Severe Spinal Stenosis

[nickel_84]

Hello everyone my name is Laura I am 24 yrs old I recently found out that i suffer from severe spinal stenosis and my doc has referred me to a neurosurgeon and i am not able to walk without assistance from a cane or my husband. The pain is just so bad that i do not sleep anymore and if do get any the only that i can get comfortable is to sleep like a baby with my butt in the air and my knees to my stomach. I work as a cna and my doc took me off work and put TTD {Total Temporary Disabled} on my papers. Can anyone please tell me what the ttd is for does it mean that i will never be able to work again or just temp. The reason for my asking is im not sure if i should apply for ssd and ssi or should i just wait it out for a while any help would be appreciated  

[Tuckamore]

The SSD laws must have changed. Your eligibility begins the day you become disabled not the date you apply. I was told just what Parksean said. But I just applied and that's what I was told and that's also what the letter said they sent me. They count 5 months from the date you become disabled and stop working and the first of the month after completion of 5 months is when your first check is due. When you are young it generally takes longer to be approved but that is not always true. Remember you are dealing with the government.

Parksean is correct, if you are eligible you should apply right away. It is also correct that you must have a physician that will attest to your disability. If your physician says you will not be disabled for more than a few months you will be denied. But there is no law that says you cannot go to SS and apply of they will allow you to do so. There were guidelines I had to meet just to be able to apply. I wish you the very best. Please let us know how you are doing.

Take care, Tuck

[parksean]

By the way, I'm sorry you are having such problems at your age. I'm 40 now, but my problems started when I was only 20. I was approved for SSI, so it's not impossible. It is a last resort, as one can't live off of what you end up getting every month, although it does help alot. I wish you all the best.

[parksean]

Apply for SSI immediately! Don't be like me and wait. It goes retroactively from the day you apply. All they can say is no to you! It's best to start the process early, and just go back to work if your able to. Cover your butt!

[Tuckamore]

Hi Nickel,

Welcome to MedHelp. I'm glad you found us at the Pain Management Forum. I am sorry that you are in such pain and so disabled, especially at your young age.

TTD means just that, Total Temporary Disability. It is impossible for me to guess beyond that. My mother had severe spinal stenosis, was sent to a neurosurgeon and following surgery to correct the stenosis was up and about as normal in 5 weeks. That was 6 years ago and she has had no further back issues. She has little residual pain.

SSI or SSD, especially at your age is extremely difficult to obtain and will take a long time . You must be disabled and unable to work for 5 months before you are eligible to receive any SSD/SSI payment. A physician has to attest that your disability will last at least one year. I would never advise someone NOT to apply for SSD but unless your physician agrees that this is a long term disability your chances are slim. I suggest you first discuss the anticipated disability with your physician and than make an appointment with your local SS Office and discuss it with them. They can best advise you if you are eligible to apply.

Best of luck to you. Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Take care, Tuck