Disability

[Pookie]

Hello all. I feel like you are all wonderful people as you are here to help each other and to offer advice and comfort. I am 64 years old and have been diagnosed with fibro since approximately 2010. I have generalized pain, centered mostly in the legs and hips, ribs, and shoulders. I have tried numerous meds and frequently have paradoxical reaction to many. In other words I react backwards. Meds for sleep keep me awake. Pain meds often do not work. Meds for restless leg syndrome keep me awake. It is very frustrating and discouraging. Luckily I have a very supportive husband who helps me as much as he can. I was fired from my job because I could no longer keep up the pace, meet the goals set for me, and had difficulty concentrating and comprehending the methods needed to perform appropriately. Now I have discovered I also have 3 bulging discs one of which is encroaching on the spinal cord. So this extreme pain is adding to the fibro pain as well as arthritis in the right hip. I now use a cane to walk. I applied for disability after losing my job and am now at the hearing phase of the process. I would like to know if there is someone who can give me advice on the appearance before a judge and pleading my case for why I deserve disability. I started collecting social security last year so we could have additional income. I am an RN and was the primary wage earner since my salary was larger than my husband's. I know many of you have probably gone thru this already and hope you may be able to give me some encouragement and advice.

Pookie

 

[sureimsore]

Hi Pookie, in case no one else replies (I have zero experience with this, sorry), you may want to do a search on the site using "disability" 'social security" "SSDI" to find other posts and see members experience. In fact, I would do an internet search anyway for tips. Although I'm a bit confused, if you are collecting SS, why would you change over to SSDI, is it more money? I didn't even think it was possible, since I usually hear about people going on SSDI and then SS when they reach the appropriate age. Anyway, I think being a nurse will give you an advantage, as you will be better able to medically describe your problems and have more credibility.

 

[Destiny3614]

I would definitely suggest getting yourself a disibilty claims lawyer, most don't get paid until you do. You've put in your time working as an RN and deserve this. Look into a lawyer, it could help you a lot.

 

[Pookie]

thank you both for your responses. I do have a legal representative and they have been great. I was told by them that I could get SSDI as well as SS but they would combine the 2. I feel like it is more of a retroactive type of situation and would get compensated for the time before I started getting SS. I will try to post my experience with the hearing after it is all over so that others might can benefit as well. Thanks again.