Career choices for TOSers
 

Hey everyone,

I'm having to start thinking of my future career plans and college majors and such (I'm only a freshman, but I have to declare next year). Originally, I had wanted to go into either physical therapy or dietetics (and/or either of those working with animals).

Would having a history of TOS be a detriment/hardship for trying to become a PT? Should I switch my focus to nutrition?

Dilemmas dilemmas...If you guys could help I would really appreciate it! :)

A million dollar question...:cool:

I know for me, at the mild but chronic stage I'm at , I know I'd require something a variety of tasks.
Nothing anchored to a desk, piles of paperwork or production quotas.
Part time would be preferred if finances allow.

Some computer work might be able to be done with voice recognition software - like writing up dietetic notes and meal plans for clients??
If working for a business you probably have to get permission to use VR or any other ergonomic gadgets at the work place.

Movement & variety is what I'd need.

A lot depends on where you are at with symptoms/pain and how you respond with maintaining a low level of both.

I've gotten back into painting the last few years, more as a hobby and something creative to do.
But who knows maybe some day I'll have some to sell locally.
But it is usually hrs/day of painting and a day or 2 off, mainly to study on the next part & take a break for my arms.

pt might be tricky because if you do manual therapy (?) its like a lot of bending over massage type stuff

My suggestion is to talk with an experienced physical therapist and nutritionist. I think PT would be hard on the hands and arms. There are career paths in all fields that we may not realize. For instance, you can go on to manage a physical therapist office so your patient hours are limited but the flip side is the amount of desk work increases with being a manager.

If you live near a physical therapy program and/or a nutrition program, try to make contact with an instructor. They're experienced in the field and have chosen to become instructors.

What about some type of counselor? You don't have to spend much time on the computer. The primary activity is listening deeply. I was an attorney and that was a horrible fit. Too much typing, reviewing documents, writing, long sedentary periods at my desk. I think you need something with some variety so you can move around and something that is not document based.

Good luck,
Kelly