46 yr old, 13 Year FT Pkg Drvr, I had Knee/Back/Foot surgury - (ALL Work Comp) during my tenure, now currently no longer able to do the job, STD due to Run out, currently in the process of filing for LTD. Any and ALL advice / insight/ expectations are greatly appreciated. No need to Copy/Post the LTD outline, I have viewed it already on someone elses thread. I just wana know what the "Expect the Unexpected" circumstances I should prepare for, since becoming disabled by my job.
I want to go back to work within my restrictions per my Doctor, Will they Accomodate me ? Is there a chance ?
At what point can I withdrawl 100 % of my 401K ?
If Approved for LTD, is my medical coverage the same ? Is there any out of pocket cost for coverage ? Am I only covered for up to 1 year ?
I know ya'll have heard this b4, but if it wasn't for "bad luck", I'd have "no luck" at all....... I returned back to work after my most recent WC isssue, I lasted about a month b4 I just couldn't take the pain any longer. The most recent WC injury was not the main issue for my no longer being able to continue working, however a culmination of previous WC issues and wear and tear from the job throughout the years. I just couldn't take it any longer without illeagally driving while medicated on pain relievers. Not willing to jepordise myself or others while on the job, my Ortho Dr. issued restrictions preventing me from doing the job. I filed FMLA/STD and most recently have filed for LTD. In a nut shell, I have Ostioarthritis, L. Foot/L. Knee and a buldging Lwr Lumbar disk. I have had Planter Fashia Surgury - Dog Attack,...... C 6,7 Fusion when I slipped on snow ice stepping up into my truck (3 pts of contact)....Patella Rupture Repair, - NO non slip strips on steps when exiting truck with 3 pts of contact, I slipped, my knee went into a 90* Edge (of the trucks stair well) severing the patella that keeps ur knee cap in place. Keep in mind, after each injury, and subsequent Physical Therapy, I returned back to work. Throughout my career at UPS, I have been proud to say, "I drive for UPS", however, I'm not proud of the way I have been harrassed by Mngmnt. I have savored the personal satisfaction of making over 360 delivery stops, delivering nearly 600 pkg's at the height of peak with a helper.....the amazing part of which, when I first inherited my route, was that my heaviest day on THE SAME ROUTE, never exceeded 240 delivery stops, with a helper !!!!! lmao !...I'm putting this all out there to serve as a reminder, you can work the methods and safe working habits to the best of ur ability, stay under mngmnts. radar and endure their harrasment, work harder than you have ever worked in your entire life and only HOPE, you survive ! I have, and will continue to TRY, to do so....I'm in search of MY path to the future, be that as it may, I thank you all for your concern, comments, and well wishes. Any additional helpful comments, advice are always welcome. Be Well Fellow UPSers !!!...and THANKS !