Am I permanently disabled?

Q: I was in a rollover accident two years ago and have have had many problem since then. I broke my pelvic bone in three place, collarbone, and ruptured my bladder. i have worked since then, on and off until the pain becomes too unbearable to keep going. My calender is now filled with dr appts and even if i did have a job i wouldn't be able to go because of these. I am currently having problems walking, driving, standing, bending, sitting, etc. The only way i can find relief is too lie down on ice packs. The doctors i have seen have tried everything and cannot seem to find the cause of a problem associated with an SI joint and the underlying cause of pain on the right side of my body. I also have short term memory loss and when i had the accident suffered from multiple head injuries causing me to loose a very large portion of past memories. I am currently applying for Disability but i feel as though i am too young to be doing this- currently 23 yrs old I know that no one here can medically say i am disabled. It is more for input and an honest opinion. I would also like to add that I would rather work and be able to keep memories rather than not doing anything but trying to deal with everyday life at a much harder level. My husband is in the military and I am not proud of the fact that I cannot help with everyday things and that now I have to rely on him. But this is what makes me deteremined to do my best no matter what life throws at me. Thank You to everyone in respondance to this question. It means alot to me.

A: Definition of disability is a relative and often subjective thing but in the UK the definition is- A mental or physical impairment that has or can have substantial impact on activities of living that has lasted or is likley to last at least 12 months... How does that fit you? Some impaired people say they are not disabled, as they cope well. Some relatively fit people feel they are disabled because they feel their impairment is difficult to manage. Its relative to you, your problems and your ability to cope. INstead of focusing on a label, think about what you can do, what help you need to do it, and what things you have to avoid in order to keep doing what you need. Think about what things or support would make things easier instead of what obstacles there are. I hated my wheelchair when I first got it- but now I pity the man or woman who tries to take it away! When I first got it, it was a symbol of loss, pain and grief- now it means I can go where I want, when I want, and be independent- unless some candy-floss-brain steals the disabled parking. Think about ability, not disability, and it gets easier.

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