PhilW Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 Hello, Just recently I recieved notification that I possibly could return to work under the rehab program. I am elated about this, to get me out of this house that ive had to put up for 16 mths. But the problem is that all my associates said " Am I ready for this", in which has put in a thinking mode, my wife who has been a wonderful carer & side kick putting up with all my nonsense & still, says Im not ready as to my walking is only about 60%, still walk like adrunk at times, still havent got a clearance to drive outside my perimeter, my vision not bad use glasses alot( but that dosent worry me),still take medication that causes tiredness & and finally cannot go back to driving trucks. Now somehow my doctor obviously examined me and thought "hes done well lets give it a try?" But also there is a Question of LIABILITY which is a big word in the workforce today, they also said they will find something suitable for me , if they dont its back to square #1. So what do you guys reckon? Let my body do the talking or have a go at it .I seemy doctor this tuesday 2nd dec also my head injury society who will help me with the rehab program I have to get in touch with them. P.S. I still get fatigued when I work doing odds & ends, so Im still under repairs as i speak but AM I READY? :head_hurts: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjohnson Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 Hi Phil: I have read and reread your post. The ultimate decision has to be your team of Medical Professionals and you. Also your discussion with your wife. From reading your post, I sensed there was a lot of wondering if you were ready for this, I know it is a BIG BIG decision. The red flag that came out when I read your post is the driving of trucks. That would be a big responsibility. If you had an accident, you could hurt yourself and possibly others. I know you want to do this, but, in my case, when I was diagnosed with MG, I had been out on short term disability and then it went to long term. I so wanted to get back to work, finally, the big day came when I was allowed to go back 2-3 hours a day, well that lasted maybe two days and my Specialist and I discussed it and I had to just realize I couldn't do it. It was hard to accept, but, it is what it is. I had to go on disability formerly 1998. I will keep you in my prayers as I know this is a big factor in your lives. If you are still on the meds you discussed that is something to consider. Maybe with the people asking you if this is something you think you can do... another factor. I feel everyone is truly caring for you and trying to help you make the best decision. I would make a list of my concerns, etc. and share them with your dr and rehab people. There possibly would be something else you can do. I have faith that something good will come of all this. God Bless and please keep us posted. Hugs, Jan :friends: Believe In Miracles and SOAR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myhome Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 Phil do you feel ready? Could you do half days? Your doctor seems to think you're ready, try a couple of half days a week for a month and see how it goes. If it goes well then try three or four half days, ease gradually back, don't go back full time right off. Ultimately it's your decision. You know what your body is telling you better than any doctor, although you should get your doctor's medical opinion along with any other doctors you are also seeing (nuro etc.), get all the facts before making such a big decision. I wish you luck Buddy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fking Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 Only you can answer that Phil. You know your condition, weaknesses and strengths better than us. Do what you feel you can handle safely is my suggestion. My condition got worse lately with me deciding to go on short term disability for 6 months. I just can't walk anymore. I searched WebMD and found I have all the events for Fibromyalgia so off to my PCP to get a diagnose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dstraugh Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 Hi Phil, As others before me have said, the decision lies with your medical professionals, your wife and you. Ultimately, the decision is yours as you know your strengths and weaknesses. I would encourage you to ease back into the work force by working part-time to start to help you adjust. I have heard stories of others who jumped back into a full-time schedule and it did not go well. Part-time is better than no-time and causing further health concerns. Whatever you decide, know that you are supported here. Best of luck in whatever you decide; please keep us posted on how you're doing. Take care. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcdube Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 Hi Phil. I went back to work 24 years ago. I worked in an office, so sitting most of the time. At first I went back 1/2 days for a few months. At the time I was still doing physio therapy, aqua therapy, docs appointments etc. so 1/2 days worked out for me as it gave me time for all of the above without taking time off work. When I had adjusted to my new routine back at work and had fewer appointments, I went back full time. I was lucky I was able to work for 20 years before I was forced to go on disability again. I had to leave because I burnt out. If I would have listened to my body I would have left a lot sooner and maybe I would not have burnt out. It was very hard , going back but I felt I didn't have a choice as I was divorced with small children in my care. Disability cheque was not enough. If I hadn't felt pressured into going back.I wonder if I would have. Well thats all water under the bridge now that I am truly retired(early retirement because of illness) I have to say that in a way it was great for my self-esteem to be back at work but in another way it was very hard to on me to be back in the middle of the fast lane and stress. In hindsight, I think I should have stayed on disability or continue part time at the very least and fill the rest of the time with volunteer work. Once I went back full time I didn't feel like I could go back on disability, I was afraid they would think I was taking advantage of the system(thats just me) So the burnout was a long time coming. It was a relief for me when I was diagnosed with burnout, now I had a legitimate reason to quit. I was told that I could not go back on disability for the same cause as before. God is good, he gave me a burnout so I could retire early.Sorry this was so long, just wanted you to be sure you knew what consequences would be if you chose to go back before you are truly ready. I hope this helps. Good luck to you with the very hard decision you must make. Take care Marie-Claire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imfrcd Posted December 1, 2008 Share Posted December 1, 2008 Up to iou, bro. I tried and knew it wouldn't work in about two weeks, short term mem issues, about two weeks after that, they made the decision.now, about a week ago I had a seizure, so I guess I't'll be a while. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Le Hermite Posted December 2, 2008 Share Posted December 2, 2008 Phil Old Hoss.... It's yer call..... My boss would kill to have me back in the saddle....They never see the stuff you've been doing until yer gone....<G>... I finally went back and visited and told it like it is....I'd love to kick some butt in the marketplace like I used to...... Hey.....I was a little bit like a cowboy (and a little bit gunslinger).....and they'd give me the tough stuff to crack.... That's where the money is.... I still have the internals....don't have the go power......In daily life I still get tired getting dressed...And then there's the driving issue.... Hey....maybe try 1/2 time first.....? Ya know....and if that works, they'll lean on ya to stay longer (if it's working they *always* do)...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AllanWilliams Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Hi Phill Hope you doctors appointment went well yesterday, and if you feel up to it why not try a casual position to see how things work out. Best wishes from another Aussie Allan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Illini72 Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Hi Phil, When I had my stroke in 1992 I was 52 yrs old. I had been a retail manager for 12 years and knew I couldn't return to that with only 30% use on my left side. My situation at that point was I was a partner in as chemical manufacturing company. I was in charge of sales and research. This position was a 18 hour / 6 day situation which is something I could never handle. I decided to sell my share and try starting a home-based business. I started, ran and sold 3 businesses; a printing business using computer and associated hardware. My second success was a resume business which became Too successful and finally a printed pet products company (cards, stationary, etc). I basically first took the time to assess my strengths & talent and matched them with my physical ability. Can you do any work at home that doesn't include driving. You surely have an insight into the business and should be able to fill a needed posiion working from home. With the available computer equipment you could be in direct contact with the office. GOOD LUCK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Pjoy Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Dear Phil, I have read and reread this post several times over the last few days, wanting to reply but not sure how to put it into words. I guess my concern would be...if you go back to work and it doesn't work out, would you still have your disability income to fall back on? I have just gotten my disability and know nothing about the rehab program but I would feel better, if I had a "safety net" there if needed. The work force I was in and most of them out there are brutal. I was an R.N. and Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibrmyalgia stopped me from working. I fought it for 6 years trying to continue working going from job to job to find one I could continue and there was no such thing for me. Survival of the fittest sure applied to me and I wasn't one of the fittest. I was an ICU nurse for 25 years and a wealth of knowledge but they pick on the weak in the hospitals, at least where I was standing. Best of luck to you. Giving up a career is a big loss, I know and I will pray God will lead you in the right direction..........Joy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johndf Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 Phil I returnedto work far too early and nw wish I had waited longer. I am now try to get ill health retirement as wrk has not gne well. I'd advise o bevery carefl about ging back untl you are sure you are ready. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imfrcd Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 Just be truthful w/ yourself. I don't want to sound all huggy (is that a word?), but you'll know, I did within weeks that I was over my head. I want to start a conversation with ilini72 to discuss income producing ideas. My wife is in Real Estate (yes, it's that bad) and I haven't had any income in 4 months. I could really use some Brainstorming sessions. If enough of us get together maybe we can add up to a full one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caitlyn_O Posted December 9, 2008 Share Posted December 9, 2008 My return is nearly 65% and I am slated to return to work six months post stroke at the end of January. After reading this thread, I am concerned, but have to do what I have to do. I'm still at 50, raising a 13 year old solo, wish me luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom71 Posted December 9, 2008 Share Posted December 9, 2008 Phill, I don't want to influence your decision in any way,because we all are different in our stages of recovery,but for me after taking two years off for recovery I decided to go back to work,and it has greatley improved my mental and physical health,mentally I'm much sharper now than I was while sitting at home,physically I have gained alot of strength and endurance,and I have lost approx 60lbs since returning to work,however there are some drawbacks,i have fallen 2 or 3 times at work and have developed epilepsi(seizures) likely caused by physical exhaustion after being switched from a dayshift position that was 6:00am-2:30pm to a 4:00pm to 2:30am postion.also I have been suffering more and more pain in my left foor from being on my feet for 10hours a day,so honestly search your own soul and decide what is best for you and your family and do it. Best of Luck to you and God Bless, Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 Phil do you feel ready? Could you do half days? Your doctor seems to think you're ready, try a couple of half days a week for a month and see how it goes. If it goes well then try three or four half days, ease gradually back, don't go back full time right off. Ultimately it's your decision. You know what your body is telling you better than any doctor, although you should get your doctor's medical opinion along with any other doctors you are also seeing (nuro etc.), get all the facts before making such a big decision. I wish you luck Buddy i agree with stu on this 1 you need to go at this gradually if you jump right in there you maybe setting yourself up for dissapointments and injuries you dont need either one i did try myself going back to work, well opening my own business i do remodeling now but i have a few employees to help me out when i need it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharlord Posted December 23, 2008 Share Posted December 23, 2008 I'm just wondering if maybe you could try volunteering somewhere first. That way you will not affect your disability payments and you will see if you can tolerate working somewhere several hours a day on a regular basis. Kind of a safe way to test the waters Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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