Denied FMLA, Still healing

[puroticorico, MSN, CNA, RN]

Hi fellow nurses,

Last week I had a fundoplication with hiatal and umbilical hernia repair. I had to use all my remaining PTO to cover last week but have now run out. My doctor submitted the FMLA (medical leave) paperwork for me to be off work, however, my employer denied medical leave due to being 50 hours short of the requirement. Now I am a week in and suppose to return to work tomorrow, however, I am still suffering from Dumping Syndrome, incisional pain and the inability to lift anything over 10 pounds. My hospital insists that I return to work on Thursday (tomorrow), otherwise requires me to resign. Is this right? Isn't there anything else I can do since I am not medically cleared by my surgeon, which won't allow me to become medically cleared by the hospital's employee health nurse? Please let me know what you think