United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi everyone,
sorry I haven't posted in forever. I have been lurking, just haven't felt right in posting. Anyways I just wanted to ask your advice on something and tell you whats up.
A few of you know about my whole depression stuff and whats been happening this past year. They finally have a diagnosis for me. It's called borderline personality disorder. So hey at least I know now whats been goin on in my head.
I'm supposed to be going to college in the fall, however my doctor, therapist and I have basically agreed that it would be way too much to be a full time student. So I'm hopefully going to be in one or two classes and attend group therapy at the hospital psychiatric day treatment centre.
Anyways I'm trying to get on AISH, wich is Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped, for my arm. It has asked what problems I have with my arm. If anyone can help me out with suggestions it would be great.
Thanx a bunch,
Erica
p.s. I need this by monday night

Hi Erica

Thanks for posting I was wondering how you were doing.

It will be hard but what you have to do is make a list of all the things you cannot do...

Like - brush your teeth with that hand, personal hygene, carry anything, body boundary, the lack of feeling in your arm and hand, the pain that causes fatigue, the fact that you are not able to support yourself with many jobs because they require two hands - The possibility of taking a job that will cause increased overuse of the "unaffected" arm causing secondary injuries. The need for a better education to be able to support your self. These are just a few I can think of off hand.

Can you cut your own food? Can you comb and dry your hair? Do you need special modification to use and auto? Do you need special cooking tools and eating tools? Do you need special help to do the ordinary things like laundry, showers, do you have to wear shoes and clothing that do not require buttons, snaps and ties? Do they understand that you cannot carry heavy objects?

Also go to the Awareness section and print out everything on OBPI... some still need to see the injury in black and white before they understand the extent of the injury.

I hate listing all these things but you must tell them what you cannot do and when you sit to make a list it might be a bit depressing... but necessary to get the proper support you need...

My advice is to write it but please don't dwell on it. Sometimes when we make a list of things we can't do it is upsetting. I know when I had to for Disability I was sad... that is normal to feel that way.
Go out and think of all the good things you can do... and think about all the people here who are cheering you on...

I hope this helps a little..

Good Luck and Please keep us posted on how you are doing - I miss your cute sense of humor here jelly bean...
Kath

I agree about making the list but also as a self lifter you could make yourself a list of all the things you can do and keep that one for yourself!!! Dealing with agencies can be not fun but stick with it and write EVERYTHING down...I mean if you're carrying something in one hand and you trip what happens? Or if you have something in your hand and need to get into a vehicle????
Don't feel bad about only going to college part time I personally believe you'll retain more of what you learn if you're not stressed. Take your time and enjoy college!!! It can be so fun!! Take a fun class once in awhile too. You never know when an elective class could turn into a career!!
Good luck to you...I wish you the best!
T.

Thank you for your posts. I was able to complete the forms. I handed them in.
erica

Good for you Erica

Let us know how you make out

Tessie I love the part about keeping all the list of positive things.
Erica please take T advice and begin to make a list of all the wonderful things you like about you... and if you need help come here... and take a class for fun if you can.
Kath