How many of you do NOT work anymore

[socrates2k1]

My situation began, when I went on my yearly vacation, the last week of June-first week of July, 2009
On July 3rd, I fell off my deck, which resulted in a "closed head injury" (severe concussion), severe neck trauma, severe chest contusion, and a severely dislocated left thumb.  I was in the hospital July 3-6.

This brought about a catastrophic chain of events, because I was unable to return to work.

Through Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and a close eye by an RN, it was attempted to get me back to physically and mentally be able to return to work.

August 17th, 2009, I went to see a Neurologist, who ordered an MRI & EEG

August 18th, 2009, EEG performed

August 19th, 2009, MRI performed

August 27th, 2009, the Neurologist revealed that the EEG (for seizures) was normal, (shows the MRI to my wife) and that the MRI revealed two things, a "walnut-sized cyst" in the middle of my brain, and 12-16 lesions spread throughout my brain.  He told my wife, this probably meant MS (Multiple Sclerosis).  He also said, to return in two months, but also he could not release me to return to work.

October 19th, 2009, the Neurologist said very little, except to return again in another two months, and he could still not release me to return to work.

November 16th, 2009, 2nd MRI performed

November 17th, 2009, the Neurologists looks at 2nd MRI, (he doesn't show either one of us the MRI), he states that it shows more cysts (but he fails to say how may), and that is shows more lesions (again he doesn't say how many).  He orders an LP (Lumbar Puncture or Spinal Tap), VEP (checker board) test, and blood work.

November 19th, 2009, LP (Lumbar Puncture or Spinal Tap), VEP test, and blood work are performed.

Neurologist leaves town (actually country) until December 7th, 2009

December 22nd, 2009, After not hearing back from my Neurologist, since his return, my wife calls his office.
The Nurse confirms that the tests (LP, blood work) confirm MS (Multiple Sclerosis), and asks what current MS medicine I was taking?  My wife let them know, I wasn't on any MS medicine because we were waiting on the confirmation of his diagnosis.  Well, she said we can get him started on Rebif, and it will be of little or no cost to you.

January 14th, 2010, I took my first (8.8 mcg) dose of Rebif.

My job finally released me from their employment on December 1st, 2009, because I failed to return.
I have not received any income since October (that was a blessing because people who had sick leave could give it to someone who needed it, at least for a certain length of time, and mine ran out at the end of October 2009.
This also means I lost my health insurance and prescription plan.

My Neurologist, has told me many things, most importantly I cannot drive a car again, and I will not be able to work again.  He also said his office would help me with the SSI & SSD paperwork for Social Security.

No work means, no money and no insurance, that's real bad!

Well, I can (and have) applied for Social Security Disability, but that can take, at least, 5 months to process.

I can (and did) apply for SSI, and was denied because my wife (who is also on SSD) makes $800, too much money.

I applied for SRS assistance, thinking they could help me "bridge the gap" until I get SSD.
Well they gave me $100 per month for food assistance.

I had a pension plan, and I had two possible ways to use it.

1. Since I was discharged for a disability I could receive $600 a month for the rest of my life, which would have nothing to do with getting Social Security Disability (I could receive both).

2.  Take a lump sum, minus taxes & penalties, of about $6,500.  The catch is, you have to spend $3,500 immediately, and you can keep a balance of $3,000, this would allow me to qualify for SSI.

I'm broke, NOW.

Which means, I could lose my home, my (only) car, etc.  while I'm waiting around to qualify for SSD.

They just don't understand (nor care) how do you financially make it, until they agree to give you, what they themselves call "automatic"  (if you become disabled due to MS, it is one of the "automatic" causes to be approved).

My wife cannot work, she is already on SSD, and gets only $800/month.
My car payment is $400, my house payment is $340, and my lot rent is $220
Just those 3 bills alone add up to $960.
That does not include: utilities, phone, gasoline, groceries, Internet, misc., etc.

All these other bills, must be paid, or you lose them, they shut them off, etc.

Without all the other things to deal with, just making it through the day, with all my MS symptoms
I have to try to deal with the stress of losing everything!

Believe it or not, I'm really not depressed, and I'm not even close to saying "death looks pretty good right now"

I do not, and never have asked God, for more money than I need, I don't want to be rich, I just want enough money
that I don't have to worry if I'm going to have the money to pay my bills.

Q? How many of you, do NOT work anymore?

Q? How did you make it, until things settled down, and you didn't have to worry about money to survive, so you could concentrate on dealing with your MS and it's symptoms?

[Mand125]

I'm sorry you are going through this, it sounds like you are coping well though.

I had to stop work a few months ago, I'm still trying to figure out where I stand financially. I miss work,  both having a job to do and the company.

I keep telling myself that one day I will be able to work again.

Stay strong
Mand