Re: Going Back to Work after being on SSI

[Guest guest]

I spoke with the Social Security Department, I have nothing to

hide, I told them that this was a trial situation, and that there is

NO way I could ever work full time again, also I don't even know if

I can do it, but if I never try I will never know. There are

provisions in SSD, for people to work, and for me if I make less

than $580.00 per month it does not effect anything if I go over that

number then I have a trial work period of 9 months before they would

evaluate anything, it is possible to make up to $3000.00 for each

month for 9 months but a person would be taken off after the 9

months. There are work incentive programs like The Ticket to work

Program which will pay for training for Voc Rehab to teach someone a

new skill to allow them to work, unfortunatly for those of with

pancreatitis our problems are physical, not like an extremity as

with a hand or leg or arm. If I could do this job which I am

undetermined it would only be 4 hours 2-3 times a month. It for me

is not about the money but about my mental health, according to the

person I spoke with at SSD they realize that people need to get out

and that is why things are set up the way they are, and this also is

this way to help people make a little money if that is their choice.

I did work yesterday and it was the only day I was scheduled, it

was a trial to see if I was physically able. The DON ( director of

nursing) did not show up so I was at the mercy of the charge nurse

and I handed her my restrictions from my Dr. which she did not even

look at, I realize how far I have come, but I have not gotten to the

point where I will be able to work as a floor nurse, it is just too

physically demanding. I have mutiple restriction and it impairs my

ability to lift and stand for prolonged periods of time. I will talk

with the DON about doing paper work such as transfers to and from

the hospital and such, but at this time I don't see any other way to

do this, maybe if they don't want to do that I can volunteer to do

it a few hours a month. Last night I noticed where my intrathecal

pump is tunneled through my side it was very sore, and I cannot do

anything that will potientally dislodge that pump, I went through

TOO MUCH to have that thing implanted. Mentally the challenge was

great, physically it was just too much. I have always been one of

those people who based their self worth on their abilities, it was

not enough to work full time, but I HAD to go to school. I had

thought that possibly I could do this work thing and go back to

school, I only need 3 classed to get into RN school, but that is not

what God has planned for me, and that is ok, I have tried and now I

know. I am greatful for the ability to eat, brush my hair, brush my

teeth, get into the shower and do some shopping if needed and not

have to have my 83 year old grandma do everything.

Atwell LPN