Asking for time off as a 2L SA for medical reasons Forum

[Anonymous User]

Interesting problem. I'm a student summering at a v50 law firm in NYC and currently I am in the middle of a medical dilemma; nothing serious but I'll need to have two wisdom teeth removed sooner rather than later. Job starts in less than a month and typically I'd just take care of this now but I am in the middle of exams. To make matters more complicated due to travel I will not have the recommended 1 week of down time between the surgery and complete recovery before my job starts.

Thus, my options appear to be either go the entire summer associate program treating the symptoms of the molar problem (rinsing with saline & Hydrogen Peroxide) and hoping an infection doesn't occur that would force me to miss work, or

Contact the firm and try to schedule a time when I could have the procedure done with the minimal interference.

My question is how much will the latter option impact my prospects for a offer? Anyone whose had similar experiences would be helpful.

[Anonymous User]

when I had my wisdom teeth removed (all 4 at once; stitches on the uppers but not sure if as serious as yours) I took a Friday off and was back on Monday, albeit on a liquid diet for a week. I don't think you need to take off more than a day, and I'm sure the firm will be fine with it.

[Anonymous User]

I had my wisdom teeth pulled and was back in my routine (aside from normal eating) in about 3 days. Didn't really hurt much at all, just needed a bit of Tylenol if anything. Its the eating thats a bit inconvenient, but as long as you have yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, ice cream, etc. you are fine.

[imchuckbass58]

Yeah, like everyone else has said, I got mine out Friday and was back at work on Monday. Eating mushy food after a 2-3 days, regular food in about a week (you'll be able to eat solid food right away if you're only getting 2 out and they're both on the same side of your mouth).

I would just get it done - you're not going to have to miss work unless you have complications. If you're really that worried about it, delay it until after the summer program.

[Geist13]

Wisdom teeth can vary greatly for recovery time depending on whether they are impacted and the level of impaction. I went out with friends the night I had mine done. But I was 17 and they weren't impacted at all. I know other people who have been out of commission for an entire week. Are you seriously at the point where you're rinsing to avoid infection? If its that bad I would guess you're going to have a longer recovery. However, from my experience and other people I've spoken with, wisdom teeth surgery is rarely an emergency type deal; it can usually be put off so long as there isn't too much pain. If your doctor says its cool, just wait until the summer is over. You'll have plenty of time between the SA ending and school starting. Its the best part of this absurd 10 week system.

[sophie316]

I would try and do it the afternoon of the friday before memorial day, assuming you've started by then. That gives you 3 days to recover. Also depending on the firm you may be able to work from home for an extra day or two if for some reason its a really bad extraction. If you get personal days, take one on the tuesday just to be more sure?

[Ludo!]

Just do it right now. You have an SA, who cares about exams

[desertlaw]

I was 19 when I got them done. Got them done a week before Christmas, hoping I'd be fine for the Christmas ham/steak feast. Fail. It was so bad, I couldn't eat food until New Year's. Doctor said they were some of the worst wisdom teeth he'd ever encountered.

It varies from person to person. I'd get them out now during finals so to be ready for the firm gig in 2-3 weeks. If your grades suffer a bit w/finals, it won't matter anyways (unless you're going to GDC hahahamemehahah). Plus, if a slight grade drop does matter, you have a legitimate medical reason you didn't do well. Just be ready and healthy for the summer gig, so do it now.

Just don't plan on getting them pulled on the Friday before you start your SA program. Things might turn out bad.

[iamrobk]

Just to add my own experience, I had mine out when I was... 16 I guess. Felt like crap for around 3 days, still hurt and generally didn't feel normal for another 2 or 3. I don't think they were impacted or anything, I just got unlucky somehow.

[Anonymous User]

Yea, people have said it varies from person to person. My dentist stated that because the teeth haven't emerged this isn't a simple matter of pulling them but will actually require drilling (YAY) and thus the recovery period could be longer than a standard pull.

As for just screwing over exams, I really don't think that's an option. I have 4 exams an a 30 page paper due all in a ten day span. I have a good GPA and a SA but I seriously don't think my firm would appreciate it if I tank the second semester of my 2L year.

Thanks though for the advice. I'll probably seek a second opinion in the four days before I start my SA and if that dentist can assure me of a 3 day recovery plan (which seems to be the consensus) then I'll probably do it.

I biggest concern in context is that even if I'm not loopy from drugs or pain I'll still have a swollen face and difficulty talking. Obviously this is not the way you want to start your first week of orientation and the like at a large firm with many other summers and lawyers.

[Anonymous User]

Wisdom teeth can vary greatly for recovery time depending on whether they are impacted and the level of impaction. I went out with friends the night I had mine done. But I was 17 and they weren't impacted at all. I know other people who have been out of commission for an entire week. Are you seriously at the point where you're rinsing to avoid infection? If its that bad I would guess you're going to have a longer recovery. However, from my experience and other people I've spoken with, wisdom teeth surgery is rarely an emergency type deal; it can usually be put off so long as there isn't too much pain. If your doctor says its cool, just wait until the summer is over. You'll have plenty of time between the SA ending and school starting. Its the best part of this absurd 10 week system.

OP: Yea I seriously am rinsing. The pain was increasingly daily for about a week and then the dentist, pre-consultation, recommended I do the rinsing regime which has diminished the pain significantly and there it isn't inhibiting my eating habits or life in any way at the moment. I figure if it does get bad and I may have to miss a bit of work its preferable for it to happen a few weeks into the program, after I've established myself as a good SA and have made a good first impression.

[Ludo!]

As for just screwing over exams, I really don't think that's an option. I have 4 exams an a 30 page paper due all in a ten day span. I have a good GPA and a SA but I seriously don't think my firm would appreciate it if I tank the second semester of my 2L year.

Thanks though for the advice. I'll probably seek a second opinion in the four days before I start my SA and if that dentist can assure me of a 3 day recovery plan (which seems to be the consensus) then I'll probably do it.

I biggest concern in context is that even if I'm not loopy from drugs or pain I'll still have a swollen face and difficulty talking. Obviously this is not the way you want to start your first week of orientation and the like at a large firm with many other summers and lawyers.

Unless you can't study for exams without eating solid foods I still don't see why you don't just get it done now. You can still study and write papers after having your wisdom teeth out. But even if you couldn't for some bizarre reason, your firm is way more likely to care about you possibly missing work than your 2l grades

[desertlaw]

ITT: The OP decides that getting good 2L spring grades is more important than being ready/performing well with the firm.

[DallasCowboy]

You taking any policy exams? The meds may help.

[blurbz]

ITT: The OP decides that getting good 2L spring grades is more important than being ready/performing well with the firm.

Yeah, priorities, man. Get the surgery now, enjoy some pudding, median-pwn an exam or two and then blow the SA away. You'll be fine.

[rayiner]

Interesting problem. I'm a student summering at a v50 law firm in NYC and currently I am in the middle of a medical dilemma; nothing serious but I'll need to have two wisdom teeth removed sooner rather than later. Job starts in less than a month and typically I'd just take care of this now but I am in the middle of exams. To make matters more complicated due to travel I will not have the recommended 1 week of down time between the surgery and complete recovery before my job starts.

Thus, my options appear to be either go the entire summer associate program treating the symptoms of the molar problem (rinsing with saline & Hydrogen Peroxide) and hoping an infection doesn't occur that would force me to miss work, or

Contact the firm and try to schedule a time when I could have the procedure done with the minimal interference.

My question is how much will the latter option impact my prospects for a offer? Anyone whose had similar experiences would be helpful.

Don't travel?

[LawIdiot86]

Interesting problem. I'm a student summering at a v50 law firm in NYC and currently I am in the middle of a medical dilemma; nothing serious but I'll need to have two wisdom teeth removed sooner rather than later. Job starts in less than a month and typically I'd just take care of this now but I am in the middle of exams. To make matters more complicated due to travel I will not have the recommended 1 week of down time between the surgery and complete recovery before my job starts.

Thus, my options appear to be either go the entire summer associate program treating the symptoms of the molar problem (rinsing with saline & Hydrogen Peroxide) and hoping an infection doesn't occur that would force me to miss work, or

Contact the firm and try to schedule a time when I could have the procedure done with the minimal interference.

My question is how much will the latter option impact my prospects for a offer? Anyone whose had similar experiences would be helpful.

Don't travel?

Clearly the order of priority is: Vacation > Exams > 160K job.

[rayiner]

Don't travel?

Clearly the order of priority is: Vacation > Exams > 160K job.

An SA is basically a paid vacation.

[Stanford4Me]

Yeah, I was wondering about that travel thing. Sounds like OP is just looking for a reason to miss work.

[LawIdiot86]

Yeah, I was wondering about that travel thing. Sounds like OP is just looking for a reason to miss work.

I know. My friend had tonsillitis during his SA and his firm told him to find a doctor who could see him before the firm opened at 8am. He slept under his desk instead of eating lunch because of the effects of the meds they gave him at the doctor. OP wouldn't cut it there.

[PirateCap'n]

Yea, people have said it varies from person to person. My dentist stated that because the teeth haven't emerged this isn't a simple matter of pulling them but will actually require drilling (YAY) and thus the recovery period could be longer than a standard pull.

As for just screwing over exams, I really don't think that's an option. I have 4 exams an a 30 page paper due all in a ten day span. I have a good GPA and a SA but I seriously don't think my firm would appreciate it if I tank the second semester of my 2L year.

Thanks though for the advice. I'll probably seek a second opinion in the four days before I start my SA and if that dentist can assure me of a 3 day recovery plan (which seems to be the consensus) then I'll probably do it.

I biggest concern in context is that even if I'm not loopy from drugs or pain I'll still have a swollen face and difficulty talking. Obviously this is not the way you want to start your first week of orientation and the like at a large firm with many other summers and lawyers.

I had all four wisdom teeth removed on the same day in the manner you're describing. The doctor had to cut and drill out the teeth because they hadn't emerged. It's definitely an awkward sound when you hear them cracking your teeth (local anesthetic), but the recovery really isn't that bad. I had them removed on a Friday, and the swelling was mostly gone by Saturday/Sunday. I was eating solid foods by Saturday night (although they instruct you not to, you'll be fine as long as you can either chew on the front or one side depending on which two you're having removed). You should definitely be good to go by Monday. Unless you have really crazy reactions to meds, you shouldn't be loopy by the time you return to work on Monday (presumably). Ibuprofen will probably take care of the pain if you're really that worried about it (it worked for me at least). After the first day or two, you shouldn't have any trouble talking. I agree with the others that three days should be more than enough time to recover and get back into the swing of things, especially if you do it on a Friday.

[Stanford4Me]

Yeah, I was wondering about that travel thing. Sounds like OP is just looking for a reason to miss work.

I know. My friend had tonsillitis during his SA and his firm told him to find a doctor who could see him before the firm opened at 8am. He slept under his desk instead of eating lunch because of the effects of the meds they gave him at the doctor. OP wouldn't cut it there.

Only the strong survive.

[Anonymous User]

Hopefully you have a good recovery! As some other posters said, it differs for everyone. I had dry sockets and strep throat during my recovery and couldn't eat solid foods for 3 weeks after they were out. Hopefully you have a good doctor who has good recommendations- Good luck!

[DreamShake]

It's probably true that you could gut out work after recovering over a long weekend. But do you honestly want to risk doing shitty work and seeming out of it, at what is essentially a 2-month job interview? You might be fine after just a couple days, like a lot of people here are saying, but there's also a decent chance you won't be. For example, three days after my wisdom teeth were pulled, I was still in such pain that I hadn't slept in ~70 hours (I was able to get some z's after filling my hydrocodone prescription). By contrast, I ate solid food and slept soundly the same day I broke three teeth and knocked a fourth out a couple years ago. It's a very case-by-case thing.

Since the time for recovery varies so much between people, your dentist is probably the only guy who can give you a relatively accurate timeframe for recovery. Ask him, and try to plan accordingly. Explain (briefly) the severity of your problem to the firm. If you get it done on a Friday, you can probably be reasonably close to 100% (cognitively) by Tuesday or Wednesday, even in the worst case scenario. Missing a day or two isn't the end of the world when you're having surgery.

[sunynp]

Get used to having to put your job ahead of your health. Don't take time off for this. Don't even ask for time off for this. No one will care. You will look like you don't understand the culture. It will in no was benefit you, unless you don't care about a permanent offer.