Vocational difficulty post-op

[Brandi]

Hi all, I am new to this site and I wanted to know if anyone else has had any difficulty getting back into the swing of things at work? If so, is your job technical in nature? I had personally experienced numerous problems with my previous vocation. I ended up filing for disability and have been off for 5 mos. My neuromas were removed in 2002, and I began to notice great difficulty with tasks about a year later. I pretended that I could perform my duties the same for the longest time, but I finally threw in the towel. The stuggle with my work was more than I could handle. I will be choosing a less technical vocation in the future, but at this point I'm just taking a break from the rat race.

Brandi  

[Battyp]

Brandi I was a teacher before my surgery.  I'm now a student if that tells you anything.  I encourage you to contact your vocational rehabilitation office and ask for some assistance in getting retrained in a new vocation.  They will do job testing/counselling on you to see what you would be good at and get you retrained.  As of yesterday they are paying for me to get a masters in accounting as the doctors feel I need a job I can do from home with limited speaking due to my difficulties.  Plus with the testing they will document if you are able to work full time or part time, what limits you  have which will help with a disability claim.

Hope that helps,
Michelle

[tony]

Yes I would have to agree - the changes may mean that a 500% return to the former
life is unlikely - maybe even unwise to try
But there are some general rules that apply to most of us
1. Concentrate on activities/areas that you can still do
rather than exposing the areas that are hard or impossible
2. However bad it is the  first day-week-month - it will get better over time
3. Always programme time and space for rest- your stamina/ endurance
may not be what it was - I park 800yds from the office and always
have a 10min snooze lunchtime- makes a big difference
4. Dont push too hard, build slowly, play the long game
5 Maybe best to consider a lower stress/buzz rate occupation ?
6. exercise more to rebuild the balance and stamina
7. Probably best to leave out  other distractions...
office romance... newtoyboy etc etc...
until your nerves can handle it.....(opps sorry)
Best regards
Tony

[pearchica]

Brandi: good luck with your search in a new vocation.  Although over quoted, I do think it's true- where one window closes another one opens, Or is it doors?  Either way you can catch my drift!  Michelles' right- there are a ton of programs out there- I have friends who are voc rehab counselors: - so be persistant in getting government support on this- lots of money being put into funding programs.  Good luck again, Annie

[Brandi]

Thankyou everyone for the input and advice. I greatly appreciate it. I wish I had found this site a long time ago, as I finally feel connected in some way to others like me.
I'm still interested in any more suggestions, so feel free to chime in.
Have a great day all!

Brandi   

[Crazycat]

I'm with you Brandi! I came through the ordeal well enough, but I still have some difficulties. I'll bump up a previous post I made to better illustrate what I'm talking about........

p.s....... I also have the "v.p. shunt"

     Paul

[nancyann]

Hi Brandi: I have been blessed to be able to get back to my job,
              with the help of a wonderful group of co-workers/friends.
              I'm a psychiatric nurse, haven't worked the floors for 10 years,
              I work as a liaison between the treatment team & the insurance cos. getting inpatient days authorized.
              Granted, I don't work near as fast as I did before surgery, but my 'gang' has been great,
              always asking if I need help, taking cases from me if they think I have too much on my plate.
              For many years I asked myself 'why did I go into this profession?'  Burnout hit at around year 15,
              now I'm so grateful to have the position I do.
              I feel for all of those who are unable to go back to their old jobs/find new ones.
              I wish you & all the others seeking work the 'job of your dreams' (if it exists! or something close to it).
              Best wishes in your search,  Nancy

[lmurray69]

I am proud of you. You are taking a stand to improve what you can and who knows what out there for you. Good luck in al your decision..I will say a prayer for you.. Linda