Status Quo

[ladysprite]

I feel like my life has become rather one-note lately, and that one note has been my health problems. On the other hand, with me mostly not-working (about to become completely not-working) and most of my hobbies taken away by said health problems, I'm having a hard time having much of anything else in my life.

Applying for disability is a fascinating exploration of paperwork at its most complex and gratuitous. I'm not sure why they need to know how much I earned hourly as an official school tutor in 1998, or why they had to ask me three times if I'm blind, or why I could choose American Sign Language as my preferred written language, but if I have to jump through these hoops to stay solvent during my recovery I will.

I'm doing my best not to panic about work. Most of the clinics I work at have been fairly understanding about my extended unavailability, but I can't help but worry that by the time I can work again they will have found other relief vets and won't need me anymore.

Most of all, I'm just trying to come to terms with decreased expectations. I have a strong inner voice yammering that, since I'm not working, I should be able to keep the house clean and do the dishes and get lots of errands run and pick up a few new hobbies and spend lots of time out doing stuff with friends and learn a new language and just generally Do Stuff, and that if I spend a day napping and reading and watching TV that I am somehow failing at making good use of my time.

And this is at odds with the fact that, ultimately, I am in fairly crappy shape, and that on days like today I need to spend my first three hours of consciousness negotiating the war between my head (which is desperately clamoring for liquids to help with the dehydration headache pounding away there) and my stomach (which is asserting that any attempt to ingest anything will be met with refusal and/or violent rebellion).

I want off these meds. I want to feel better. I want to be a person again, not a passive vector for various discomforts....

Comments

[browngirl.livejournal.com]

Right now you have an unwelcome but major project. It makes sense that you write a lot about it.

Among other things, just think of all you're learning. One day, many of us may need to turn to you for advice about applying for disability.

… okay, that sounded better in my head. *laughs at myself* Seriously, though, I am cheering you on every step of the way. I have faith in you, my friend.

[gryphon-warrior.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure why they need to know how much I earned hourly as an official school tutor in 1998, or why they had to ask me three times if I'm blind, or why I could choose American Sign Language as my preferred written language,

Well, if nothing else you've maintained your deft comedic touch :) I giggled a lot at that.

[jducoeur]

+1 -- that got an extended Slow Blink.

More generally, hugs about the situation...

[vettecat.livejournal.com]

Hugs.

[gyzki.livejournal.com]

I promise that you are doing the right thing by your disability every bit as much as you are supporting me through mine. Absolutely there with you feeling like a three-hour nap is an indulgence instead of the hard work it is. (Also on the dehydration today especially, I don't know why.) I'll keep us both honest if you will.

[lauradi7.livejournal.com]

Surely you have heard of "pre-hab" (the before surgery equivalent to rehabilitation after surgery). Your physical job right now is to rest and hydrate and get as much nutrition as your stomach will tolerate so that things will be optimal in the hospital. Your mental job is to get the paperwork done so that you won't fret about it while you're convalescing. You have a list of friends and lurkers who are happy to remind you that you should not be doing more right now. Vibes coming your way.

[ladysprite.livejournal.com]

Huh. No; I hadn't heard of that at all. It's not exactly something we have much of a chance to do in vet med. But it seems kind of obvious now that you mention it, and it's a good way to look at it so I can convince myself I'm actually doing something - thank you!

[wren13.livejournal.com]

Well, dear, I'm leaving for North Carolina in the spring. If we time it right, you can take over my Massachusetts practices for me. We should talk.
In the meantime, as one of the chronically disabled myself, do feel free to call if you need to vent. 774-217-1387

*hugs*

[ladysprite.livejournal.com]

*hugs* North Carolina?? Whyfor? And I'll miss you - even though I don't get to see you often enough anyway....

Disability seems to be just generally frustrating. My application is in, but I'm only now learning that there's apparently a five month mandatory wait. :/ And sympathies; if you want to get together at some point I'm certainly up for company - call or email; it'd be good to see you.

[wren13.livejournal.com]

Work is very slow for me right now too. What days are good for you, I'd be happy to drop down and give you some company if you are up for it.

[johnpalmer.livejournal.com]

Re: work, is there a surplus of good vets for these jobs? If there isn't a pretty big surplus, you have a lot of clinics that like you and, even if they can't use you, will recommend you highly. That *really* matters. So there's no reason to panic. (I know, that doesn't make the panic go away, but you can remind yourself that there's no *reason*.)

I really understand some small bit of not liking where you are and hoping things get better, but not knowing what you can expect... I hope things work out well, and quickly, for you.

(And I love you - just because I don't say that near often enough.)

[dornbeast.livejournal.com]

I have a strong inner voice yammering that, since I'm not working, I should be able to...

Quite a list, that. Of all those, only "pick up a new hobby" and "learn a new language" seem reasonable, although I'd question the possibility of doing both.

Be well.