friend to carry tools and ladders so I could continue inspecting. It’s something that you might consider to speed things along.
I have to agree with Jeff and keep your business to you… maybe throw out that you have an ongoing appointment or training for X weeks… heck, you can make the second true by doing some background training in something you want…
My wife and I are incredibly private people and no one gets info into our life that they don’t need.
I agree with the others that you don’t need to give a reason why you’ll be out for a month or so, but send them to another inspector you know that will do a good job.
Wishing you a speedy and harmonious recovery, Will!
Personally, I would at least mention that I was on medical leave. I think that’s pretty standard and appropriate. I would be worried that I might be seen as "that inspector that sometimes disappears for a month” if I told them I was going on a month-long vacation… that’s a pretty long vacation by most peoples’ standards. I think it would be more likely that they’d forget about me. Maybe not, but what’s the harm in a little honesty?
I’ve had two back surgeries. My surgeon was amazing. I walked out and went home same day. I had to sign a confession of judgment for the amount he charges above insurance, but a week or so after the surgery, he sent it back to me with the word “forgiven” written on it. I asked him why he let me off the hook. He explained that if his client complains a lot after the surgery, he doesn’t forgive it. LOL
Use this down time to work on stuff that you can only do while resting. Take online courses, work on your website, etc.
I agree with those who suggest you answer the calls: and refer to another local inspector. Then you get some “credit” and goodwill for having done so, and are still creating relationships that can pay off when you’re ready for work again.
This will be my second surgery, I had one fusion in my neck which was horrible. The down time for that was 2 months. Now it’s my lower back causing so much issues with my leg, they will be removing the entire outer bone (lamia) I think it’s called and removing bulges from 2 disks. I told him I did not want another fusion. My out of pocket cost is $2250.00 for the surgery. This is after having multiple steroid injections $2400.00 each, the past year that did not work. I’m now drained of all my savings I had in the bank.
I was told I might be out for 3-6 weeks. I can’t drive for the first 2 weeks and no lifting.
There is the risk of spinal cord damage, but what does one do?
I will try to work on my website and take a few InterNachi classes, but I’m not supposed to sit more then 30 minutes at a time the first 2 weeks after. So we’ll see.
I’ll keep everyone posted on how it goes. If you don’t hear from me it probably went bad.
I am sorry to hear that you are going through health and financial struggles. I wish you well with your surgery and speedy recovery after. On one hand, I think you are certainly under no obligation to share the details of your story. Saying “medical leave,” or nothing at all, plus referring a friend to do the jobs is good way to handle it. However, if you share a bit more of your story, you might be surprised how your realtor partners show up to support you in a time of need. You have been supporting them with your services to your shared clients. Maybe they will view you as a trusted partner that they wish to support (in their own ways). Sometimes being a bit vulnerable gives a green light for someone else to help you.
I made it through surgery. I’m feeling a bit drunk at the moment. My back hurts a lot, but expected. I’m hoping to be back to inspections by April 1st.
