Working with Back and Leg Pain

  • Thread starter Thread starter Lulubel
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Lulubel

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Hello,

I have already posted a question under "servere butt cheek and leg pain" which explains my symptoms, but have a new question?

I need to find a job. Right now I am occassionally cleaning houses and working "under the table" in a CPA office (my boyfrienRAB mom owns it), and was doing odd jobs for a painting and cleaning business that my boyfriend has, as the pain lets me. And it is something that I can do when I have "good days" or am able to, and they let me move around and work at my own pace. It puts money in my pocket and gas in the tank, but I need to find more stable work. Hopefully one with insurance benefits. I would even be glad to work just to get the insurance, even if I only brought home a little check.

Has anyone tried and suceeded in finding a job when you are in severe pain and can't sit or stand for more that a few minutes at a time? And are on pain meRAB. I don't believe I am severe enough to warrant disability or Social Security. Even though to me the pain is enough to stay on the couch or bed most of the time. Unfortunatly, with todays economics, I can't continue to mooch off my Mom. I was living with my boyfriend for the last 5 years, but after a fight and trying to figure out our future, I am at my Moms for the first time in 30 years, reacessing our life together. My Mom is great and ready to pay whatever I need with in reason. But I hate it. And won't let her do it. She's 72 and has already raised me. I don't want her dipping into her retirement just to take care of a 49 year old daughter.

So, how do you get around the pain medicine issue? Alot of places drug test now. Even job placement agencies and temp services. While I do have legimate scripts for what I take, I can't go a day without taking it. I can cut down but not cut out. Obviously, if I mention the disc problem, scoliosis and severe pain, I am not going to get the job because I can't do the physical part of the job description. But if I don't, and I am drug tested I will have to explain the reasons why I popped positive for opiates, and then I am not going to get the job. I realize alot of companies have zero tolerance and I don't have a problem with that at all. But what about the rest of us who want to work, but have issues with pain, bending, sitting, standing, etc.etc.etc.?

Has anyone found a job while in pain and on meRAB? If so, what kind? My office skills are sorely lacking after not working for 20 years raising my kiRAB and my ex's. And I can't even sit on the potty, so I can't expect to be able to sit in an office chair for 8 hours. So I figure a retail job. But I can't see standing on my feet all day.

Any ideas? Tips? Hints?

Lynda
 
Good questions as I'm struggling with something similar. I am out on Short Term Disability due to back and neck issues. Been out since late April. I've been on STD before but it was for surgeries and would return to work upon healing. This time the pain just got to be too much so I went out on disability - no surgery this time - just unrelenting pain requiring pain meRAB. However, I'm between a rock and hard place. I really can't continue to work 8 hours a day without any accommodations (my old boss let me work at home, come in late, leave early, etc, as long as I got my stuff done - my new boss won't allow this) BUT how do I find a job that wants to be that accommodating from the get go.

Part of me sees this lasting into the far future, I've never been in the position where I'm not getting better and the pain isn't letting up.
 
You both bring up employment and insurance issues that are unfortunately far too common for spine patients.

I am so fortunate to have health insurance through my husband, and I don't know what I would do if I didn't have that as I would have likely lost everything by now if I were on my own. However, I have lost my job and will need to find another one after my upcoming L4/L5 fusion in 1-1/2 weeks.

To get a job that offers insurance that would hire someone with spine problems, the best place to look would probably be a governmental job or with a large employer, or sometimes with a nonprofit. They all try to have a balanced workforce and encourage people with a disability to apply as long as you can do the work, even if they have to offer some accomodations. They often have to report to a board of directors, shareholders, or other community merabers who like to see the employer offering jobs to people with disabilities.

However, to get flexible work, small businesses are often the best option, yet they rarely offer health insurance.

Another option for flexible work is to be self-employed as this offers the most flexibility yet (but of course no benefits). There are a lot of options for self-employment that you can make a decent wage at. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has Women's Business Centers throughout the nation which offer business start-up/growth assistance to people who have disabilities (you don't need to be a woman and you don't need to be on SSDI). You can search the SBA web site to find the Women's Business Center closest to you.

For me, I have a part-time small business that I plan to grow after my surgery, plus I plan to look for part-time, flexible work to ensure a steady pay check as I still need to pay my house payment.

Good luck to both of you with this very difficult situation!
 
Lynda
I'm sorry to hear about your pain and I hope you find a job that keep your pain under control.. I'm a union carpenter and have had 2 major surgeries in the last 5 years - 4 level laminectomie and a 2 level fusion in 2008. I no what it is when working threw pain and it is not pleasant at all , I had to find how to work with out struggling day to day with pain.. I have been a carpenter for 15 years now , so that's all i know - I am no longer working in the union because of the demanding work. I always made furniture and that was my real passion , so now all that i do is build furniture and do trim work. I am still in pain every day but we all have to work , you have to find the middle grounRAB ware you're happy with what your doing and some what pain free

AS far as social security disability benefits , it is VERY hard to be accepted.. Like i mentioned i tried to get benefits twice and was rejected both times , I'm only 33 and they said to try again !! I have 2 roRAB and 6 screws in my back , shoulder surgeries and the list continues , it is not easy to get disability threw the state.. I wish you luck and if you have any questions feel free to ask..
DEv
 
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