Job/work

[Charlie90]

Just interested to know as going through abit of trouble with work at the moment has any one had to give up their job as a result of their injury what did you do pre injury what did you work as after BI

[Marnie22]

Hiya! Yes, I had to give up my job after my injury. Originally I had no idea things would be so bad and go on for so long, (four years next month,) and I returned to work asking for some support. Unfortunately my boss, (who ironically was a psychologist!) didn't believe me or my symptoms. At one point he shouted at me saying that if I couldn't just do the job I should go home. (What a charmer!) I tried to keep going but I became very ill with hyperacusis at work one day and I was suspended (as a 'health and safety' risk!) and I never got the chance to go back. I was sent to an occupational health consultant who said my job couldn't be adjusted to allow me to continue and that it could harm me to continue.

I had been in that job for almost twelve years and had been instrumental in building up the organisation (a charity.) I worked as a specialist teacher for young people with severe emotional and behavioural difficulties. Before that I taught younger children in mainstream schools.

I assumed that I would just find another job, even if it wasn't as a teacher and I got as far as applying for a few (very hard with cognitive problems and information processing difficulties.) Unfortunately I realised after trying a couple of interviews that I couldn't even manage to get up and get ready for a job without numerous rests (severe fatigue,) and I couldn't even handle a part-time job. I was in a great deal of denial for about a year. I still find that I can't believe what happened sometimes.

I am still trying to find ways to cope with my two worst challenges ( fatigue and sensory overload.)

Sorry if this seems too negative.

🙂🌸

[AndrewT]

Dear Cwar90,

I absolutely Promise, to answer your question.....Later, quite a bit later....it's now gone midnight.

I will be 'in touch'

AndrewT

[AndrewT in reply to AndrewT]

As promised, my experience.

I used, to work, as a Quality Controller for a Pet Care company. However- I had to give this up, live with my Mother- for some years- and I now live in Supported Living. I have been unable to work, except Very Limited Voluntary Work (just a few hours, many years back now) since.

My Memory/ Cognitive Functions, are Not, good- even though I can, and do, hold (halfway) intelligent conversations. I am, in point of fact, having another 'Memory Assessment' currently- I 'finished' the Main Bit yesterday.... I should have, the Results, soon.

Whether you CAN 'Work' after a Brain Injury, largely depends, on the Type of injury, you received. I, have known, a number of people who HAVE returned, to Work, and a fair number who haven't. Not that, any of this, is 'helping' you much!

To answer, your question, as far as I can..... Yes it is Possible, to return to Work, but, not necessarily, in your original capacity. However, you may Surprise Yourself, and find a 'Whole New Direction' for you Expertise. I met a man, some years ago now, who had become archaeologist..... AFTER recovering from a Brain Injury. Another lady, who had been a Teacher, became an Artist- of some repute.

Hopefully I have Given You, at least, some ideas Cwar90 - 'food for thought', at least. Remember this; you are Alive, Able to Think, Reason, Make decisions, Rationalise your situation.... did I mention Alive? Take care of yourself, my friend- please do contact, any of us, again should you need to.

Sending very Best wishes, from us all

AndrewT

[cat3]

I had to stop work years before my Bi owing to a debilitating health issue. And as I'd been used to hectic schedules involving large numbers of co workers, clients and various social/legal organisations, being home alone was a shock to the system.

But, on good days, I began working on my house which I'd moved to hurriedly after a divorce. I learned many skills, most of which I'd never previously dreamed of tackling, such as plastering, carpentry, bricklaying rewiring etc....

Over the following years I turned a dismal old terrace into a home my kids and I were proud of. I hardly ventured out apart from supermarket trips and medical appointments as there were never enough hours in the day and it was exhausting. I still wonder if it played a part in the eventual SAH but it was all intended as a legacy for my kids, so well worth it.

After the Bi I was good for little, apart from keeping myself and my house clean, and I could've slept for Britain. I gradually adapted and started pushing myself to do more and can now (mostly) pass for a useful human being !

You've had so much to deal with over the years with your last bleed only a few months ago, and maybe it's time to let go of all pressures and allow yourself some serious respite and healing time. If necessary, apply for support from the DWP (asap to get things moving).

There's voluntary or part time work out there to ease folk back into worthwhile pursuits, often with option for full time positions and a new outlook on life. Take some time to find what's right for you m'love…….

Take care, Cat x

[sashaming1]

I was let go from my job as an Engineer after my brain injury and haven't been employed again yet.

[LouBL0u]

HI

I'm sorry that work has become so difficult. If you are in a union, get their advice and support in talking to your employer. Like yourself I tried returning to work but was unable to continue. (I hit my head October 18) I am currrently going through the process of ill-health retirement ( i was a specialist advisory teacher) I think there are disability charities that would offer advice, can't remember names sorry! You should also have rights under the disability act regarding "workplace" adjustments too.

Take care x

[moo196]

Morning, please don't automatically assume that you have to give up work. Contact remploy who were absolutely fantastic with my case in 2014. I could not have coped without their advocacy wrt explaining my rights to me, my employers responsibility to me and negotiating a phased return to the workplace over a year and dealing with my employers directly. A union may do a similar thing.

Good luck

[DTBI]

Although I tried to get back to same work for a year, I failed, and I was out of paid work for 3yrs. I did volunteer work for those years with National Trust, YHA etc, they were more physical than mental and got me out and about to meet other people. I’ve been back doing my previous insurance work, part-time for the last couple of years. I am not as good as I used to be and I find it boring and a little stupid trying to be the same person I used to be prior to my TBI. I can never be the same man, so why am I trying to be so? Good luck with your problem👍🏻

[HavingAlook1]

I had a intermediate brain injury on my frontal and parential lobe and went back to work some months later, that lasted about 3 months and I went off I’ll with depression and tiredness.

It felt like I was doing a 100 hours per week.

Had around a year off then tried part time work and even that felt like I was under pressure and doing to much.

Felt tired and stressed all the time.

Then 5 years later tried again and lasted a short time before I stopped work.

Now 11 years later I don’t do any work and manage life ok but still find it strange how my days are so full with things to do.

I still hate busy places and lots of people around and find my self in the country side in the peace and quiet.

My only battle now is every three or so years I fight the DWP when the reviews come up to why I am not working.

And have to explain it all again about my brain injury.

Good luck with what ever path you take on future employment.

[Pairofboots]

Yes, unfortunately. It wasn't my choice. Occupational Health decided for me.

I had been a Lead Nurse Specialist in violence reduction. It was a very physical job, and as any nursing role required good communication. Both areas I lacked. But more over they recommended that due to my disability there wasn't a role I could move to, therefore I was unemployable.

Ok because of the reason, I qualified for my full pension, I couldn't afford to live on the benefits I'm entitled to.

It did knock a big hole in my life, and my confidence took a battering. I think to a point I have rebuilt my confidence. But from occupying my time I have little imagination to fill it.

I do get the odd spirt of inspiration, but they are few and far between. And I still think I can do what I used to, technically I can, but physically I don't have the strength or stamina. Some days I can plod on, other days five minutes, and that's me lot for the day.

Then you have the benefit form's, well if you weren't depressed, you will be after you have finished the form. I know they have to make sure the right people get the benefits, but some disabilities are not going to improve however hard Atos wishes, but yet you constantly have to prove why you cannot work.

I do dream of being able to do my old job, but it would take two years to re-register to start with, I keep relatively upto date with the soft skills via contacts, and maintain an independent reputation for knowing my stuff. The other option would take a miracle of returning to teach martial arts, I'd somehow have to gain the fitness and flexibility I once had.

It is strange that, not that I go through life looking for hassle, but when something sets of the bat phone, I can respond as if nothing had happened, but after, I'm flat out, physically and mentally burnt out.

Good luck with your quest. Namaste.

[Broken_Doll]

My brain injury was almost 6 years ago (in May). At the time of my accident, I had no memory of my job which ironically was within the hospital that I got admitted to. It took a good two years or more to have even the slightest awareness that I wasn’t working. I couldn’t be unsupervised and I was non verbal.

After I got most of my faculties back (with some really hard graft) I spent so long feeling worthless and feeling a distinct lack of purpose. A turning point was helping to set up the “brain injury cafe” which is a fortnightly social gathering for those who have suffered a brain injury. That was three years ago and it is still going strong today.

Fast forward a few more years and I have volunteered for AgeUK (and still do) when I am not attending university. It’s shocking to think that I was written off as “medically retired”, with very little in the way of prospects.

I applied to uni thinking that I might secure a part time Physiotherapists role and a year on, I could see myself working full time in the right role.

I wish you the very best of luck and please don’t give up hope 🙏🏼

[sospan]

I was self employed when I had my injury, so I didn't have an employer to support me or offer me a job to go back to.

Despite regular requests by people wanting my services, as soon as they find out about my injury the conversation tails off......

One word on volunteering - it can mess up your benefits especially PIP etc.

[Charlie90]

I am definitinterestes to hear more about self employment as I am aware this may be a serious option in the near future please can you elaborate??

[Hidden]

I gave up my job of 13 yrs due to commuting issues when train services went chaotic. 2 hours each way became unsustainable, which was a massive shame but I had no choice but to look for work closer to home.

[Froggiefrog]

Having worked for over 20 years for the same employer, at the end of May, I will have been off work for a year. My job involves following a process and making decisions based on the information available. These two aspects are, with some irony, the two I struggle with the most, after my trio of surgeries to have my VP shunt replaced and deal with the consequences of infection etc.

For a variety of reasons, I could not cope with travelling across London to my place of work, even if I was able to perform my duties when I got there.

These issues would be very disheartening, if I had the personality to let them be so...luckily, I'm not, so they aren't.

' Change what is in your capability to change, no point worrying about what you can't'. That's my philosophy.

Very soon, the machinery of what happens a year after having my surgery, work-wise, will kick in. My checklist is:

I will not make anything I am told ' personal'. It will be someone doing their job and one or more of many who has shown great compassion and understanding over the last 12 months.

I will ensure people know that I appreciate they have a job to do and try to ensure things are not made 'awkward'. It will be a stressful time, due to the longer term implications of any decision... Adding to the stress with unpleasantness will achieve nothing.

Whilst the practicalities of life mean that sometimes we jump to the ' what's next for me' ( and she who will be affected the most) it is not a question that I am able to frame effectively at present.

I am fortunate, my job is a 'means to an end', not one that taps into a great deal of the what I am about as a person. In this respect, it will make things easier, if/when I am shown the door. I will still be alive, still be contrary me and still be up to tackling whatever challenges I am faced with thereafter.

Doom and gloom? Not my way.

K