No Diagnosis and Unable to Consistently work...

[ynevar]

I am lucky if I get 2-3 days in a week, 4-7 hour days.  This is causing a financial strain on me and I feel badly for my employer.

How does everyone else deal with this problem, if you have it?  

Thanks for your input and any suggestions.

-Y

[ynevar]

I am sorry I know how hard it is.  I am home again today.  Stopped the prednisone, I have had a headache ever since I started it and now hives.  I left my PCP a message that I am quitting it and taking Benadryl since I have hives.  Also took a Zyrtec for good measure, not sure if it will help.  Have some pepcid too which I will take, for some odd reason they have found it helps with allergic reactions.

I guess I will wait and see what the neurologist, rheumatologist and spine specialist say when I get to Seattle.  I am trying to figure out how to deal with any of the outcomes--diagnosis and treatment or more limbo land.  It's all just frightening and wears you down.

It's really odd how this system works, or doesn't work in my opinion.  I think if the people who made the rules on this experienced a month in our shoes, you can bet they'd at least set up a temporary disability system with an automatic approval once a diagnosis is made!  GAH!

-Y

[mamiJ]

I am in the same situation.

My boss keeps telling me I need to do a better job comibg in; that I am hurting the team and I am undependable.

As far as the SS disabilty goes, I hear from 2 ppl that have gotten approved is that the key is to have a pyschiatrist say you can't work because of your condition.

Seems like they take mental issues more seriously than other medical ones.

Good luck to you

[helen41]

I live in Canada and am going through the appeal process, albeight with a private insurance agency. My Union assures me disability doesn't have to do with diagnosis, it is more about your life and how diabled you are.
Keep a diary, no matter how tired you are, that should the chore you never miss. I've also been told that having coworkers write what they see, and how it's different from your norm is weighted heavily by the panel as well, since they have little to gain by over or understating things
Hang in there. You aren't alone.

[ynevar]

Binx,

I am home, yet another day.  I have a migraine... I almost took my migraine meds on top of my tramadol and prednisone.  On a whim I figured I better check the interaction on drugs.com.  I did.  Tramadol and Maxalt could be a dangerous combination.  Glad I checked.

I will add that to my calendar of good luck wishes!  I have thought that if I get a diagnosis, whatever that is, if it is disability eligible then I would apply.  I appreciate the advice on the documentation and to get an attorney involved.

I have been able to work 2-3 part time 2-5 hours per day for the past month.  I am sure that my work is about to say something.  My boss knows what I am going through but they need to have someone working.  

The biggest blow after my finances has been my self-esteem.  I am my worst enemy and for a workaholic perfectionist to be so lame with the work it is really double devastation, not to mention the affect on my family and marriage.

*sigh*

-Y

[illinwithoutacause]

i have not been able to work since my illness took over 18 months ago and it has been financially devastating for my family.  i am currently preparing for an administrative hearing to receive social security disability benefits.  i have been turned down twice, and have hired an attorney to help me with the hearing.  we will present my claim in front of an administrative judge on 8/27 @9a.m. PST.  wish me luck!

if you choose to apply for disability, i recommend you have lots of documentation from your doctors in support of your claim, and possibly have an attorney help you with the initial application process.  from what i have understood, social security attorneys work on a contingency basis.

best wishes,
binx

[ynevar]

It is a part time job *sobs*

I have a raging headache today and did not go in.  Right eye blurry.  Not sure if is a side effect from the prednisone or what but I feel like someone squashed my head and I can't see right.  

I hope I find a solution too.  I think that there must be some other things you could do to get extra time, even without the diagnosis.  I think I remember a website dedicated to helping people navigate their way with a disability, and what legal rights they have.  I'll look for it and share it if I find it.

-Y

[theasian]

i'm sorry to hear that, hopefully the social security thing will work out. can't you maybe find a part time job, then you won't feel so bad for your employer and maybe you could earn more if you get paid for the hours that you actually work.
in a way i know how you feel except my situation doesn't involve financial strain. my problem is studywise. i can't concentrate for long periods of time, my jerks make it difficult to write and i'm starting to struggle with my language which really puts me at a disadvantage during tests and the dean refuses to give me extra time because i don't have a diagnosis which, according to her, means that i'm not sick.
i hope that you manage to find a solution soon

[ynevar]

I am being treated for pain at this point--take tramadol a few times a day.  

-Y

[RedFlame]

Hi Y,  Can you apply for social security disability.  I know you don't have your neuro symptoms diagnosed.  Are you being treated by any physicial at this point?  Like pain or anything like that?

Red