You have received great advice and direction. I just want to affirm what Quix said about an attorney to help you. Of course there are the people that you see on tv who are very good at what they do.
I was fortunate enough to have a non-profit Catholic nun/attorney that was just incredible. She worked hard and I was approved the first time, and she didn't take any money. If you can find someone in legal aide they may help you without taking a portion of your money.
It helps to connect here for support as you go through this
Red
Don't do what I did. I walked away like a lamb because no one knew what was wrong with me. I just couldn't do the work anymore. Now, five years later I do not have enough years to collect SSD. Be wise!
Hi Figuera,
I was told by my neuro not to work in Oct '09 shortly after my layoff. Within the month I applied for SSDI.
I'm 61 and was approved for SSDI receiving my first check in May. If MS fatigue, vision, depression, etc had been a little more intense, I should have applied for short term disability before I was notified of my layoff, but I was hoping to keep working through March '10 for financial reasons. Now I'm fighting Prudential to receive LTD, I think it would have been easier if I stopped working in April '09 when my brain went down the drain.
Having read your post I think you should follow your MD's advice - our view of ourselves is biased, in my case I knew I was no longer as sharp as I had been and failed to produce a program that senior mgt really wanted. My mgr covered for me, but a new VP decided that most of the group should be let go for a variety of reasons.
I agree with Quixotic that you should use an attorney when applying for SSDI, STD, and LTD - the insurance companies don't want to pay, and SSA's rules state that you can't work at any full time job in order to receive payments. I was helped by an SSA staffer when filing, she was sympathetic and phrased a number of questions such that my answers would be right.
An attorney from Chicago reviewed a later questionnaire about my activities, pointing out several places where I might have expressed things poorly. He didn't charge for his help editing but did ask for a written agreement that he would be my representative if I had to appeal.
Good luck.
Mark
I very strongly recommend applying for disability with the aid of a Disability Attorney. The bureaucrats pay more attention to the letter of the law.
Quix
Hello and Welcome to the Forum :)
I too understand where you are coming from. I had to leave the workforce due to cognitive isuues as well as the fatigue and weakness. I was in Law Enforcement so one really need to be on their toes when dealing w/ the "Naughty Ones". I thought about going back into the medical field (Nursing) but w/ my cognitive issues it scares me that I could make a mistake on someones meds or something!
Sorry that you were denied disability. How many times have you tried for it? Usually it is best to apply for it when you are not working. It sounds that your Neuro will give a good report to the SSD office as to why he thinks you should not be working?
Do you have a lot of fatigue and / or cognitive problems along w/ your leg issues?
It is True that many people are fortunate enough to continue to work while having MS.
I too think as Quix said, that it is a personal decision and one that you have to make.
It is a difficult one that is for certain!
I wish you the best and believe that you will make the right decision at the right time that is the Best for you! Again, Welcome to the Forum :)
Take Care,
~Tonya
I had to quit practicing as a pediatrician after 23 years due to fatigue and cognitive slowing. Can't be thinking slowly when a premie is shooting the tubes.
But, since you need to be mobile, why not be mobile in a scooter? We have a Best Buy here that has one of the main resource people zipping around in a power chair. Same job, same distance covered, but with help.
If there are other issues, then you might need to consider disability. It's a very personal decision - one that was made for me.
Good luck. It's an agonizing place to be in.
quix
I had a fall, last July (2009), severe head trauma, severe neck trauma, severe chest contusion, dislocated left thumb. I never returned to work.
I was "officially" diagnosed with MS, in December (2009), and applied for Social Security Disability. I was granted SSD, in May (2010), so, I'm officially retired, due to medical disability. I will be 49, in October (2010).
When I met with my Neurologist, the first time, he told me I could not return to work, and I didn't. He also told me, I would no longer be able to drive, and I haven't.
So, believe it, I'm a living example, of how quickly MS can change your life, and forbid you from working, ever again.
I understand your situation, know you are not alone.
-- Socrates
I can sympathize with you. Facing the same issue at the moment.