Returning to Work with RSD
Almost everyone depends on a steady job to support themselves and their loved ones. Unfortunately, some injuries and diseases could cause people to miss work, placing a great deal of stress on their families. One of the biggest reasons why people miss work and claim disability is pain. Chronic pain, despite all of the fancy medical advances and treatments, remains one of the most significant problems facing the modern healthcare system. According to statistics which have been published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), millions of people live in pain. Some of the pertinent information from their recent study includes:
- About 10 percent of adults rate their pain as severe (approximately 23 million people in this country)
- More than half of all people surveyed indicated that they had felt pain at some point in the last three months
- Those who rated their pain as severe were found to have used the health care system more often
- On the other hand, those who rated their pain as severe also reported their overall health as “good” more than half of the time
- Furthermore, those who rated their pain as severe were also more likely to suffer from a permanent disability
This information shows just how big of a problem chronic pain is. One of the reasons why people might suffer from chronic pain is Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), otherwise known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). When someone has been diagnosed with this disease, they might be forced to miss work. If they are able to return to their job, it is essential to be realistic about their expectations.
RSD: Impacting Work and Quality of Life
For those who don’t know, RSD is a disease that impacts the central nervous system. It is often triggered by a traumatic accident which could be as minor as a sprained ankle or as severe as a multi-car pileup. Regardless of the cause, the body triggers an inflammatory response in the affected region. This response causes nerve damage in the affected area, typically a limb, which the body interprets as pain. It is this pain which could be so severe that people have trouble getting out of bed. Because of this, some individuals could miss extended time from work. When they return, there are some challenges to overcome.
Working with RSD
When someone with RSD is able to return to work, their body will likely still have some residual symptoms because of their diagnosis. Some important advice for returning to work includes:
Wait Until Ready: Most people will be anxious to return to work; however, trying to force the body to do too much too soon could make the symptoms worse and cause a setback. Make this decision in conjunction with a healthcare professional.
Disclose in a Positive Way: During the recovery process, people should learn how to discuss their health condition in a positive manner. Eventually, the employer will probably have to know because workplace adjustments will be needed. It will be essential to discuss this diagnosis in a way that can be framed as positive.
Devise a Management Plan: When returning to work, it will be vital to sit down and discuss a workplace management plan with the employer. The employer needs to understand the individual’s strengths and weaknesses so that fair parameters can be set. Communication will be key because both people will have to be on the same page. This communication will be vital to success moving forward.
Ultimately, the pain that people feel from RSD can be severe. Some individuals may have issues establishing new guidelines for their duties when they return to work. Because of this, anyone who has developed RSD should meet with a caring RSD attorney in Sacramento. It is essential to take a look at the circumstances surrounding the RSD diagnosis because some details may have been overlooked.
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Contact an Experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If you know someone who is trying to return to work following a diagnosis of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please give me a call at (916)-382-0693. I’m here to provide you with some of my free, friendly legal advice.
Everyone is asked to look at my sample results here.
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