Embrace Grace,

It took me a long time to accept my reality too. My world slowly fell apart, and I fought with all of my might to keep up, but I couldn't do it. My TBI occurred in 3/07, one year after temporal lobe re-section for epilepsy. the TBI exaggerated the effects of surgery.

Less than one year ago, I finally began accepting my disability. My hub and I had split up a year before. I had to stop working as a CNA, because I just couldn't keep up. No matter if I had a light load, shorter hours, less days/week, nothing helped me make it through. It took about 6 months before I realized that I wouldn't be able to go back to being a CNA. It requires more than I can give. Memory, multi-tasking, focus, concentration, and more memory. LOL! It was very hard for me to let go of being in that environment ~ helping others. I've always wanted to help others!

Then, a couple of weeks ago, my assistant mentioned volunteering a couple of hours per week to visit the elderly. Some live in nursing homes, but most don't and they require some attention & care in their lives to keep them motivated to live. It sounded okay, but a little scary. I sure didn't want to have problem after problem again. Last week, I went in to talk with the organizer and was upfront about my brain injury. I briefly explained my difficulty remembering names (people, places, things) and organzination. She accepted it well, and said that I could still be an asset. I went to visit an older woman for an hour. We chatted about things happening in her life, needs, likes and dislikes. It was nice ~ and reminded me of my favorite part of being a CNA a year ago. An hour per week, I can commit to that.

I still have my other responsibilities that can be a bit much for me to handle. Yes, I am disabled. I have shortened limits. But I can still volunteer some of my time and be appreciated by others. That boosts my self-esteem.

Others have given you lots of legal info, so I won't bore you too much. Hope that this experience makes you a little more hopeful for your personal future. Best wishes to you!

Shez

Hey Everyone,

In yet another comical example of my memory issues, I just found this forum (again) as I'm anxiously awaiting my hearing on Wednesday. I completely forgot that I had found you before, registered, and introduced myself!

Thanks to everyone who welcomed me and shared links. Shezbut, I especially appreciated your post. (Are you on disability?)

So, my lawyer sent off the last of my paperwork to the judge on Friday. It included to RFCs, one from my neuro and one from my family doc. Both stated that I had daily headaches and would be absent from work several days a month (neuro: 3x/ family doc: more than 4). Both said that I would be unable to work if my headaches were severe, and that crowds, bright lights, etc. make my headaches worse. My rehab doctor didn't do a an RFC, but did write a letter that he had been seeing me for the last 3 years and that my memory deficits, cognitive fatigue, headaches and vision issues would prohibit me from continuous, competitive work.

HOPEFULLY all will go well on Wednesday. i know there's a Medical Expert and Vocation Expert there. Prayers and crossed fingers are appreciated!

Prayers and finger crossing on Wednesday for you EG !

All the very best to you on Wednesday!