United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

A couple of weeks ago I went to California aa a nurse consultant. I have trained on software systems in nursing homes but have not worked directly with patients for many years. Our focus was skin and pain. That meant turning people over, doing range of motio etc. I couldn't do it. I can't reach, can't lift or tug--I was totally devastated and ended up defeated at the end of the day. Luckily the nurse I was with had me do the looking and not tugging when she realized my limitations. It just makes me so anglry that no matter how hard I try I can't go back to nursing. I guess I always thought it would be there if I really needed it and I could do it short term in a pinch. Now I know better. Even the travel and training on the computers may be out as I have herniated disks 4 times in the last 3 years--along with the recent spinal cord compression. I'm not ready to quit. I feel like I still have a lot of brain to give--if you know what I mean. any suggestions for a new career would be great. and no--I don't want to be home plate at a baseball game. I just want to be productive.
Thanks for letting me vent. Pat Q

Pat
I can relate to just what your saying. I was not ready to retire at 59 but I had no choice.

I think I pushed it and did more damage to my self by not paying attention to the message my body was sending. Pain means something is wrong... but more pain means its time to pay attention...

I am paying a high price for overuse and just being to thick headed to give up...
Sitting at the computer contirbutes to the spinal compression...

So many of us seem to have the same problem
Sorry I could not give you the adivce you wanted. Its time to file for disability and save the unaffected arm.
Kath

I have had disability for about 3 1/2 years and still worked part time. I wanted to get off it completely.
It took me exactly 3 weeks from the time I filed to get approved. Seems I match the listing of impairments for upper extremities. In fact-- I just got a letter from SSA that said they just reviewed my case and I continue to be disabled. I just feel like I'm getting brain atrophy. The more I stay home, the lazier and more depressed I become. I enjoy working. We need the money and I like to have enough to have a personal stash for travel and clothes etc. I am thinking about driving up to see you---maybe we could go to the city and play tourist for a day or 2. Or maybe taking a train--that's always interesting. Are you open to that???? Pat

Pat
the key to not getting depressed volunteer and just use your brain not your body... LOL...

would love to meet up with you...

Kath

Kath,
Believe it or not I have a job interview in the morning. Just training on computers, so not too taxing--no heavy lifting--and if there is I won't take it. I did tell them that I had plans to go away for a few days, I'd really like to spend some time with you. At least we're both right OBPI's--if we go out to eat we'll just tell people that we use the new etiquette ( I can't spell anymore) to cut our meat. We can compare bone spurs!!!
Seriously, I need to get wawy for a few days.
Talk to you soon. Pat

I am starting to feel that frustration too. I am trying to find a job again here and it just seems like no matter whats out there I wouldn't be able to do it. If I sit at a computer too long my neck and shoulders start to burn. This morning I went to the store and I picked up my bag with only a bunch of banannas in it and my arm just fell to the ground. Here I was thinking I was completely healed after my surgery, only to find I feel worse at times. I worked in my garden for about an hour and I've been in so much pain for the last 2 days that its starting to make me feel a bit depressed. I am going to try my tenz unit again tomorrow and see if that helps. I just joined weight watchers and have lost 11 lbs in a month and have been walking about 4 miles a day too. Maybe I'm swinging my arms too much. I don't know, but its very frustrating. ahhhhhh....sorry just wanted to vent too!! I know it'll be fine, just frustrating. Springs here and I have the fever. Yet, I still need to take it easy.
Thanks for listening!

Rachel
go ahead and vent we all need to once in awhile... its great to vent with folks who truly understand your frustration...

I wish you luck with the job search.
Kath

Hi guys, I'm just catching up on all of the topics since I only recently found this forum board. Kath, I too ignored what my body was telling me:to stop working! and paid a VERY heavy price for overdoing everything. I felt I had to work no matter what. I call my body pain, "Silent Scream", for it definitely was that.It was 1997,age 59, that I applied for disability. My sister kept telling me I was probably eligible but I continually ignored her and just pushed myself harder.Talk about overuse! my poor limbs are paying for it now and I learned quickly what my limits are and when to ask for help!! After serving others for 59 years I am now putting myself 1st, and it's about time. If you don't take care of yourself,nobody else will,I found out very quickly! Keep on keepin' on and stop once in a while to smell the roses...

It's been a while since I posted on this subject as well. Since my last post I have gotten a job. I LOVE IT!! The only problem is, I work for 4 to 5 hours a day and I come home and cannot move. It's an office job. It makes me sick that I physically cannot move when I get home. I try to stand up as much as I can at it, however, its an office job. The doctor even told me the other day that I could sit down while I was typing. I just laughed. ha ha ha. I am supposed to start picking up more hours here soon. I'm scared that my body wont' be able to handle it. However, I know that I will definately keep plugging away. The pay is too good for a woman in this state. Thank goodness for tenz units and therma care heating patches is all I can say.

I found that I get depressed and eat a lot and cry a lot if I don't work. I guees there's volunteer--but I guess if I can do that I can work. I was on disability for a couple of years and tended to dwell on my health--plus was too broke to enjoy the time off. I'm shooting for a couple of years of work--you have 3 years to hop back on disability. For now--one day at a time-- I don't know what the right thing to do is---maybebe I should just become a movie star---after all I am among one of the most beautiful middle aged women around--after Kath and Nancy of course........