Rejected for disability....our system is broken

[Lynnrae64]

Been off work since October, with bulging disc, C3-c7, spondylosis, stenosis, chiari, now depression and anxiety. Had a fusion in November to prepare me for decompression surgery. Tried working until October, desk job, but unable to handle it with all my symptoms...but ssi feels I can still do a sedentary job. That was my job!

I'm just venting,and I realize most are denied,but I feel like they don't care. It's enough we deal with this illness that is unknown in our society, but the stress and symptoms are real. Dealing with this illness is difficult enough, now I have to appeal and I don't have enough energy to do my normal every day tasks. I am now getting an attorney to help. I'm curious how many people deal with this same issue...help!!! I need to find the strength to not let this obstacle exacerbate my symptoms.

[selmaS]

  
Having chronic pain can cause depression plus some of the areas affected by Chiari can lead to depression as well....

Then add the recovery from surgery...we tend to expect to get back to "normal" what ever that is and when we continue to have symptoms  we get depressed thinking we just had surgery for nothing....BUT surgery is not done to rid us of symptoms but to help restore CSF flow and  slow progression of a syrinx or keep one from forming....which surgery does....AND as we continue to heal we will have some symptoms return ...they should not be as bad as b4 surgery or last as long....but as the nerves come back to life they can be over stimulated.....

I understand your fears to go out post op and socialize as we can have issues with crowds, loud noise, lights...etc...and anxiety can set in....but for me at least it all passed....

Do not rush to get back to doing too much and that includes socializing...as most family and friends do not understand how we feel and how those settings and gatherings can get our blood pumping....

[Lynnrae64]

I've had in the past, but it's very bad now. Unable to function or socialize. I'm afraid to even go out in public.

[selmaS]

  I was even denied my LTD due to the fact they felt I could sit and do my job, however my job was not just sitting which my employer lied about....ugh....plus I am not trained for the job I was in outside of my employer I would not be able to get employed for the same position....stinks for sure.

Is your depression new? I know depression comes as part of the healing process and does pass in time.....

[Lynnrae64]

For some reason anxiety was listed, but not depression! I'm trying the reconsideration process now, but that will be a long shot. I'm bringing up the issue they didn't include it along with the fact my dr stated I could not sit. Depression was in all my records. Frustrating!

[selmaS]

  Hi did your Dr submit the DX of depression and anxiety? those alone should get you SSID.....but it seems those with Chiari do not get it so easily....there are tips to winning in a thread here....having a lawyer is one tip....

See the thread I will try to bump it up.

Hang in there.

[grungema3]

In UK. I have ME/CFS. It took me two years and every ounce of energy to get Disability Living Allowance. Appeals, Tribunals, paper everywhere BUT I did it. As long as you have the funds, an attorney will be a great help. Keep fighting! Wish you energy and good luck