Making plans to go forward?

[PurpleOverlord]

Hi folks, this is my first post. I'm a year into my brain injury caused by encephalitis. This is the second injury, the first was 5 years ago and I recovered fairly quickly and fully. This second was a surprise to everyone, but apparently I probably have a rare disease that makes recurrent encephalitis possible. Docs can't tell me much that's useful, and seem to have given up talking to me now that they don't have any answers. So, it's all a guess as to how I might expect to recover. I've spent the past few months on the sofa watching TV just to distract my brain from my depressing reality, but I'm getting so bored and so depressed, I'm having to think about my next move. Fatigue is still a huge problem - I was going to head out today for some fresh air, but I just don't have the energy.

But I'm waffling as usual, so I'll try to get to my real question. I'm trying to make plans for working again, but it's difficult on a number of levels. My work has been paying me sick leave through their insurance, which is lovely of them, but I don't want to go back there cos I can't remember anything useful. I just want to work outside, in nature, rather than stuck at a desk staring at a screen. If I stay at my current level of brainpower, I'll never be able to do my old job again anyway, so I might as well get away for something new that makes me feel good. Then again, maybe I'll get enough brain back to be able to do my old job in a few months and be really cross with myself if I throw it away.

The real question is, at a year past your injuries, did any of you go on to recover enough to take on your old job again? Or is it pretty hopeless so I should start looking for other options that might make me happy?

[Crazychickangel]

Hi there, I am a rare viral encephalitis survivor too! I'm just 3 years. What type E did you have/had? Mine has left me with many things and most people see me as the old me but I am def not.

I have right temperal and frontal lobe damage and neurologist said if it had spread another 2cm onto the left side I wouldn't be able to speak.

I have managed to start work again but not my old job. I do the same type of work but a slightly lower level and purely from home as It left me with eplisey so can't drive anymore and I don't recognise my surroundings so I don't leave the house alone.

So happy to have met you in this group.

[Leaf100]

Hi POL

Well, here's the thing.

You need to know the terms of the insurance your employer has. It will vary.

Here is a scenario to consider.

Your condition is very slow to heal - and you don't have any idea how your recovery will go.

If you try to go back to your old job, and can't make it, generally that insurance is still available to you. Often, they will help you find a different job at the some company, if you can work, but just not at your old job. The rule of thumb in my situation was they wouldn't make me take a job that earned a bunch less than what I was making. And, if I tried my old job and couldn't do it, I could go back on the same insurance.

But, if you go to a different company and try to work - they owe you nothing. If you can't make it, rather than getting a somewhat decent income based on your previous salary , you will end up on government benefits instead, which are pretty grim.

You need to get legal advice, and do what is best for your finances.

Until you get the actual facts, you are in no position to make a decision.

And, at this point, even if you feel you would like to work outside - those types of jobs tend to be quite physically demanding and sorry, but odds are not good you could keep that up.

Generally after testing and seeing an OT they can tell you what sorts of things you can do and what you can't do - but please, do that under the umbrella of the insurance you have with your current employer.

You may very well find you just aren't able to work - and since you are at risk of having encephalitis again, you have to keep that in mind as well.

So, see a lawyer or an employment standards person without letting your work know, and see what they say. Also ask your HR department how this all work s- not all of them can be trusted, either, a lot of times people do need legal help to get employers to do what they are supposed to do.

You are going to have to be very practical, and very wise about all this, and be very aware is - the truth is - you have no idea what you can and can not do, and likely are over estimating at the moment .

And, most work places and insurance co's do have back to work programs for employees that have had health issues derail them. It would be best to use that support if it comes to that. Once you are stable again you can always explore other options on the side if you want to make a change. For now, take it very steady.

Leaf

[Teazymaid]

hi and welcome to this group . This is where you not get the best advice from people who do understand the after effects of brain injuries . I’m two years past my accident and still haven’t gone back to my previous job as my short term memory isn’t good enough to do the job at the moment and having another operation on second shoulder this time at the end of this month so this also stops me doing things on a physical level in a job ,, I’m ok pottering around at home as I don’t have to do it unless I’m ok …

Work has been a rollercoaster of emotions for me I just wanted to be normal again but I’m over two years know and I’m happy to say once my shoulder has been put right I will be doing something .. unsure what but I will working part time doing something . I don’t look for the old me as much anymore and have got use to the uncertainty of r my recovery but can truthfully say I never thought I could improve this much .. I don’t need to sleep during the day and keep doing as much as I can mentally and physically … you may not know what the future is right now but it will happen eventually so do what you can do and keep fighting to achieve as much as you can .. you will get there and your options will easier make to right decision .. sue x

[PurpleOverlord]

Thanks for the replies folks, really appreciate it and it's great to meet you all. I'll write 'real' replies soon, but yesterday was Child 2's birthday, so all my brain energy for the week was used up on that.