Shoulder surgery #7

Just keep in mind you cannot be actively employed when filing for disability. Your drs will need to give you a date that says you are no longer able to work too.
The forms are easy to fill out, no trick questions. It's true that most are denied on the initial application. A lot of people do not bother to appeal the decision. Go through the appeals process, keep copies of everything you send to the SSA, make a folder.If you have to go for a hearing this often works in favor of the person. The judges have the opportunity to see the claimant in person & hear their story. Many years ago my sister filed for disability. She had to go to a hearing & after the judge questioned her he told her on the spot, I am awarding you benefits back to the day you became disabled. He said I have no answer as to why your case was denied. She has been on oxygen 24/7 with lung capacity of less than 60% with oxygen. Normally at the end of the hearing the judge will say I will let you know my decision in so many days. This is an example of how having that hearing is important if you get denied.

Above all, after filing ask your PM dr to send you for a Functional Capacity Evaluation. Do a google search on this to get a better understanding of it's purpose. Keep in mind when SSA looks at your medical records they will be looking at your medical treatment for the prior 12 months. You still list all prior surgeries.The FCE will show deficits with your entire body, this is where all of your surgeries will come into play. Chronic pain is considered subjective & that can be somewhat relieved with medication. This report is vital for people that has had surgery & suffer with chronic pain.

Chiming in late...as usual. I've gone through the disability application process...denied twice...got a lawyer and wouldn't you know...third time's the charm! The difference between workers comp and SSD is that disability looks at the whole person, in every aspect of their life. I made sure I included everything! How difficult it was to take care of feminine hygiene tasks, how it affected my sex life, not just getting dressed and grooming my hair, preparing meals and cooking...how depressed I'd become...fear of addiction...limits on driving/personal freedom...all of these things! Don't worry about filling pages beyond the space they give you on the forms! I even pointed out that I had to change banks because the door to mine was too heavy for me to open anymore!

I also got into counselling and had help with adjusting to no longer working. The counselor always encouraged me to say 'retired from working' rather than 'disabled'. I had to deal with being angry with my body and dealing with the scars from multiple surgeries. My body was overly aggressive with bone resorption after my acriomioplasty and now I am missing the end of my color bone! I have to wear my bra straps in the criss cross way because regular straps fall off the one shoulder! I had to 'get over' the fact that the straps will show with any top other than a 'racer back' tank top. These seem like such little things...but they're not! They can become very isolating. I don't enjoy shopping for clothes much anymore. There's so much I can't wear!

I'm telling you this in hopes that it will help with your case and to help you be aware of pitfalls that I have encountered. Aspects that are not obvious to others that have not had to endure what we have.

Letting you guys know I changed my screen name. I use the other in several places that are personal. Still me here though.

B, no problem on the name change, others have changed their usernames too, lol. I have considered changing mine several times & just cannot come up with a new name that I like. I just can't seem to be creative enough.

One thing I will mention about your initial application for SSD, when filling out your forms, get some blank paper & write your answers on that paper before putting it on the forms. You will find it much easier to do this when you have to be descriptive with your answers. Take the time to look at your answers to make sure you have left nothing out.

It's wet & cold here today unfortunately.

I have a question. I am not fully released. My employer told me they will need a full release from my surgeon. I am still having problems so I don’t expect one next week. I have other notes from doctors in my HR file to support my issues as well. We have a major task to undertake before I leave that will involve standing on a concrete floor. Lifting, pulling bending etc of files. I have made it clear I can’t partake in this but also have been told it may be my responsibility. What should I do? If I refuse will it affect my package?

That’s what I am afraid of. If I refuse do I lose? If so I will leave now. I have no reason to stay through all the mess.

I am going to have in writing from all three doctors I can’t do that type work. I will make sure they understand prior to signing any papers.

So glad your doctor is putting your healing before anything else!

Well that will not be an issue at all. My last day is next week. My boss was threatening me daily with what she could do if it all wasn’t done so I said wth. I’m out now. She caused me so much stress that morning I spent the day in e r with chest pains. Back with a follow up today. My primary doc has suggested I go to a shrink. I can’t spell the proper name. Lol. I told him I felt like I would be ok once I got away from the toxic workplace but I have thought better and will go. I am calling him back in the morning for the referral. He up my Zoloft. She needs the meds. I have taken a lot for 23 years. People have left due to it. It’s almost over. Sad it had to be like this.

Thank you Susie. I would love to get in next week before my last day. I should have had my doc say it was too toxic for go back and go on fmla. I really think he would have. I was so uncontrollably crying.

B, it's been a bit since we have heard from you. Check in when you get a minute.

Very glad to read that you had a positive visit with the dr! Yes, it is vital to feel that you are being listened to & someone that is understanding.

I don't blame you for canceling the visits with the ortho. So many drs are telling patients, unless it's an emergency, reschedule the appts. Just keep doing your exercises that you have been given to do.

My activities has slowed to a crawl, lol. I do outside & piddle in my yard on the nice days. It feels good to go out back & just get outside, even in the rain. I have a covered patio so I stay dry.

I hope everyone stays safe & well. Eliminating the community spread is the key to keeping the numbers down.

I saw my pm dr in the office. I sure dreaded going in the office too. To my surprise there was no one in the waiting area & I was put in a room immediately. I was there for about 15 minutes & out the door. Several months ago he let his NP go, I loved seeing her because no long waits to be seen.

My husband had the telemed appt with his cardiologist last Friday. It was greatness.

I think telemedicine will be around for awhile & yes people will become spoiled by it. I was concerned about my pain mgt appointment, but it went fine.