IME Says Light Duty-Can I Take FMLA to Save Job

[Kisa]

Feb 25th, 2009 I fell hurt back while on duty as a school bus driver-Filled out form w/ employer I was sent to occupational health services with complaints about low back-and many bruises. The dr. put me off for a few days then I went back to work WC took care off meds and bill. Pain just got worst ended seeing a specialist (back surgeon) he ordered a MRI results say stenosis, bulging disc, vertebra moving forward and he says I acquire due to trauma.

I am 64 so yes some of this was pre-existing yet the only time I had this constant pain was after my fall. It feels terrible to be so uncomfortable all of the time-he sent me to PT-I continued to work driving with an ice pack and pain meds. I did not want to take time off cause I was just silly and thought I was helping by waiting until my summer break.

A few days before school was out I just could not do it anymore so my doctor took out of work- he ordered more PT and rest. No help so now we are to try the spine shots-if no help then he has suggested surgery (cages in my back)
In the meantime WC has been sending lost wage checks-then they sent me to an IME-he placed me on very light duty-my employer has nothing.

So here is my question since my doctor has not released me may I use my FMLA to save my job until I find if the shots will help and or surgery I had planned on working for another 8 years don’t laugh I like working.
WC has not yet ok-ed the shots or the surgery but I could use my work INS. if on FMLA.
Also WC attorney is really not interested in my case I guess cause I am so old?

Any advice will be appreciated Thanks Lisa

[.SH]

yes workers comp and FMLA are often used together.
here are some links for fmla rules
http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/fmla/