Guest guest Posted October 31, 2008 Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 Hi Mike, I haven't gone through the process for retraining but I wish you luck with that. My circumstances are very simlar to your own. I was a Watch Commander at a large jail. (population 1200) Our facility was fairly new so it wasn't particularly dirty. However, as you mentioned, illnesses could spread quickly through the inmate population and staff. Also a problem, was the heavy duty cleaning products used routinely to hold down the risks of infections. You add in the occasional inmate fights and confrontations as well as the use of pepper spray to control these fights and you have an environment that is toxic to folks like us. Even though I had worked for the County for 26 years, once I developed asthma at age 58 my career there was through. I tried to continue but I was sent to the ER 4 times in my last year, all from the job. Even to a hardhead like myself, it was obvious that I couldn't continue. Fortunately I have a small pension. I am now 60 and, like you, I am on ZyfloCR, Symbicort, and albuterol as well as protonix and zyrtec. I feel much better but I am still unable to work. I am in the process of appealing my SS disability claim. (definitely a long shot) I have an attorney and he doesn't get paid unless I get the disability so what do I have to lose? Good luck, Tom > > Just a quick question. My doctor changed my meds to Zyflo (2x/day), > (Xopenex 3-4x/day), Symbicort (2x/day) and Albueterol (4xper day or > more as needed). If this regimen does not work, then I will add Xolair > 1x/month. If that does not work, it is vocational rehab to get me into > a job that may allow me to continue to work. Has anyone gone through > the evaluation process in order to qualify for retraining? At 50yo, I > see myself much too young for disability and want to stave off work > changes etc as long as I can. I am a Mental Health Counselor and > manage a drug/alcohol program in a prison. The environment is dirty > and whenever someone comes in with a virus, the entire prison gets it. > If it involves the lungs, I am the first stop. OK, so it was not so > short, sorry. Your thoughts are appreciated, though. > > Mike > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 31, 2008 Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 Thanks Tom. Alaska DOC is ALWAYS looking for new CO's. If cold air does not irritate, come on up. Personally, I am hoping to move home to El Paso. My parents have made an interesting offer. Take care and talk to you soon. Mike To: asthma Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 5:51:11 AMSubject: Re: Disability Hi Mike,I haven't gone through the process for retraining but I wish you luckwith that. My circumstances are very simlar to your own. I was a WatchCommander at a large jail. (population 1200) Our facility was fairly newso it wasn't particularly dirty. However, as you mentioned, illnessescould spread quickly through the inmate population and staff. Also aproblem, was the heavy duty cleaning products used routinely to holddown the risks of infections. You add in the occasional inmate fightsand confrontations as well as the use of pepper spray to control thesefights and you have an environment that is toxic to folks like us. Eventhough I had worked for the County for 26 years, once I developed asthmaat age 58 my career there was through. I tried to continue but I wassent to the ER 4 times in my last year, all from the job. Even to ahardhead like myself, it was obvious that I couldn't continue.Fortunately I have a small pension.I am now 60 and, like you, I am on ZyfloCR, Symbicort, and albuterol aswell as protonix and zyrtec. I feel much better but I am still unable towork. I am in the process of appealing my SS disability claim.(definitely a long shot) I have an attorney and he doesn't get paidunless I get the disability so what do I have to lose?Good luck,Tom>> Just a quick question. My doctor changed my meds to Zyflo (2x/day),> (Xopenex 3-4x/day), Symbicort (2x/day) and Albueterol (4xper day or> more as needed). If this regimen does not work, then I will add Xolair> 1x/month. If that does not work, it is vocational rehab to get me into> a job that may allow me to continue to work. Has anyone gone through> the evaluation process in order to qualify for retraining? At 50yo, I> see myself much too young for disability and want to stave off work> changes etc as long as I can. I am a Mental Health Counselor and> manage a drug/alcohol program in a prison. The environment is dirty> and whenever someone comes in with a virus, the entire prison gets it.> If it involves the lungs, I am the first stop. OK, so it was not so> short, sorry. Your thoughts are appreciated, though.>> Mike> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 31, 2008 Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 I would still be doing it if I could. I wouldn't have to go as far as Alaska though. Everyone is always looking for CO's. It's nice to be wanted. Good luck in El Paso. Watch out for the heat. > > > > Just a quick question. My doctor changed my meds to Zyflo (2x/day), > > (Xopenex 3-4x/day), Symbicort (2x/day) and Albueterol (4xper day or > > more as needed). If this regimen does not work, then I will add Xolair > > 1x/month. If that does not work, it is vocational rehab to get me into > > a job that may allow me to continue to work. Has anyone gone through > > the evaluation process in order to qualify for retraining? At 50yo, I > > see myself much too young for disability and want to stave off work > > changes etc as long as I can. I am a Mental Health Counselor and > > manage a drug/alcohol program in a prison. The environment is dirty > > and whenever someone comes in with a virus, the entire prison gets it. > > If it involves the lungs, I am the first stop. OK, so it was not so > > short, sorry. Your thoughts are appreciated, though. > > > > Mike > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2008 Report Share Posted November 2, 2008 Thanks Madeline, You're right.They do require you to have been off work for 6 months before you can file. (I have been unable to work for well over a year) They also need verification that your illness will last more than a year or will result in death. Then they factor in your age, your education, your job history and training, and your ability to work. I know it's unlikely that I ever get it but it's worth a shot. I also have other health issues that factor into things but I'm sure it's still a long shot. In 20 months I'll be 62 and I can file for retirement benefits then, anyway ,but disability would sure help out now. Like most initial applications for SSDI, mine was rejected. They said that I was impaired but not disabled. I have an attorney who is appealing the decision. He only gets paid if I win so I have nothing to lose. > > > > > > Just a quick question. My doctor changed my meds to Zyflo (2x/day), > > > (Xopenex 3-4x/day), Symbicort (2x/day) and Albueterol (4xper day or > > > more as needed). If this regimen does not work, then I will add Xolair > > > 1x/month. If that does not work, it is vocational rehab to get me into > > > a job that may allow me to continue to work. Has anyone gone through > > > the evaluation process in order to qualify for retraining? At 50yo, I > > > see myself much too young for disability and want to stave off work > > > changes etc as long as I can. I am a Mental Health Counselor and > > > manage a drug/alcohol program in a prison. The environment is dirty > > > and whenever someone comes in with a virus, the entire prison gets it. > > > If it involves the lungs, I am the first stop. OK, so it was not so > > > short, sorry. Your thoughts are appreciated, though. > > > > > > Mike > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2008 Report Share Posted November 2, 2008 Mike, Would you fill me in on vocational rehab and retraining? At 36 I am waaaaayyyy to young to be sitting at home on my keister on " house arrest " . I have been completely disabled since May (it is Workers Comp - I am very lucky there - so, at least I have some income), and I would really like to be able to find something productive to do. However, at this point, I know that I can't go back into a traditional job setting. I am still nowhere near stable enough. I have been a staff accountant/bookkeeper/office manager for the last 15 years. So, I do have a good training base. I can just see my resume though. " Dependable employee when not in hospital or at the doctor. Competent and capable of completing multiple and complicated tasks independently when not overly medicated. Requires a minimum of personal contact because immunity is compromised from steroids.... " LOL. Can you see a HR manager reading that! LOL Madeline > > > > > > > > Just a quick question. My doctor changed my meds to Zyflo > (2x/day), > > > > (Xopenex 3-4x/day), Symbicort (2x/day) and Albueterol (4xper day > or > > > > more as needed). If this regimen does not work, then I will add > Xolair > > > > 1x/month. If that does not work, it is vocational rehab to get me > into > > > > a job that may allow me to continue to work. Has anyone gone > through > > > > the evaluation process in order to qualify for retraining? At > 50yo, I > > > > see myself much too young for disability and want to stave off > work > > > > changes etc as long as I can. I am a Mental Health Counselor and > > > > manage a drug/alcohol program in a prison. The environment is > dirty > > > > and whenever someone comes in with a virus, the entire prison gets > it. > > > > If it involves the lungs, I am the first stop. OK, so it was not > so > > > > short, sorry. Your thoughts are appreciated, though. > > > > > > > > Mike > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2008 Report Share Posted November 3, 2008 Hi Madeline, I have a prescription for Iptatroprium bromide that I will fill as soon as the Xopenex runs out. it will be interesting to see if my peak flow numbers change. The vocational rehab is a state funded program for those folks that have disabilities that prevent them from continuing in their careers. There are a variety of other reasons for rehab as well. As the environment I work in, and have been in for most of 10 years, aggravates my condition, I qualify for rehab. Stress is another aggravator and the prison setting as well as counseling by it's nature are both stress provoking. I am looking at data base management or related fields as possible choices. A friend told me that IT was also stressful. When I asked them if it compared to talking to 32 yo men about why it inappropriate to continue physical/emotional relations with girls half their age, the decided it may not be quite as bad. I had to laugh. On the other hand, as I look at possible leaving this contact with criminals behind, I find I am looking forward to being with 'normal' folks. Mike To: asthma Sent: Saturday, November 1, 2008 1:27:55 PMSubject: Re: Disability I am 36. Much too young to be sitting on my rumpus trying to breathe!I have just started Pulmonary Therapy. I don't know if that is thesame thing as you are talking about. I am not sure what vocationalrehab/retraining is all about. Your meds are similar to mine except Ialso use Iptatroprium bromide in the neb with the albuterol 4x day. Becareful because Xopenex and Albuterol are the same thing. Don't knowwhat your doc was thinking putting you on both. Of course I am alsoon the steroids and a whole host of other stuff to control the effectsfrom the steroids and Cushings. Good luck with the Xolair. It didnot have any clinical effect for me, but I have heard that it is alife changer for some.Madeline>> Just a quick question. My doctor changed my meds to Zyflo (2x/day), > (Xopenex 3-4x/day), Symbicort (2x/day) and Albueterol (4xper day or > more as needed). If this regimen does not work, then I will add Xolair > 1x/month. If that does not work, it is vocational rehab to get me into > a job that may allow me to continue to work. Has anyone gone through > the evaluation process in order to qualify for retraining? At 50yo, I > see myself much too young for disability and want to stave off work > changes etc as long as I can. I am a Mental Health Counselor and > manage a drug/alcohol program in a prison. The environment is dirty > and whenever someone comes in with a virus, the entire prison gets it. > If it involves the lungs, I am the first stop. OK, so it was not so > short, sorry. Your thoughts are appreciated, though.> > Mike> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2008 Report Share Posted November 3, 2008 I am going to start talking to the Workers Comp people about some possible retraining. I had an appointment this morning with my asthma specialist, and one of the WC nurses was with me. She asked him all the normal questions.... any clinical improvement and so forth. She also asked him when he thought that I might return to work, and he told her that he doubted that I could ever return to a typical 8-5 office situation. She asked him about working from home, and his response was that we would have to see. He would talk to her about it in another 4-6 months or so. After we see if I am going to be able to get off this prednisone, and then after all the Cushings symptoms had completely disappeared. From what I understand it can take up to a year to reverse the Cushings after completely stopping the prednisone. We are going to start the step-down next week. So everyone cross your fingers, say a prayer, light a candle (whatever you do - I'll take it all). I am really nervous about the stepdown. Although it will be very very very slow. He said only about 5 mg a week for the first week or two. I know the prednisone is slowly killing me (causing a host of other health problems), but at least I am breathing. Been out of the hospital now since August 31. That seems to be a major miracle in and of itself! I agree with you about the IT. LOL! Hardly seems near as stressful as the jail! My husband was a jailer when we were dating. So, I know how stressful that type of environment can be. Madeline > > > > Just a quick question. My doctor changed my meds to Zyflo (2x/day), > > (Xopenex 3-4x/day), Symbicort (2x/day) and Albueterol (4xper day or > > more as needed). If this regimen does not work, then I will add Xolair > > 1x/month. If that does not work, it is vocational rehab to get me into > > a job that may allow me to continue to work. Has anyone gone through > > the evaluation process in order to qualify for retraining? At 50yo, I > > see myself much too young for disability and want to stave off work > > changes etc as long as I can. I am a Mental Health Counselor and > > manage a drug/alcohol program in a prison. The environment is dirty > > and whenever someone comes in with a virus, the entire prison gets it. > > If it involves the lungs, I am the first stop. OK, so it was not so > > short, sorry. Your thoughts are appreciated, though. > > > > Mike > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2008 Report Share Posted November 3, 2008 One more question. What do you consider " normal " ? LOL Madeline > > > > > > Just a quick question. My doctor changed my meds to Zyflo (2x/day), > > > (Xopenex 3-4x/day), Symbicort (2x/day) and Albueterol (4xper day or > > > more as needed). If this regimen does not work, then I will add > Xolair > > > 1x/month. If that does not work, it is vocational rehab to get me > into > > > a job that may allow me to continue to work. Has anyone gone through > > > the evaluation process in order to qualify for retraining? At 50yo, I > > > see myself much too young for disability and want to stave off work > > > changes etc as long as I can. I am a Mental Health Counselor and > > > manage a drug/alcohol program in a prison. The environment is dirty > > > and whenever someone comes in with a virus, the entire prison gets > it. > > > If it involves the lungs, I am the first stop. OK, so it was not so > > > short, sorry. Your thoughts are appreciated, though. > > > > > > Mike > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2008 Report Share Posted November 3, 2008 Hi Madeline, I worked as a Vocational Counselor here in ALaska several years ago. One of the sister agencies in our Department was Vocational Rehabilitation. it is Federal program so no doubt every state should have a version of one. Click on this link http://www.jobbankinfo.org/ and look at your state's information. If Voc Rehab is not listed, look for the nearest Job Center/One Stop and give them a call. They should be able to hook you up. Just as a thought: Many of the local doctor's office 'out-source' their billing a nd transcription. Perhaps looking at self-employment, from a home office providing your ample abilities in accounting/bookeeping etc, may be worth your time. Work when you feel up to it, rest when needed. Medical transription is another option. Just some thoughts off the top of my head. Mike To: asthma Sent: Sunday, November 2, 2008 1:28:36 PMSubject: Re: Disability Mike,Would you fill me in on vocational rehab and retraining? At 36 I amwaaaaayyyy to young to be sitting at home on my keister on "housearrest". I have been completely disabled since May (it is WorkersComp - I am very lucky there - so, at least I have some income), and Iwould really like to be able to find something productive to do. However, at this point, I know that I can't go back into a traditionaljob setting. I am still nowhere near stable enough. I have been astaff accountant/bookkeep er/office manager for the last 15 years. So,I do have a good training base. I can just see my resume though. "Dependable employee when not in hospital or at the doctor. Competentand capable of completing multiple and complicated tasks independentlywhen not overly medicated. Requires a minimum of personal contactbecause immunity is compromised from steroids.... " LOL. Can you seea HR manager reading that! LOL Madeline> > > >> > > > Just a quick question. My doctor changed my meds to Zyflo> (2x/day),> > > > (Xopenex 3-4x/day), Symbicort (2x/day) and Albueterol (4xper day> or> > > > more as needed). If this regimen does not work, then I will add> Xolair> > > > 1x/month. If that does not work, it is vocational rehab to get me> into> > > > a job that may allow me to continue to work. Has anyone gone> through> > > > the evaluation process in order to qualify for retraining? At> 50yo, I> > > > see myself much too young for disability and want to stave off> work> > > > changes etc as long as I can. I am a Mental Health Counselor and> > > > manage a drug/alcohol program in a prison. The environment is> dirty> > > > and whenever someone comes in with a virus, the entire prison gets> it.> > > > If it involves the lungs, I am the first stop. OK, so it was not> so> > > > short, sorry. Your thoughts are appreciated, though.> > > >> > > > Mike> > > >> > >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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