Putting the Puzzle Pieces Back Together
There is no way to truly prepare for a work-related injury when it happens to you. Unfortunately, the bad news doesn’t end there. All the things that come along with it can be overwhelming, like dealing with the workman’s comp process; or the physical, mental, emotional toll a person endures along the way. Yes, there is a little booklet that gives you some helpful basic information, but it just isn't enough. Most people think, “a work injury won’t happen to me” or maybe haven’t thought about it at all. But when it does happen, your new reality becomes a jumbled puzzle that you have to put back together on your own. One piece at a time. You’ll find yourself moving pieces around to try to make them fit, without knowing what the final picture is going to look like.
I was first injured at work in 2018 and then experienced two additional injuries in 2020 (a very dark year for many). Not only were the physical parts of me damaged, but my mental health and emotional state took a hit. On the outside I tried to stay positive, but on the inside… I was freaking out! Why you ask? Let me count the ways!
First… the pain. Mine was so bad, sometimes whatever I tried to do to alleviate it just didn’t work! Second, the workmen’s comp process was tiresome and not the best experience. Third, dealing with different doctors. Some of my doctors had so many patients it seemed like they couldn’t keep up with who was who. I also had to see different specialists with very limited time during appointments. Along the way I felt like I just wasn’t getting straight answers to my questions, just spinning my wheels.
Then came the treatments (some caused more pain) and medications. Most of the pain medication would either make me sleep for three days straight, pass out, get dizzy or sick to my stomach. None of this was great for me and my injured back. The therapists (physical, massage, acupuncture) were helpful and intuitive to my true limits. With their guidance, I was able to walk without a cane. I felt like the first piece of the puzzle was in place, but when covid shut everything down my positive progress was under attack. I felt defeated, totally exhausted, and overwhelmed.
One of my doctors suggested that I consider getting an attorney to provide additional support. At first, I was against it, but then I realized that I needed someone with experience who can advocate for the betterment of my overall recovery. Finally, when I did, part of the load was taken off me (another puzzle piece fell into place).
When my job told me they could not find a place for me because of my limitations, my attorney was on it to get me set up with someone who could walk me through vocational rehab and find the right re-training opportunity for me. Once that was set up, I had a choice between several schools. I decided to go with California State University, San Marcos. I felt comfortable with CSU San Marcos and was impressed with their flexible online programs and resources in partnership with World Education. Not only did the courses fit exactly what I was looking for, but the counselor was able to work with my provided funds, so that I was able to take an added course.
I appreciated that it was self-paced with a time reference to keep me on task. Most parts of the course were easy to navigate. The staff checked on my progress regularly and asked if I had any questions along the way. I needed this kind of support. Not only was I new to online learning, but like many, I can get distracted or overwhelmed. Some days I didn’t even feel like doing anything or I would feel like I wasn't going to finish on time. Parts of the course were short and to the point. Which meant I could do them in a short time, get an understanding and still keep on track. Once I completed the course, they helped me with my resume and apply for externships through the career counselors.
Though my puzzle is still far from complete, the pieces are starting to come together. It's slow, but progress is progress, so I will take it. Those of you that may feel you can't do it; you can, believe me.
I am proof that you most definitely can!
Atalaya Porras