I'm going to give this work thing another try...

Nurses Disabilities

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Last yr was a BAD.... year! I have had multiple sclerosis since 1991 was on social security disability for yrs, then felt better, went to nursing school, started working and went off SSDI in 07'. Since then I have had multiple jobs. The longest lasting in home health care, but even that has it's stressors.

Last yr I was also dx with bipolar type II...just another thing to add to the mix. Then in aug of 09' had a very bad MS attack and had to quit my job and go back on SSDI. For months I've had people tell me "you just can't work", but I'm feeling much better now and feel like I need to try again.

So, now my family is supporting my decision and they want me to succeed. Puts alot of pressure on me to not fail AGAIN. I know the MS is still lurking around the corner and can rear it's ugly head when it wants to, but I can't stop living and dreaming..right?....Doesn't that just kill your spirit? if you stop wanting things for yourself?

I've applied for 2 home health jobs and hope that one of them calls me. I want to get back to working and feeling productive again. I'm 39 yrs old and I'm not done working at this point. But I do have a chronic illness and I need to remember it can come and kick my butt at anytime it wants. It can be psychological torture knowing that one day your fine and 2 months from now I may not be.....

Peace,

Dijmart

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Is there an amount of money that you can make while still getting social security? If so that might be an option to consider IF you find working too difficult again but I'd definitely give it a try. Sending good vibes your way.

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Specializes in Health Information Management.

The amount you can make while remaining on SSDI is fairly limited, though it depends on whether you're in your trial or three-year extended period. Here's a little information: http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10095.html#part3

If you've had issues with working and then crashing out, I'd pretty firmly recommend making sure you're stable for at least six months (no major med changes, no new symptoms or exacerbation of existing ones) before trying to get back into work. Then when you move back in to the workforce, try looking for a job that will allow you to transition from part-time to full-time. If you need equipment or support to help you, talk to your state's equivalent of the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation/Rehabilitation Services Commission. The people there can be really helpful in getting you set up with equipment and making deals with employers to accommodate you successfully (restricted schedules or duties, etc.) They'e also good at helping you find employers in the first place. FMLA is also helpful when you need time off for flareups, but as I'm sure you know, it doesn't kick in until you've been employed at the same place for a year.

I hope that helps. It's a tough road, coping with a chronic disability while working. I'll be out there in the workforce with you in a couple of years, and I have some of the same fears and concerns. I wish you the very best.

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The best Manager I ever had also had MS. He and his wife raised a perfect ultra-feminine daughter that people just like to be around, which reminded me of his personality as well (but he was not near as cute as his daughter, not that he was bad looking). He was the most determined man among many good qualities. Everyone has a cross to bear. Look how far you got. I'm jealous of you. You'll do fine I predict.

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UPDATE:

I was hired yesterday by a home care agency that I worked for a year and 1/2 ago. They called to see if I would like to come back since they are really busy now. I liked working there, but had left due to lack of hours. They said they can give me between 32-40 hrs now for sure. Sooooo, I told them I can start in 2 weeks. It's scary to go off SSDI, but I'm gonna give it another go and if it doesn't work this time I'll probably hang up my hat! Thanks for the replies, I appreciate it.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Many congratulations, please keep us posted and best of luck.

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Remember that you can work less than 32 hours a week if you need to. Home health shifts are flexible in this respect. You need to find out if you can mesh the SSDI with your job should you go below 32 hours a week (although I suspect that it won't work). I don't know how you will make if financially in either case. I imagine that working is better all the way around, but if you can get full time or close. Best wishes.

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You have my respect & admiration for your work ethic when dealing with a chronic disease! But please remember to take care of yourself first! Keep us updated & congratulations!

Jerenemarie:yeah:

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I went back to work this past Monday and by Thurs was totally exhausted, so I told them I could only work half a day. They didn't seem to mind and it was what I needed to reboot my energy. All in all it's going okay. Once I'm trained it'll be better I think. I hate the learning curve of having to learn a new computer program, let alone my skills have suffered from not working in 9 mos...

Thanks for the replies!

Dijmart

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