I'm itching to get back to working as a hair stylist...I was told I have crps in my dominant wrist and thumb, it came up because doing hair causes so much pain and swelling beyond the every day. I've been doing this for 20 years and I don't want to just stop.
I haven't been working in a salon for a year now, was diagnosed in March (still am not 100% the diagnosis is right but seems like it) and I see a pm next week.

My question, anyone been able to have anything done that allowed them to continue their profession that required repetitive use of the affected area?
My other line of work has been as a lab assistant and phlebotomist and again the pinching required for that, right now would be hard as is ugh feeling for veins as some light touch can often make my hand feel bad (hard to put into words)
I have degree, but I so like what I'm used to an good at more than something new...

I guess second question, I wonder is it possible for worker retraining to be an option for me even though this isn't an L&i claim? I don't know how that works..

Thanks in advance for any input and sharing your experiences

Hi Jenni,

I feel for you. Doing hair is so fun. That is how I put myself through college and grad school. It was very enjoyable and great for social people.

I think for now you need to focus on getting better. If doing hair aggravates your injured area that's not a good thing. However, If there are aspects of doing hair that you CAN do, then maybe consider those. I can see color being easier than cutting but that depends on what is going on in your wrist.

Your state should have a Rehabilitation Commission that can potentially pay for training for you to do something else regardless of any cases or claims. It never hurts to go in and get information.

Sending Healing Love, Littlepaw

Thanks Littlepaw! I will look Into that! Color bothers me too cause any pressure to the tip of my thumb in that first joint is a big ouch! I need to learn to hold it differently, even writing with a pen is hard on that joint. It's like it bends too far the wrong way then gets huge. I still do hair just not for hours a day. I really truly wonder if I have a tendon that's bad. (Got crps diagnosis in the wrist and haven't had soft tissue in my thumb checked they just lumped it in with my wrist) Weight bearing is what aggravates my wrist.
I did hair while I went through college too! It's funny it was the first school I went to after highschool and is still what I love to do most. Well I want to do histology but I gotta wait a little to go back to school again.
I'm going to look into what you said, would I go through the employment insurance line to get info? I never know where to look.

I made it working on my feet with a broken back for years before Insurance kicked in for reconstruction surgery and it didn't stop me. Yet this thing that I don't fully understand stops me. Ugg irritating! Wish it could just be "fixed" like a bone spur or carpal tunnel.

The hand specialist seemed to think nerve blocks would make it like it never happened. Has this been true for anyone?

Check into the DSHS for your state. It's under Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. In years past these programs had funding to help pay for training. Not sure that is still the case, it may vary state to state, but they can help with assessment and access to grants etc. Even if they don't pay for costs directly.

I can't remember if you had MRI and or ultrasound on that hand. Did you get a second opinion? Someone really ought to look at your thumb without attributing it to the wrist to be sure. You could have a whole other problem in that area as well. Whether a nerve block could help may depend on what is going on in there.

sending hugs,

I can understand this frustration so well. I was just talking about this with my therapist the other day. I worked with a traumatic brain injury and chronic back and hip pain like it was nothing. I didn't let either stop me from doing a PhD program. And now, I can't fully work and my injury has nothing to do with my job. I work in an office and my right foot had the original Injury. I can do my job without a foot, except I can't. And I can't even wrap my head around this condition. Anyway, I just wanted you to know you aren't alone and I do very much hope you get to do what you love again soon.

Just reading this title brought deep emotion. Unless my situation changes, I will not be able to return to patient care. It is devastating for me.

I hope you find a way to get back to what you love.

Not only am I unable to do my prior line of work, I am unable to finish my degree to be able to possibly utilize my medical knowledge at home.

I finally received a call back from my state rehab department and have an appointment for vocational assistance evaluation on Tuesday. A bit worried about the 'be able to work' aspect but I hope maybe there is something out there I can do from home (that isn't a scam...lol)

I'm in the same boat, always believe. As a nurse, I can't do my job and I do not have the financial means to go back to college for my BSN / MSN / NP to get into a different area of nursing. It's very depressing and devastating. I just want my normal life back!

I'm ONE final clinical exam away from FINALLY getting my RN (I had to drop from a 4 semester program with a semester & a half left...21 years ago), PCP won't sign my physical form as I am not able to provide patient care. Nursing/healthcare has been my entire life. I want my life back too!