United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I was told I can no longer work in an office after working as a Payroll Administrator for 10 years. I have almost no use of my left arm. I took a year of computer programming at college but developed severe tendonitis in my right hand and the doctors told me not to continue with the program. I'm a widow with 2 kids in college and my disability insurance cut me off. Has anybody got some suggestions for a viable career choice.

I am so sorry for the turn of events. It would appear that things do not seem as positive as you would like these days.

We all are obviously limited, yet jobs which require use of mind and speaking, instructing or counseling seems to be what people with BPI excel at. Managing people, human resource positions are what you are going to have to look for.

I am truly sorry that you are going through this.

Thank you for your concern. Sounds like you've been having a rough time too. Your accident was only 2 weeks prior to mine so you must be about the same point in adjusting. I hope the tendon transfers they're planning are successful. I have been in touch with the Mayo clinic in Texas and am hoping they may be able to help me. My doctors here seem to have quit. I'm trying to remain positive but some days it's hard. I hope everything goes well for you and thank you for your support.

dani_was_here wrote:I was told I can no longer work in an office after working as a Payroll Administrator for 10 years. I have almost no use of my left arm. I took a year of computer programming at college but developed severe tendonitis in my right hand and the doctors told me not to continue with the program. I'm a widow with 2 kids in college and my disability insurance cut me off. Has anybody got some suggestions for a viable career choice.

There is always sales. Every industry needs good salespeople. I am in the financial services industry, which has huge sales opportunities. I know many people say, well I am just not a natural sales person, I don't believe you are born a sales person, you make your self one by reading books, going to sales seminars and practicing. The best sales people work very hard to get even better as sales and are always improving their craft.

My two cents,
Dan

Thanks Dan. I'm one of those people but you're right I might have to re-think my position. With a lot of work maybe I could be a salesperson.

Dani,
I have a feeling you are going to land on your feet just fine. I believe you will go and find a sales/management or human resource job and just shine. I wish you the best of luck.

Have you tried voice activation software for working on your computer without having to use your hands?

1)Customer Services;
2)social services;
3) contact Department of Vocational Rehabilitation(DVR)...somes called Bureau of Rehabilitation(BVR) in your City for assistance in retraining and/or employment development services.DVR has Federal and State Funding to assist persons with Disabilities.
4) Contact a Lawyer specializing in Social Security Disability Law for assistance in filing an Appeal for your loss of Disability Benefits...sometimes it may take 2-3 appeals to get it back but it IS POSSIBLE with help.

I hope this helps. Please keep us updated.

Carolyn J
LOBPI/72

I sit at a computer all day for work.

I type on a one-handed keyboard. Over 70% of my communication is e-mail based and the rest is on the phone so no one knows I'm BPI. When I do visit customers they either notice or don't notice because I'm still able to sit at a computer.

The only thing I can't do is physical installs anymore. That does limit me from traveling and doing installs which should be part of my job description. There is other work for me to do so finding someone else to do the installs, from what I can tell, has never caused an issue for my employer.

Don't _ever_ let anyone tell you that you can't do something. Just because they can't possibly imagine how'd you accomplish something one handed does not mean it can't be done. If it's something you feel you can do then go prove them wrong even if you have to fight for the opportunity to do so. I didn't see anything in your post that said _you_ thought you couldn't continue to work in an office. If you feel you can and you are not given an opportunity to do so you might also have a discrimination lawsuit against your employer. Don't but unrealistic about it. I mean if your job requires you to move 50 pounds of paperwork between offices I'd say find another line of work. I'm just saying decide for yourself what you feel you can and cannot do. I think you'll be surprised if you are confident in believing you can do something the majority of people will not second guess you.

About tendonitis. Before my accident I'd get a flair-up or two each year where I'd have to take it very easy for about a week. Since moving to a one-handed keyboard it has not been a problem.

What are you doing now? I'm not on here often but new occupations,well, sortof are my job. I will help you if I can.