United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

At the time of my accident I was attending college and was not working. I want to work, however, my thinking tells me that no employer will hire me because of liability issue. Aside from the pain I feel that I can be some what productive. Has anybody been able to work 6 months post injury and 2 months post nerve transplant surgery? Is not working best for my recovery? I am in financial ruin, and struggle day by day to survive. I have applied for SSI and have been denied and have appealed the decision. The time it takes to receive disability benefits is wrong. No American citizen should have to struggle like this, especially if they have served their country and have put into social security. I feel like the government has let me down.

Don't get discouraged with the SSI business. They almost always turn everyone down the first time. Its because there are so many applicants that really should be working. You have a legitaate claim and need to appeal. Having a lawyer can help at certain stages. HOwever, right now, appeal the decision.

I went back to work 3 months after my accident (the arm was the only damage, miraculously, so after the 6 breaks had healed I just went to work with a flail arm-I had no surgery) I worked in a bank and although I had to relearn everything without my right arm I managed fine. I would not encourage anyone to not work if the feel they can, it helped in so many ways other than financial, it helped me deal with the pain and as I couldn't work and be drugged to the eyeballs I weaned myself off which 26 years later I know was the best thing I did. It also helped my self esteem no end. It was nowhere near as difficult as one handed parenting!
I don't know if you have checked out the UK tbpi website, most of the members there are working and their stories might be of some help to you. http://www.tbpiukgroup.homestead.com/index_1.html this is the home page from which you can read the faq's (which include stories about returning to work) and you can also access the message boards.
Take care:0)
Jen NZ

I was injured at work Feb '99 and went back in July of the same year. I worked for about a month and then couldn't deal with the extreme amt of pain (took work comp about 4 months to agree) and went down to 4 days (wed off). Honestly, I still to this day do not know how I do it. But I will tell you that I think the distraction of work helps my mental well-being. I loved my job before the accident, thought I could continue in the same position but (co. resisted, two arms required?) couldn't so I did another job that was half of my old job ............didn't like it and then was promoted last year to a different job that I love. The pain is still a huge issue for me. The meds affect my mental alertness and no matter how much sleep I get, they make me drowsy.

I don't know what the answer is? I was at the height of my career when the accident happened and honestly thought I was going back to the same job. It was very disappointing.
I guess I think that being home would be harder for me. Though I'm not sure about that? But, my mental status is absolutely tied to how my arm feels. If I happen to have a good day where I have 25 spasms instead of 250 I feel like I can rule the world!!!
Work requires my full attention most of the day..........10-12 hour days are not uncommon at work. That said, I get an opportunity to be very creative and mentor people as well. That is huge in terms of my self-worth. I am not married with children though that would be nice (know any nice, single, cute and funny men in chicago?)...........work gives me a purpose in life.
Everyone is different........I think, quite simply, I need to work.