Since the Surgery, I have tried, endured and been treated for countless pain-relieving interventions:
- Over 100 Physical Therapy visits
- About 50 Acupuncture Treatments
- 4 months of Biofeedback Therapy
- Countless Cortisone Shots
- Chronic Pain Counseling
- Pastoral Counseling
- A Neurofeedback Evaluation
- Weekly Independent Physical Therapy
- Weekly Vocational Rehabilitation (attempts)
- Daily Manual Therapy
- Daily Medicine
- Reike, Healing Hands, Alter Calls, Prayer Groups, etc.
What has happened since these Treatments?
- Continued daily pain.
- I have thrown out my back at least 5 times in the past year, causing me to be bed-ridden.
- It was determined that, at this point, I cannot perform the functions of my job as a Special Education Teacher.
- I have been on a medicinal roller-coaster.
- I have not been able to successfully complete a consistent routine with Vocational Rehabilitation due to the inconsistency of my body and pain levels.
What did my reevaluation REVEAL?
During the reevaluation, I was required to perform two different Evaluations that determined my progress or capacity for movement and ability. I completed the first evaluation with little pain or problems. The second evaluation consisted of about 10 exercises/movements in which I was to complete as a circuit-routine FOUR times. I was only able to complete the second evaluation ONE time. During the second set, I threw out my back and was labeled “unable” to complete evaluation. From what I could perform, my Physical Therapist determined:
- I cannot lift or carry or hold more than 15 lbs.
- I cannot push or pull more than 12 lbs.
- I cannot sustain “static positioning” (holding a position for a period of time) such as: I cannot sit for longer than 30 minutes; I cannot stand for longer than 20 minutes, etc.
- I cannot perform repetitive movements (bending forward, squatting, reaching at any level, etc.)
- I am able to Crawl or Kneel and maintain such sustained or repetitive movements.
The President was required to send this information to my Disability Provider. The question that now needs to be considered is: Can I return to work in any form (part of full time) by THIS August (in FOUR months)?
When I discussed this question with The Guru and my Case Manager, both physical therapists agreed that I cannot return to work – IN ANY FORM. If I were to try, they anticipate extreme pain and flare-ups.
Next Steps in the Disability Process:
This month, I have an appointment scheduled with my Pain Management Specialist and my Primary Care Provider. These medical advisors are now going to review all of my treatments, my current physical state and determine whether I should:
- File for an extension for Long Term Disability (with the intent to return to Special School District full time)
- File for Permanent Disability through my current Plan or through another plan offered through my Retirement System
- Determine if I am capable of performing any type of work – full or part-time – and move forward with The Disability Provider’s Vocational Rehabilitation Program.
What do you think? Given ALL of this information – can you think of ANY job in which I could possibly do on a regular basis that would not cause increased pain?
What now???
As soon as I find out what these doctors think, I will let you know! Stay tuned…
I think that you can invent your own job--like writing your book!
ReplyDeleteWhen my father went blind from his diabetes and had to go on permanent disability, he spent a year or so at home, depressed. Many of his friends from Destiny Church (Abundant Life when we went there) might remember that phase. But then he realized that he had a passion: the Civil War. So he created his own business! He would dress as a Civil War soldier and go to schools, camps and nursing homes to talk about the war from a soldier's perspective. He loved what he did and even ended up in the paper a few times!
When I started praying for you, I prayed for your healing but also a renewed purpose if you needed it. And I love how excited you've become about your book and spreading this cause. I'll keep praying for your healing and recovery, always, but I wanted to share my dad's story. There IS life after disability, and it's only as fulfilling as you make it. Through this blog, I can tell that pain or no pain, you're determined to make the most out of life--and that means you and Gage are going to be just fine. - Steph W.
Hey Steph! I read this last week and Gage and I were both so touched by your prayers and your faith in "us." You are absolutely right - my writing is my passion. And, now so is spreading the word about people with chronic pain, disabilities, invisible disabilities or any other chronic condition. Writing these blogs regarge me and motivate me to go to my next appointment or face the next team of doctors waiting to bombard me with paperwork or treatment. Your comments always empower me and I cannot thank you enough! ~Steph Dodson
DeleteI'd like to echo that, and let you know that it really is an inspiration to see how hard you fight for yourself. I'm proud to know you. Keep at Stephanie, as long as you continue to walk your path, the destination will reveal itself.
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