It really is true-You don't know what you have, until it's gone. I was an RN (OR) for over 20yrs. Have been disabled for 14yrs. due to multiple degenerative diseases-(of course) the major one-spinal diseases. I hurt my neck the first time, when I was still in Nursing School-an excellent diploma school. I WANT to work. The first few years of my disability-I scoured the ads for something I could do. I simply couldn't figure out what I would do the rest of my life! Sit around & wait to die?!
Fortunately the first 5-6 years, I had two very special people in my life, who were in need of a little help. I was still capable of giving them the company they needed, run errands for them-I felt useful. They've both been gone for several years-leaving me to struggle alone. Wasn't good at making friends-my family were my friends. But, they're busy with their families now. As my conditions deteriorate I need help (SSDI doesn't go far enough-especially when you "make too much money."), because I fall through the cracks. I simply don't know what to do, or where to turn anymore. You NEVER think this will happen to you. I didn't plan for anything like this-or, for that matter, for the long term-very well at all.
I've been trying to do online surveys to make enough money for all my bills-but they don't pay the way they did back in 1999, when I got my first computer. My Psychiatric NP said she found some sites that pay $25 and up, for their surveys. But, I've yet to find anything like that. I really don't know what else to do. I feel so very lost...and alone.
Thanks for giving me a place to tell my story. If this helps even ONE person to: stop, think, and prepare from the very first days you begin your career-for the worst possible scenario-I will feel I have STILL been of some use.
