I went back to work 5 weeks after my release from the hospital. I'll admit, it wasn't the easiest thing to do.

If you want to return make sure that you talk with the HR department there are accommodations they can make to help ease your re-entry easier.

I too was a workaholic prior to my accident. I'm not anymore and I've had to relearn new limits. I still push through but not so far that I cause myself too much stress. (One of my biggest remaining issues)

Best of luck to you. My hat is off to you...for wanting to go back!!

thanks sporty, the dr. keeps tryn to tell me no work.I dont see the real prob I know I have memory issues but dont most people.I kno I did even before the wreck..but thanks again sporty

Returning to your previous level of work probably will be too stressful and unhealthy. I find the most important thing is to know your limitations and to develop strategies to overcome these.

You are still super early post-accident.... I think that once you start returning to previous activities in the work force you will be amazed at what you are capable of doing. I am 6 years post and still think I have a long way to go. I recently heard from someone who said that they are 15 years post and still make improvements.

To me, the biggest strength anyone can have after their injury is insight. Insight into their limitations and then acceptance of these limitations. Knowing and accepting your new attributes will help you develop positive working strategies and healthier self-confidence.

Everyone has given great advice, and Stef really hit the nail on the head ( not a tbi pun) . She's right that 3 years into an injury is still early. No, your brain is not done "fixing itself'". This is the time when you will notice what abilities you have, and new limits as well.

It's been 30 years ( or will be in Sept ) since i had experimental brain surgery . I have also been involved in a car accident where I was on life support for 2 weeks , as well as having a contre coup concussion in 2007. Each day is different as far as what abilities I"ll be able to tap into,, and how far I can go before hitting "the wall" of my limits. I feel the brain is fluid in what it will allow you to do each day or week. I have days when I find I am "re-leaning" things I forgot after brain surgery , but then there are the days that I don''t recognize my daughters due to the injury in '07. It's a kind of "go with the flow" sort of thing.

Good luck with going back to work. Please don't overwhelm yourself and take on too much . You'll know /learn what you can and cannot do. I imagine you'll discover more issues than your memory loss. The work environment is challenging ,, so be wise as far as your health is concerned. I wish you the best. - Holly

The memory issue we all seem to get may be harder than you think. So much responsibility and rush. Sorry, but i am with your Dr on this one. And that is so hard to accept for you. Its good you havent given up, and want to go back to work, but something that isnt so stressful, and start part time perhaps if possible to see how you go. There may be a whole new life out there and now is the chance to find it. But gently, one step at time. Let us know how you go.

You guys and gals r the greatest..I truely have my up and down days and to know Im not alone is truely a help...There r the days I dont see what the doc is talking about, to me Im the same person. I guess that when his nurse prac. said I was one of thee best liers she had seen in years,I even lie to myself..I guess I just think that if I was working everything would fix itself. I would be who I was,stressed out , depressed, drinking like a fish when I wasnt working. tryn to deal with everyones probs but my own..I guess in ways its true everything happens for a reason. Im hopeing the doc says itll b ok to work a little, being home all the time is driven me nuts,but it is what it is.I need to quit complaining their r people out there who have it so much worse. my heart and prayers go out to u all

I miss the hellos, the friendships, the water cooler gossip, all the things that go along with having a job that are hard to find when you don't have one. I volunteer now, but it's not the same.

My son had wored in a sawmill, he loved thepowersaws and fastphysical workk, he will never be ableto go back.e is trying to get grounds work now, he has after 2years been oked for partime. He is fianlly acceted this but has to find something, there is a govt agency helping him.