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Need some advice from anyone who knows about Short Term Disability

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Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)
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  • May 30, 2017 at 4:12 pm #151274
    Rebecca
    Participant

    I broke my right wrist about a week ago(I am right handed). It was pretty bad – I required surgery and screws and a metal plate. I have been approved for short term disability income for 6 weeks, which is about 60% of my current salary. I am a CNA in a psych hospital. It can be a dangerous job – we spend time around violent patients. I know that my doctor will write me to go back to work anytime I want  though – he already said this (Our meeting to discuss this further is next Monday). If I go back next week I will have to be on light duty. Problem is, one of my co-workers is already on light-duty because of a broken foot. 2 light duty people on the same unit??? She was telling me how bored she was all the time and she would get sent home early because they would run out of things for her to do. Another concern- although I will not be giving direct patient care, I will still be around patients. If I re-injure myself on the job with this fresh injury..that opens a whole new can of worms. I think will be okay financially with 60% of my salary for 6 weeks, and then returning to work at full capacity. I just can’t help but feel I am taking advantage of the “system” when there is a guaranteed light duty job waiting for me. Obviously I will know more after I talk to my doctor.. but I just wanted to see if anyone has any similar experience/advice.

    May 30, 2017 at 8:08 pm #151280
    Anonymous
    Guest

    Dear Rebecca:

    My advice: six weeks of 60%. Your first responsibility is to take best care of yourself. Take it very easy on that wrist, be mindful/ pay attention. Reminds me, a couple of years ago I fell off the deck, landed on wood logs, on my ribs. The pain lasted for months. I moved slowly by necessity and continue to move slowly to this very day, slower than I used to anyway. It is scary, how costly a moment of mindlessness can be.

    So.. take care of yourself, I say.

    anita

    June 5, 2017 at 3:12 pm #152034
    Rebecca
    Participant

    Hi Anita,

    Just met with my doctor today. He agreed that I should be away from work for another 4 weeks. I am okay with that. My problem now is going to be finding things to occupy my time. I injured my dominant hand so there is still a lot that I cannot do..

    Like sweeping my kitchen for instance is a real struggle, folding laundry, making my bed, cooking (chopping, slicing, etc.), lifting anything that requires two hands… I am never going to take any of these tasks for granted once I get my right hand back.

    June 6, 2017 at 9:32 am #152120
    Anonymous
    Guest

    Dear Rebecca:

    As frustrating as it is, it is an opportunity for you to learn to use your other hand, practicing Mindfulness. I did not and would not invite such opportunities into my life, and some opportunities will be too much for me to use as such, but since this… opportunity is your reality and cannot be reversed, and since it reads doable to me, practice that mindfulness and make that other hand stronger, one little task at a time, slowly and attentively (and it will occupy your time!).

    anita

    June 7, 2017 at 8:00 am #152264
    Rebecca
    Participant

    I am trying to be mindful. To not be stressed/fear the unknown. To take things slow and not do anything when I get that feeling that tells me “you need to be doing something productive.” The hardest part about this time for me is feeling lonely. My boyfriend’s (my rock, my biggest support) job has relocated him to a city 3 hours a way during the weekdays. He comes home on the weekend and I get so sad when he is gone. At the same time it is wonderful when we reunite. But it is difficult for me not to be lonely, anxious and depressed when he is away and I am stuck at home, not able to do a lot. And most of my friends are so busy with work. And I have 4 more weeks to go! Trying to look at this as a learning experience but it is difficult to keep focused on that.

    June 7, 2017 at 9:06 am #152268
    Anonymous
    Guest

    Dear Rebecca:

    Healthy distractions can be helpful: try to incorporate some, perhaps watch quality movies at home, listen to music, take hot baths, sit in the sun, read a good book, etc. Experiment with such and see how you feel…?

    anita

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