[4estGimp]

16 at time of injury - projectionist at a theater

Now - 40, Site Manager of a Technical Helpdesk (does that make me the Apha Nerd?)

[The Black Sheep]

Before, I was 13 and a failing 7th grader.

Now, I own a computer store with my husband. We're both technicians, although I sometimes play salesman. I work part time for a game company as a 3D modeler and texture artist. More fun than being a tech, but less money unless you're born with 5+years of experience in the field.

[hotrodcharlie5]

I own a Autobody repair shop. I manage 15 people, write estimates. deal with all customers, organize Insurance relations, payroll and accounting, and solve what ever problems come my way. Minium of 10hrs daily, and 6-7hrs on Saturdays. I have a business partner, we compliment each other well, he does the hands on and I do all the paperwork. It has always been that way. Work keeps my mind focused, and I dont have time to dwell on anything. I went back to work 2 months after my accident. Hospital stay was 3 weeks, Rehab was 5 weeks, then back in the saddle a week after I got home. Work makes me feel productive, and gives me a reason to wake up early, I even roll all around the shop which gives me excerise.

[dangerousdave]

Stopped work in 93
Automotive design consultant......worked everywhere for anyone
Had a great time solving all manor of engineering problems
Started as a Sheet Metal Worker
Fell into my wheelchair in 95 and tookup sports and volunteer work
Now at 57 I consentrate on myself by putting myself first as my active life over the last 2 years has shrunk

[Zoo]

I worked alot of mechanic jobs, then went to school at Marine Mechanics Institute in Orlando, FL. Worked as a marine mechanic for a while untill I was injured. Now four years after injury I am studying Computer Information Systems at Southeast Missouri State University. Im in my freshman year at school.

[S&W Winger]

I've been a jackass of all trades throughout my Life ...worked in factories while attending college, taught nursery school, even worked for USPS 3 years , business owner, drove a truck long distance alone (lorry for our UK friends!) did a lot of outside sales, e.g. Real Estate, B2B...and most recently (past ten years) did financial consulting/planning (insurance/investments/etc.) ...now I've been a little busy this past year with about seven months in hospitals and all the various complications, etc., to do anything productive (still only up out of bed for 4-8 hours per day, depending on the day )...but I do plan on seriously (and humourously) writing again, as this has been my Life's real work (the others, ways to acquire necessities)...

This post has been edited by S&W Winger: 23 January 2010 - 05:28 AM

[Tetracyclone]

I too have been jackass of many trades, politely called small contractor. Since my accident I have become a full-time house pet and internet junkie.

[greybeard]

Tetracyclone, on Jan 23 2010, 04:01 PM, said:

I too have been jackass of many trades, politely called small contractor. Since my accident I have become a full-time house pet and internet junkie.

.....and deep thinker!

[oljeffy]

I was 29 days short of retiring after 30 years as a postman. Been living on my sick leave which runs out next month.
Not sure what I will do then. Something.

[jules]

Pre - I was at school going my GCSEs when I had my accident. Now Senior Biomedical Scientist at Gloucestershire Royal Hospitals NHSFT. Did my GCSEs and A' Levels after my accident, went to Uni, did my PG training became State Registered BMS, then did MSc Part time whilst working.

[-KatNip-]

Pre-injury - dog groomer
Post-injury - driving a desk (administrative/office type)

[DannyR]

Before I worked in shipping and and recieving driving a forklift.
Now I work for my wife cleaning and cooking. Fringe benefits are GREAT!

[tyvin]

Hi, this will be 2 years since my back surgery. Prior to the surgery I was a Psychiatric R.N - 55 at the time

It's been a real trip; just got in a wheel-chair 2 days ago and now I'll be able to be "free". You see I experienced dissociative fugue (amnesia). They flew me from one hospital to another.
Spent 5 month in the hospital and since I didn't know who I was the hospital didn't know what to do. So they did the worst possible and diagnosed me with
Alzheimer's Dementia, Encephalopathy. Permanent-Overwhelming-Impairment to be put in a nursing home for the rest of her life.

Well, state came in and a public guardian put me in an adult foster care home. Very bad things happened there but I got my memory back when my mom found me and called. 10 months in an amnesiac state. At that point the caregiver had kept me in a corner bed and left me there like meat. I got out of there and went into another foster home to put my life back together. I was bed bound the whole time. People told me just lay there; I say no way! They said I couldn't do it. I Got the wheel-chair and need some clothes (noboly got any clothes for me) shoes, nice back-pack. I'm ready' and I'm not staying in Hawaii any longer.

Many scars from this tragic ride, but when I get good in the wheel-chair I'm going to set up some kind of hospice service's, get my own place "Privacy at last"

[rollingtrouble]

Retired U.S. Army, financially secure, just chillin and watching my grandkids grow...

[mohit_para]

Bulky, on 06 September 2007 - 11:17 PM, said:

I was a mechanical engineer before the onset of my illness. I returned to my old job posted illness but in a part-time capacity - three days a week. It is funny, between rugby, family, friends and work, I am busier than when I was able-bodied.

i was a mechanical engineering student before injury.. i returned to studies just recently to complete remaining last year of graduation.

[greybeard]

tyvin, on 20 March 2010 - 09:58 AM, said:

Hi, this will be 2 years since my back surgery. Prior to the surgery I was a Psychiatric R.N - 55 at the time

It's been a real trip; just got in a wheel-chair 2 days ago and now I'll be able to be "free". You see I experienced dissociative fugue (amnesia). They flew me from one hospital to another.
Spent 5 month in the hospital and since I didn't know who I was the hospital didn't know what to do. So they did the worst possible and diagnosed me with
Alzheimer's Dementia, Encephalopathy. Permanent-Overwhelming-Impairment to be put in a nursing home for the rest of her life.

Well, state came in and a public guardian put me in an adult foster care home. Very bad things happened there but I got my memory back when my mom found me and called. 10 months in an amnesiac state. At that point the caregiver had kept me in a corner bed and left me there like meat. I got out of there and went into another foster home to put my life back together. I was bed bound the whole time. People told me just lay there; I say no way! They said I couldn't do it. I Got the wheel-chair and need some clothes (noboly got any clothes for me) shoes, nice back-pack. I'm ready' and I'm not staying in Hawaii any longer.

Many scars from this tragic ride, but when I get good in the wheel-chair I'm going to set up some kind of hospice service's, get my own place "Privacy at last"

Tyvin, I've only just seen this post. I'm appalled at the treatment you received.

It must have been living the ultimate horror story. I'm so glad you got out of it and wish you well for making a speedy recovery to what passes for normal for us. The very best of luck with the hospice project.

[DuckGirl]

I worked at a dune buggy rental company. Awesome job but it's what got me hurt also.

[Smileyblue]

I was a Maintenance Planner at a Heavy Minerals Mine.. I basically ensured that the artisans had all equipment, tools, spares, consumables, etc to ensure the Mine was kept running with minimal downtime, creating all the Maintenance Plans and Schedules, etc.. Shutdowns were my favourite part of my job, although every day was a challenge, and I thrived on it.. I loved my job and the people I worked with..

I had my accident on the way home after work..

Now, I am medically boarded (retired) due to my short-term memory having been affected in the accident, and spend my days trying to take care of myself.. Everything takes much longer to do now, especially with the spasms and pain to contend with.. But I am adamant on winning this fight.. ;-)

Perhaps someday I will start something just to supplement my income, but for now, I concentrate on me and my new life.. ;-)

[twentieth]

Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. I was in Law School when I was injured. Was jerked around by my insurance company after my motorcycle crash. They said a wheelchair did not meet the definition of "necessary life equipment". Said I could lay in bed all day and , technically, stay alive! The nexy day I rolled into the Deans office (in my temporary chair) and asked him what type of lawyers were the ones that sued insurance companies. He said trial lawyers. I became one and I have been making them pay for their misdeeds ever since....

[Kat24]

nomis, on 09 September 2007 - 11:53 PM, said:

Apparently, I like variety. I started out as a newspaper reporter hell bent on sport. That became too hard after SCI (I did try for 4yrs) so I became a subeditor. That involved bits of paper instead of people so I retrained as an occupational therapist where I found plenty of people drama working in a psych unit then 2yrs at the Otara Spinal Unit (big deal, one of 'us' among 'them'). Did a year in a plant nursery which was like watching paint dry before getting into desktop publishing in its pioneering days. Then back to health as a co-ordinator setting up housing and support systems for severely impaired people. Then back to journalism briefly writing for a magazine that folded and now I'm semi-retired, taking on freelance work from home when it comes my way and occasionally making myself available for nonprofit publications.

Awesome to see another occupational therapist here!

I was training as an OT prior to being diagnosed (degenerative disorder), completed my studies and am now working at a specialist psychiatric hospital. My friends and colleagues crack themselves laughing as my dream at varsity was to go into spinal rehab and become a sport and seating expert, was really interested in wheelchairs and was constantly being told to take it easy or I wld break my back (hyperactivity and a passion for climbing things don't go well together) and well now I've ended up in a wheelchair myself. It's been amazing how my training prepared me for my disability - nothig like wheelies to keep me occupied.

[airart1]

iron worker/welder for a few years, then did a stint in the air force/ my father was a commercial artist working civil service at ft campbell doing all there artwork so i grew up a sign painter with him and when i got out of the service i went to work with a chain store doing there airbrush artwork, seen that i was only going to be able to make a living being on the owner end of the deal and opened retail t-shirt shops and airbrush shops, painted signs, bikes, and cars with custom paint, then after accident i was blessed that i didnt loose the use of my hands and noodle so i kept the stores running and airbrushed until i over did it after 12 years and got laid up with the good old butt sore, so i retired and just paint for myself and enjoy life for a change, instead of living in a mall 14 hours a day, 7 days a week.......thinking of going back to school and finishing my art degree.......

[cas]

Solicitor before- until I had my gorgeous children- now I'm full time mum- and I wouldn't swap it for the world!!!

[AC83]

Before my injury I worked in outdoor centres, teaching climbing, kayaking, hill walking etc. Now I teach in a classroom in a school. Kids and young adults are great to work with, they are refreshinlgy direct when they ask about your disabilities, or anything else.

[eyelookok2blindgurls]

I have always been a professional creative lunatic

[mugsy]

I was a Project Manager for a large cabinet manufacturer (20 years). I dealt primarily with companies who built upper end subdivisions and custom homes. I had so much freedom and was always on the go. I loved my job. Due to the economy had I not been injured I probably would have been unemployed by now.

[Faith_Bynum]

I'm in High School but plan on becoming a Psychiatrist.

[airart1]

hey faith, i'll be your first patient.....i'm afraid we can all keep u busy!!!

[goose]

i was a regional manager for a durable medical supply co. just a week before my accident, i was trying out a new wheelchair and made the comment " i don't think i'd be a good wheelchair person" i was referring to me not having enough upper body strenght. it did prepare me for all the equipment i would need. plus i'd had lots of experience fighting insurance co. all that has come in handy.
















'

[goose]

i was a regional manager for a durable medical supply co. just a week before my accident, i was trying out a new wheelchair and made the comment " i don't think i'd be a good wheelchair person" i was referring to me not having enough upper body strenght. it did prepare me for all the equipment i would need. plus i'd had lots of experience fighting insurance co. all that has come in handy.
















'

[andycm]

Had been IT network manager. Had started career change to teaching Maths to 11-18 year olds. Also did voluntary coaching in advanced motorcycling, was a football (that's soccer to you people over the pond) referee, and did the odd bit of rock-climbing instruction.

Now doing voluntary IT work at my church, and voluntary classroom assistant in adult education - numeracy class.