Speaking of what forced my retirement from UPS, I have been through what you have. To both knees, and multiple times on the right.
Me is correct, the company doc will see you after your surgeon releases you. It is he that will OK you to come back, dot has nothing to say in the matter.
What is interesting is that when the original injury occured, it was to the left knee. Doctors told them no climbing or stairs, and minimal walking.
So they put me on TAW, washing windshields on the package cars. I should have refused, and let the company, union, and doctor fight it out,
but you work as instructed until the union has the time to hold your hearing.
The second day, I was exiting a package car, trying to protect me left knee, and totally twisted my right, causing me to fall.
Fast forward, after surgery on both knees, the surgeon told the company he was ready to send me back to work, but wanted to see a copy of the
expected work that I would be performing. I never knew UPS had a form for each job, but the Liberty nurse pulled out a form, and he started to
check off what I could and could not do. There were a lot of items he would not clear me to do, because it would cause more damage, and the next
option is a metal knee. And that for sure would keep me off the road.
Come to find out, it was the feeder job description she had given him, knowing full well I was in delivery. Long and short of it, he said I could not
do feeder work due to the damage to the knees. I do assume she gave him the wrong form by accident, but what would have happened if he
cleared me for feeders, but they put me back in delivery?
Anyway, I have had multiple surgerys on the right knee. The left knee is completely healed and never gives me any problem. The right one is always
very sore, and many nights keeps me awake.
So, from what I have experienced first hand, follow the doc's advice precisely, do your best in rehab, then protect your knees.
Also, if you are stuck in one of the older package cars, the ones with the first step just below your navel, get management to change package cars.
if they dont, file, and get the doctor involved.
Good luck.
d