Would you drive a dump truck if you had a fused ankle?

[wildmaninal]

Re: Would you drive a dump truck if you had a fused ankle?

I just called the rent to own place and there is still hope on getting hired there.

I'm supposed to call them back later this afternoon. I don't know if the construction job has 401k or not but the rent to own place does have 401k which is a big plus in my book.

I haven't bothered with the construction job.

 

[arboldt]

Re: Would you drive a dump truck if you had a fused ankle?

I understand that many construction jobs are very long hours, for 5, 6, or even 7 days a week during the summer, then laid off in the winter.

With your physical challenges you ought not take a physically demanding job -- driving a dump truck, any other type of construction, or anything that you'd have to be on your feet for a long time. Even if you got the job and could stand the pain, your productivity would probably be less than others, and you'd have constant conflict with your supervisor or foreman. I'm not sure even a Rent-A-Center job would be a good idea for you.

20 years ago, when I changed careers at age 40, one of my classmates at the time had been a roofer before he developed epilepsy. Epileptic convulsions while on a rooftop are not a good thing, so he had to change his line of work. He decided to go into computer programming; while not brilliant at it, his code worked and he was ok. He's probably retired by now.

There should be a place for some testing and job counseling -- whether through your state's unemployment or workers' comp bureau. Contact them and (persistently) ask for testing and guidance, stressing that you really do want and need to find a line of work you can do. You will probably need more education to get into some type of white-collar job, but if Greg could do it, so can you if you really want to. I don't want to offend, but that education should also include spelling and grammar for you to transition to a desk job. Your state agencies should even help you finance some of it.

Your family is well-meaning, and knows that you really do need to get active and *do* something, although I suspect their viewpoints may be a bit limited. A good friend of ours made a good income as an author, but his mother kept asking himn when he was going to get a real job. He made more money writing that he could have made as an employee for someone else.

There's lots of ways to make an honest living. You just need to diligently find a good way for you.

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Would you drive a dump truck if you had a fused ankle?

I understand that many construction jobs are very long hours, for 5, 6, or even 7 days a week during the summer, then laid off in the winter.

With your physical challenges you ought not take a physically demanding job -- driving a dump truck, any other type of construction, or anything that you'd have to be on your feet for a long time. Even if you got the job and could stand the pain, your productivity would probably be less than others, and you'd have constant conflict with your supervisor or foreman. I'm not sure even a Rent-A-Center job would be a good idea for you.

20 years ago, when I changed careers at age 40, one of my classmates at the time had been a roofer before he developed epilepsy. Epileptic convulsions while on a rooftop are not a good thing, so he had to change his line of work. He decided to go into computer programming; while not brilliant at it, his code worked and he was ok. He's probably retired by now.

There should be a place for some testing and job counseling -- whether through your state's unemployment or workers' comp bureau. Contact them and (persistently) ask for testing and guidance, stressing that you really do want and need to find a line of work you can do. You will probably need more education to get into some type of white-collar job, but if Greg could do it, so can you if you really want to. I don't want to offend, but that education should also include spelling and grammar for you to transition to a desk job. Your state agencies should even help you finance some of it.

Your family is well-meaning, and knows that you really do need to get active and *do* something, although I suspect their viewpoints may be a bit limited. A good friend of ours made a good income as an author, but his mother kept asking himn when he was going to get a real job. He made more money writing that he could have made as an employee for someone else.

There's lots of ways to make an honest living. You just need to diligently find a good way for you.

I have seaked help through a vocational rehab (at our local career center) in the past just after I became unemployed. Being that my previous job required that a employee with a pre existing injury must return to work with no restrictions if he or she had to miss work do to problems with/because of the pre existing injury. The vocational rehab seen this in my doctor's records and even though I told them at the vocational rehab that it had to be stated like this because my place of employement at the time wouldn't let me return to work if I had restrictions that is why I was out of work for 2 to 3 months after I had my toe surgery so I could fully recover. That 2 to 3 months took all of my FMLA time up.

The goof balls at the vocational rehab kept playing on that one return to work statement by the doctor because it did't show any restrictions. Once this happened they had no intentions of helping me any further.

I worked at a rent to own place in 2000, I stayed there for nearly a year until I had a run in with my manager and turned him into human recources, after that I was fired of coarse. I kept a journal of all the acts that the manager said to me. That was 8 years ago, I had a fused ankle then, but I was in better physical shape also back then.

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: Would you drive a dump truck if you had a fused ankle?

When the doctor released you to go back,you should have gone back and worked one day and then returned to the doctor the next day and told him you couldnt perform. Then he might have added restrictions. Ive seen this happin before and the guy ended up with 100% disability. Most companys will not change a job description to fit medical restrictions.

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Would you drive a dump truck if you had a fused ankle?

When the doctor released you to go back,you should have gone back and worked one day and then returned to the doctor the next day and told him you couldnt perform. Then he might have added restrictions. Ive seen this happin before and the guy ended up with 100% disability. Most companys will not change a job description to fit medical restrictions.

I see what you are saying but if he added the restrictions I wouldn't of been able to go back to work. The job I had at the time was Lead Man, so I really didn't do much unless the lines were running fast or if we had a problem. I just made sure everything was running smooth, assisted the supervisor, gave orders when needed, trained newbies, etc etc, I had it made.

 

[eaglejim]

Re: Would you drive a dump truck if you had a fused ankle?

Ok Wildmaninal, speaking from experience I fell 32ft crushing my ankle,dislocating it,both bones broke in my leg and a broken wrist that was 11 years ago. I have family members (Mom,Dad,Inlaws,etc) told me to get on SS I told everyone of them that was not my style.So after 9 long months of trying to get healthy enough and to support the family I went job hunting(1st one in 20 years at the time of the fall I was self employed).After 1 interview went to visit a friend(runs a carpet company) he said "what are you doing"(on cruches at that time)I told him "looking for a job" he looked at me and ask what can you do I said I can learn and I can talk.So I learned and I talked all about carpet was it my dream job NO was it an income YES it is funny the more money you make the less you hurt,yes I too walk with a limp,yep I hurt everyday but I am back doing what I love to do.My friend is still my friend (he fired me a year later)I did my job and he did his it seems that both are goals were to get me back in business for myself when I lost sight of that he was there to remind me. One funny story this started on the first day every morning I would have to go get both of us coffee across a 4 lane busy road (I think he trashed his coffee pot that morning)on cruches it was the first time I knew what a bowling pin felt like

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Would you drive a dump truck if you had a fused ankle?

Sounds like you and I have about the same injuries but you got to wrist to deal with also . I have tendinitis that flares up in my left wrist. Do you have any fusions to any limbs?

My ankle injury was a compound fracture to my right ankle, I went around for a while with a bone sticking out and a window in my hard cast so the my parents (who were trained by the nurse) could treat the area on a daily basis 2 times a day. I met the man who helped me out of the car after the accident for the first time the other day at a yard sale, he also called 911 for me. Which I did have internal injuries from the accident. I was so out of it (in shock) that I didn't even know he was helping me after the accident happened. The doc had threw away bone from my ankle because he had no idea on where it belonged that is how bad it was. He removed that bone that stuck out of my ankle and took some bone out of my hip to put in place of the other because the other bone was exsposed for so long it got infected.

I don't know what is in store for me. I called the rent to own place back like I was told to do by the manager (but he didn't give me no exact time to call), the manager was not in at the time I called so I left a message like I did a couple of weeks ago and of coarse he never called me back . So now I have the plessure of calling him back tomorrow which I have a feeling this will keep going around in circles. It's like somebody said "that manager must be eresponsible (how ever you spell that)".

 

[eaglejim]

Re: Would you drive a dump truck if you had a fused ankle?

No,to the fusing of the ankle.I had so much damage that I got 2 plates 11 screws,the doctor talked about fusing because of the chances of a bone on bone that could happen he told me about it and Mrs Eagle and myself decided we would take our chances I only have about 10% use of it (up and down).There are plenty of things you can do,people are always willing to teach. Sometimes all you have to do is show up,be happy,and willing to work to the best of your ability. Now you say your in pain go to the health food store and pick up a vitamin called SAM-E works well for me still have some pain now and than but that is after a 5 mile walk,that walk started 11 years ago as a walk to the mailbox. wish you well

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: Would you drive a dump truck if you had a fused ankle?

Hope things work out well for you. Its hard to get SS benifits . You might want to get an attorney that would take you case to start an apeal for benifits to see what happins, Its often takes a year or more for the process to play out though.

 

[dave11]

Re: Would you drive a dump truck if you had a fused ankle?

BTDT too many times!

What is BTDT?

Been
There
Done
That

 

[SgtMaj]

Re: Would you drive a dump truck if you had a fused ankle?

Just my opinion, and I'm not trying to discourage you from it, but I wouldn't want to work for a rent to own place.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Would you drive a dump truck if you had a fused ankle?

You actually are blessed with having your parents help. Take them out of the equation and pretend they are not around anymore. Now what are you going to do? Both mine have been gone for over 20 years. No siblings that would help me even if I begged my hardest. Many of us wake up with pain that goes throughout the day. I get up and hurt. Once I am at work and get my mind on the job, my mind shuts out the pains that I have.

As old saying by older folks is "If you don't use it you'll lose it" Meaning if they don't get up out of that chair and exercise, they slowly lose their ability to have movement.

There are many programs out there for people like yourself. I know your proud and don't want the disability, but to me it sounds as if you need to seek that course. Have you gone through any extensive therapy to gain better function?

I got a step daughter that has the ability to work and also she says she can't work because it hurts too much. Its funny how she is able to do things with my grandkids that is more strenious than what some jobs would require. She can't walk/stand to long, but she can take the kids to Cedar Point for the weekend. Last time I was there, I know you do a lot of walking, standing in line, and then getting jostled around on the ride. Can't see where this would be good for her back, but she does it. Too bad she doesn't have the will power to perform a job to properly support her family. Her family lived with me for 3 years that was only surposed to be for 6 months. Finally we had to put restrictions on them, they didn't like it and finally moved out. Since then they have been evicted many times and she still refuses to do anything to bring money into their house. Even simple thing like babysitting her sisters girl.

To me it is all in the will power in what you want to do. I was always taught that you "Gotta do what you gotta do". When appling for a job that you want, be a pest to that employer until he knows you by your first name. They will see that you are persistant and that you really want that job.

Good luck and best wishes to you...........SS

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Would you drive a dump truck if you had a fused ankle?

Just my opinion, and I'm not trying to discourage you from it, but I wouldn't want to work for a rent to own place.

Why not? It isn't constant deliveries, it has it's benefits, get to cruise the town every now and then in the company's vehicle doing collecting. I've done it in the past, funny thing is the company that I am applying for has bought out the company I use to work for.

There are many programs out there for people like yourself. I know your proud and don't want the disability, but to me it sounds as if you need to seek that course. Have you gone through any extensive therapy to gain better function?

There is no therapy that can help my ankle, don't know if a reconstructive surgery with artificial bone would work because the damage was extensive. The doctor sent me to therapy and the therapist tried to do range of motion on my foot before my ankle was fused, I don't think was in the docotors orders, but they tried it anyway .

No,to the fusing of the ankle.I had so much damage that I got 2 plates 11 screws,the doctor talked about fusing because of the chances of a bone on bone that could happen he told me about it and Mrs Eagle and myself decided we would take our chances I only have about 10% use of it (up and down).There are plenty of things you can do,people are always willing to teach. Sometimes all you have to do is show up,be happy,and willing to work to the best of your ability. Now you say your in pain go to the health food store and pick up a vitamin called SAM-E works well for me still have some pain now and than but that is after a 5 mile walk,that walk started 11 years ago as a walk to the mailbox. wish you well

Heck I thought getting training for a job was no big deal but after the jobs I've applied for they haven't even bothered calling me.

Hope things work out well for you. Its hard to get SS benifits . You might want to get an attorney that would take you case to start an apeal for benifits to see what happins, Its often takes a year or more for the process to play out though.

Thanks fairlaneman, maybe things will work out. Thanks to everybody else also.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Would you drive a dump truck if you had a fused ankle?

I have a bad foot/ancle injury. I understand your situation. I can move my toes up and down about 2". Just enough ancle movement to walk without a noticeable limp. And to run a gas pedal. No side to side motion, no twisting motion, etc. Running, jumping are out of the question. And walking for long long distances (about 100yds tops) requires a rest and most importantly foot elevation to prevent swelling. Walking up stairs is rough. Going down isn't so bad. Yep, it sucks (thank you drunk driving kid).

Try to find work that doesn't involve standing or using your feet. It does limit your choices, but thats reality.

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Would you drive a dump truck if you had a fused ankle?

Why is it so hard to find a job?

You're making a lot of excuses why you can't get out of your mama's house. Of course she's nagging you, Moms are supposed to nag their kids to get a job! Got a Walmart or a Kmart nearby? How about a McDonalds? Why be to proud to take a job that is "beneath" you but not be to proud to live at your Mama's house?

You've been home for a year. You could be almost finished with a vocational program!

My wife is disabled, she's in a wheelchair 24/7 and I never hear her complain that it's too hard to get up and do what needs to be done.

It's time for you to cowboy up.

 

[arboldt]

Re: Would you drive a dump truck if you had a fused ankle?

When I suggested you seek some vocational rehab/counseling, it was not to certify a disability or try rehab to get you back to what you were doing.

I was trying to get you to consider this:

1) I can't do what I used to do
2) I can't do what family has suggested (i.e. drive a dump truck)
3) What *can* I do? OK, I'm not sure, so maybe I should talk to someone who can help me identify an area or type of job that I *can* do and maybe even enjoy. That someone should have some aptitude tests to help me decide what I could do well.
4) Then, with that guidance, I can find out what education, training, or skills development I need in order to do that.

A friend of ours was injured and couldn't keep doing what he used to. He went to the local vo-tech college and learned how to be an estimator for HVAC systems, and has been very successful at it for almost 20 years now.

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Would you drive a dump truck if you had a fused ankle?

I have a bad foot/ancle injury. I understand your situation. I can move my toes up and down about 2". Just enough ancle movement to walk without a noticeable limp. And to run a gas pedal. No side to side motion, no twisting motion, etc. Running, jumping are out of the question. And walking for long long distances (about 100yds tops) requires a rest and most importantly foot elevation to prevent swelling. Walking up stairs is rough. Going down isn't so bad. Yep, it sucks (thank you drunk driving kid).

Try to find work that doesn't involve standing or using your feet. It does limit your choices, but thats reality.

Stairs and steep hills are a PITA to walk up and down on for me.

Why is it so hard to find a job?

You're making a lot of excuses why you can't get out of your mama's house. Of course she's nagging you, Moms are supposed to nag their kids to get a job! Got a Walmart or a Kmart nearby? How about a McDonalds? Why be to proud to take a job that is "beneath" you but not be to proud to live at your Mama's house?

You've been home for a year. You could be almost finished with a vocational program!

My wife is disabled, she's in a wheelchair 24/7 and I never hear her complain that it's too hard to get up and do what needs to be done.

It's time for you to cowboy up.

I'm sorry man.... I don't see where I am making excuses, I am looking for a full time job with insurance. Something that I can handle. I have applied for over 60 jobs and haven't heard back from any of them but oh maybe 4 So I don't know where the problem is but I am as I said before "sick of it". To tell you how sick I am of it I went and applied for this construction job But I don't think I'll hear from them. I've only been to 4 interviews maybe more and that is all. My skin is the wrong color and I don't speak the right language maybe that is it. If you've been to Gadsden AL or surrounding cities you'll see the situation I'm in. The last I looked the economy isn't doing all that great. I'll be darned if I'm going to flip a burger when I use to make pretty decent money. Oh I bet your thinking "I've been unemployed for 365 days and you have only applied for over 60 jobs well a majority of that time was dealing with the id*** at the vocational rehab. I have also applied for Walmart and I didn't pass the test I had to take over the computer, same with lowes, they are looking for customer oriented employees which I obviously am not.

Thank you thank you very much .

When I suggested you seek some vocational rehab/counseling, it was not to certify a disability or try rehab to get you back to what you were doing.

I was trying to get you to consider this:

1) I can't do what I used to do
2) I can't do what family has suggested (i.e. drive a dump truck)
3) What *can* I do? OK, I'm not sure, so maybe I should talk to someone who can help me identify an area or type of job that I *can* do and maybe even enjoy. That someone should have some aptitude tests to help me decide what I could do well.
4) Then, with that guidance, I can find out what education, training, or skills development I need in order to do that.

A friend of ours was injured and couldn't keep doing what he used to. He went to the local vo-tech college and learned how to be an estimator for HVAC systems, and has been very successful at it for almost 20 years now.

All the above that you stated is what this vocational rehab that I went to is for and they rejected me because of that return to work ordeal, once again they would not help me because the doctor let me return to work with no restrictions.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Would you drive a dump truck if you had a fused ankle?

I just took the time to read this whole thread again. I realize now I mistook you for the member Animal, who is much older than I think you are (20 something?).

The best advice I can give you is to look at the vocational schools, specifically the computer schools.

There are lots of jobs in Data Processing (aka IS - Information Service) besides basic programming. Help desk, service desk, lan techs, lap top techs, etc. Just learning how load software and making basic upgrades to windows bases PC's will get you a job starting at 30 + K around here with lots of opportunity for career expansion and benefits. Plus someone has to put in the new hard drives, Lan/Wan cards, replace bad monitors, keyboards, printers, etc. These are great jobs if your good with your hands, can be polite, and have good grooming skills. A physical disability will not hold you back here. Especially if you get into a big company.

Get you Mom to loan you the money for a 6mo or 1 year program in PC tech and you should have a job in no time. Best part is big companies (insurance, retail, and the like) like to hire people with handicaps because they get credits for being equal opportunity employeers.

Just something to think about. Time to start planning for the rest of your life. Make it a good plan.

 

[eaglejim]

Re: Would you drive a dump truck if you had a fused ankle?

Well 1st of all it's not the company job to supply you health care, get your own you will most likely find out you can get it cheeper yourself, 2nd if you REALLY want to work any Mom and Pop business would most likely take you on, here in Atl we can't find people even willing to get out of bed.The 19 to 25 people are so lazy it is unbelivable.As a small business owner I would hire someone less qualified but would show up everyday than a person who could do the job but show up when they want. No we do not pay for anyones insurance we all pay our own, and no 401k, employees are not and never have been an asset to a company.Sorry about the rant had to fix the mess some of those overpaid babies made today

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Would you drive a dump truck if you had a fused ankle?

I just took the time to read this whole thread again. I realize now I mistook you for the member Animal, who is much older than I think you are (20 something?).

The best advice I can give you is to look at the vocational schools, specifically the computer schools.

There are lots of jobs in Data Processing (aka IS - Information Service) besides basic programming. Help desk, service desk, lan techs, lap top techs, etc. Just learning how load software and making basic upgrades to windows bases PC's will get you a job starting at 30 + K around here with lots of opportunity for career expansion and benefits. Plus someone has to put in the new hard drives, Lan/Wan cards, replace bad monitors, keyboards, printers, etc. These are great jobs if your good with your hands, can be polite, and have good grooming skills. A physical disability will not hold you back here. Especially if you get into a big company.

Get you Mom to loan you the money for a 6mo or 1 year program in PC tech and you should have a job in no time. Best part is big companies (insurance, retail, and the like) like to hire people with handicaps because they get credits for being equal opportunity employeers.

Just something to think about. Time to start planning for the rest of your life. Make it a good plan.

See I took electronics during high school at our local vocational school for 3 years, I learned allot about computers. I worked for a small computer business for over a year doing computer repair, getting paid under the table and actually made a decent income. I actually can't stand to work on a computer now, they are a pain, I'll work on them when it comes to one of my own or if my close relatives have a problem but that's about it. I have a cousin of mine that needs computer work, she wants me to look at it. I admit like I may have mentioned on other threads on computers I am rusty and a little out of date. The job where I worked on computers when I got "fired", the owner kept my software that was mine, didn't even bother calling me to tell me that I forgot my disc. I got "fired" because the owner didn't get my message when I called in sick, I had a gulf ball size blister on my bad foot that I couldn't stand to walk on. It wasn't until a while later that I realized that I left my disc.

If I ended up going to college I would get into outboard engine repair or small engine repair, I would love to start my own business in this field. See my brother had it made, my uncle paid his way through college, now he makes $19 an hour as a maintanence man don't know what class he is.