United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

The only question is, how do you get your 19 year old mind to accept the fact that you should not be wonder woman? I hate asking for help and saying I can't do this... I keep hearing that I will pay for this later but I cant get it to sink in when its not bugging me now, ya know?

Amy 19 ROBPI from MN

lol about the Irish being born with a gift, Carolyn you are too funny!

Carolyn
You made me laugh... My mother always use to tell people I was born talking... LOL...
I guess it is an Irish thing.

Amy I know how hard this is for you... and to admit we can't do something is so humbling... I hate to say I can't do something.

Someone suggested that I begin to say.
" The doctors does not want me to lift any heavy objects"
" I'm sorry but bpi injured are not supposed to lift"

I found when I used the bpi injured line I was never questioned and more comfortable.

At 19 it is hard because you have had a lifetime of gaining your independence.
You probably can manage to avoid something's right now. You must set the rules when you begin your family.
You will have to have help from your partner when it comes to lifting, household chores.
You will have to buy appliances that will not impact your neck, back and spine.
My husband never let me carry heavy things.
I just never realized how heavy certain things were because I did it with my left unaffected arm.
I also gave him a hard time if I was doing something and he took it out of my hands to help.
Instead of saying thank you...
I would remind him that I was strong and could do it myself... ugh.. dummy...

Right now don't worry but be aware that there are times when you should not overdue.
You need to be able to enjoy your youth.
I think by knowing and accepting you have some limitations you can avoid some of the secondary injuries.

Now go enjoy your new year in college.

Kath (adult/robpi)

Amy and all "Young'uns,
HERE,HERE, Kath!!

HUGS all around,
Carolyn J

It's all well and good when you have someone to delegate to. Kath you husband sounds like a dream. Unfortunately not all of them get it. Most of the time mine resents that I "can't" be doing things. The other problem is that he's just not here so much of the time. For example I'm having a yard sale today and because of work and other commitments he can't help at all. Which means all the set up (table set up, hauling boxes and large items, etc) has to be done by me. For me there is no one else to delegate to. Add to that the "I can do it myself" complex and you have a recipe for future problems.

I really need to get this off my chest. Lately I have been feeling really guilty. Sometimes I wonder if I'm using my injury as a crutch. I see so many other people out in the workforce who have injuries worse than mine but they are working. I know that my injury is considered minor by most doctors and I've often wondered if maybe I'm making more out of it than there is to it. Yes I have pain and am on meds for it but there are others out there in the same position and they work. With this SSD stuff going on too I've been wondering about it even more and feeling more guilty for trying to get SSD. I'm worried at the same time of going to this hearing and being laughed at and told I'm nuts and that I'm not that bad (I have an issue with needing people to approve of me). I've often wondered if I really do have a legitimate problem and I'm just having trouble overcoming years and years of trying to be normal or if I'm just a big phoney.