Hello,

I have a quick question - have a couple of health issues that could "qualify" me to the benefits and protections of the ADA.

I am in a battle with work over this and am wondering what to say when asked "how has you life changed" , or "how have your normal day to day activities been affected".

I have chronic pain and am on enough narcotics to knock out a horse :D
(but I'm ok with the meds, I can work, drive etc. because I've taken them for about 5 years).

I had emergency back surgery last year that has left my left lower leg and outer ankle area paralyzed and now I fall down easily (just took a spill Saturday night that's left me bruised all over and needing to use an ankle brace and my cane)

I also suffer from major depression for which I am being treated with medication, but I can lapse into a "spell" randomly and cannot stop crying. This happens about once a week.

I'm wondering if any of you, after reading my "story" - which is much abbreviated - could help me figure out a list of things that a "normal" person can/should be able to do, and figure out what I can't do.

It's been so long since I've been "normal" (if ever :D ) that I'm finding it really hard to figure out how my disabilities limit my everyday life.

Help please??? I need to mail my EEOC complaint ASAP and I forgot about the wonderful resource this board is.

Thank you so much!
Angela

Hi Angela,

First thing is I'm not an expert by any stretch of the imagination. Now that that's out of the way....

The first thing I would do is notice those around you that don't have disabilities. Watch what they do and make notes of the stuff they do that is fun and stuff that isn't fun....like stuff you wouldn't want to do even if you could...like dishes.hehehe...

Also think about what you have to ask for help with. Do you have a significant other or a room mate or kids? Ask them. They can see what you do all day, you can't.

Also sit down and write out all of the things that you have wanted to do with your life and how much of that you have accomplished. Then answer why you havent and why you have.

I can say personally, that my depression is keeping me from doing many of the things I love because I just really dont feel like doing them and cant find the energy. I also avoid public places because crowds make me nervous and paranoid. I have severe lower back pain...etc and I can't sit , stand or walk for very long at a time. This limits me from long drives and often even driving. I cant do hardly any house word at all since the spasms start after such a short time. I can fold the laundry while sitting on my couch if someone brings it for me. If its a good day I can load the dishwasher but I usually pay dearly for this because of the bending and stretching.

The more I write, the more depressed Im getting...Im gonna go have my pity party now. I hope this helps a little dear. Good luck to ya:wave: