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SSDI Psych evaluation tomorrow

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Posted 11/18/2010 5:17 AM (GMT 0)
This is my first attempt at applying for SSDI. Tomorrow is my "Psych Evaluation". Oh joy :). I wonder if people who apply for other medical conditions need to go through apsych evaluation.

I found out that my Psych eval will last somewhere between 20 minutes to an hour. Hmm, let's see can the good ol' doc really decide in that amount of time whether I have FM or that I just need to "Exercise, sleep, take some antidepressants.....".
Posted 11/18/2010 12:56 PM (GMT 0)
This is something new that they are doing.  I applied and received my social security disability in 1999 and didn't need to have a psych exam.  But I know others have posted about having it recently.  The test is not bad and, no, you are not crazy!  Yes, I wonder, like you, if people with other illnesses need to have this exam.  I also wonder if you were a man if you would have to take this.  (You know...hysterical women.... mad ).

 

Sherrine

Posted 11/18/2010 2:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Gentle Breeze, I have had the psych test and it really is a piece of cake. Just be honest and do the little tests that they give you the best that you can. That is what I did and I got my SSDI the first time. I know that doesnt happen often but I think Social Security really goes more by what your primary dr. says in his report. I hope everything goes well for you.
Gentle Hugs
Shirley
Posted 11/18/2010 2:56 PM (GMT 0)
rolleyes  

Hello gentlebreeze:

I won my disability on Sept 2009 after 3 years of fighting. I had to see a doctor that SSDI wanted me to see to get his evaluation of my disabilites.  I also had to go to a Phys. doctor that SSDI  picked and do a paper test on my memory and things of that nature.

It was a very long road, but worth it to be able to recieve the help you need.  I live in North Carolina and this is how the disability works, but every state is different. I wish you the best of luck!

Carrie/fibrodepressionmom

Posted 11/19/2010 10:36 AM (GMT 0)
Gentle Breeze, I'm in Michigan and just went thru the SSDI phys.appt. about 6 weeks ago. From start to finish the test took maybe 5 min. He didn't give me anytime what so ever to speek. (nor could I understand a word he said due to his extremely strong accent). For Myself I did get my denial within 4 weeks of that appt.. I pray you have good luck with this :)
Posted 11/19/2010 9:44 PM (GMT 0)
Wow. . I won my SSDI in less than 90 days of filing. No Psyc. Exam. I was so shocked. My new pain management doctor, however, is putting me through it with a thereapist. I was very hesitant, had my first visit with her last week and was shocked again when I broke down and cried for her. Maybe I do need therapy. Pain is difficult and so many years of fighting all this I guess leads to therapy. I am so private and so sceptical of "mental health" exams and doctors that this is hard for me.
Patsy.... keep fighting. Don't settle with a No. Anyone that has Fibro knows that there are good days and bad and a silly 5 minute test is not compahensive enough to make those kind of life decisions.. hang in there.

I am so grateful for such a quick, positive decision.
Fight for your disability. You deserve to have a life.

Steph
Posted 11/20/2010 11:29 AM (GMT 0)
MinnyNous, good for you that u were approved for SSDI (it's folks like you that give me hope). I know I have a very long road ahead of me. The denial was followed with a letter explaining the appeal process and to say that it would be seen by a judge in approx. 24 month's. I believe in my heart that if it's meant to be it will happen, if not then I know God wants me to do something else. I to have to have a Psych.. exam referred to by my PM doctor because of a upcoming back surgery they want to do. Not real sure why I have to do that before surgery but I'm sure I'll find out. Once again congrats on your SSDI decision.
Posted 11/20/2010 5:21 PM (GMT 0)
Minny, yeah for approval!

My Psych eval lasted a little over an hour. The first part was not so bad, but once the sequencing and intellectual questions hit, I felt humilated at my response time or inability to come up with answers. MY fog has been bad lately and typically I just try to take it with a grain of salt or brush it off with humor. I guess being hit all at once and I felt like I was being grilled, was more than I could hold back. Yes, I cried, stating basically that my Graduate degree that I worked so dearly to earn can do nothing for me now.

I empathize with anyone who has to go through this. And I certainly hope they got what they needed.

Hope all of you are having minimal pain day.
Posted 11/20/2010 5:36 PM (GMT 0)
GB, I was a teacher at one time.  Now I can't teach...mainly because of my hearing loss.  But, my memory is horrible now.  I used to remember everything.  What I hate is when people treat you like you are stupid!  Has that happened to you?  I'm treated like a child sometimes and that really irks me, too.  I've practically bitten my tongue off trying to hold back my words.

 

But, we will be just fine.  We learn how to handle the situations or know what people to avoid!  Yes, I do that.  I don't like to get in arguments.  I tend to say things that I regret later on.  So, I get quiet and avoid people that have hurt me.  That's not always the best way to handle things but it works for me!   smilewinkgrin  

 

Sherrine 

Posted 11/20/2010 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hi GB, I'm sorry your evaluation was rough. Did you wear lipstick on your
eyebrows, lol...I remembered your post :)

It is frustrating when we feel we have been reduced to an "idiot" status. I try to
make lite of it too. I've even broke out in song on occasion, humming the
Wizard of Oz song...If I only had a brain...strangers are slightly amused.

I do hope that your application for SSDI goes through! Sending up a prayer :)

Hugs, Robin
Posted 11/20/2010 7:49 PM (GMT 0)

I am so scared about my ssd.. I had the psych test. I just remember being asked alot of questions and something with math, actually numbers he said and i had to say back. Harder going forward then backward.
anyway, It's been about 6wks for me on my appeal hearing. i had a real sour puss for a judge per my lawyer. I am so scared i will be on a fight for ny isn't a real easy get. I am hurting so bad today, i wish i would have said more to him... of course i was super sick with the head flu, I just wanted to go home. I sounded horrible! felt the same. So he wasn't able to really know who i am, cause the cold shielded the real me.

Well, so i don't start babbling as usual i will stop...good luck to all trying and glad to hear some of us are getting it! Laura sad
Posted 11/21/2010 2:54 AM (GMT 0)
Just woke up from a long nap. I have only been in this forum for a short time and feel so much warmth.

Sherrine: I have had people be rude to me. I have learned to not give them any of my energy. I got a really rude awakening as to the people who I thought were my friends who I guess never really were. Interestesting my so called best girlfriend actually seemed to be jealous that I had been diagnosed with FM and told me I best not ever feel sorry for myself. That was the last day I spoke to her.
I have however, been pleasantly surprised by some people who I never really considered were in a "friends circle" to continually off me support and be there for me. Isn't life funny. My husband and children always teach me with such dignity and never undermine me. My husband on more than one occassion has parallel himself in making similar fopaux. He never fails to continually remind me that my intelligence is still in there.

Crazy kitty: No i did not wear lipstick on my brows - geeze somehow I fogot :). Too funny about OZ. My knees click alot. So often as I am walking I will sing the Rice Krispies jingle. Prayers are always welcomed.

Gonuts: So sorry you are having a bad day. Maybe being ill the day you went before the judge could be in your favor for an approval. Holding a prayer for you.

Blessings!
Posted 11/21/2010 12:42 PM (GMT 0)
GB, I'm so glad you have such a wonderful support system at home.  My husband always made me feel intelligent and needed.  He passed on 13 years ago and I sure miss his companionship.  But, my children are fabulous and are right there to lend me a hand.  So, I really am very blessed!

 

I, too, lost a few friends along the way.  One was a friend for 34 years!  That REALLY surprised me but I figure I want caring, compassionate people in my life so it's wasn't a great loss.  I have quality people for friends now.  That makes a huge difference because they don't treat me like I'm sick.  They don't make comments that hurt.  We just go out and have a great time and it takes my mind off my pain.  Ahhh...another blessing!

 

Sherrine

Posted 11/21/2010 1:22 PM (GMT 0)
I have my psych test for SSDI tomorrow. I am also freaking out. I worry that i will not be able to explain my situation. The fibro fog has been so bad lately that I can't even remember all the crazy stuff I do. It is very frustrating, to say the least!
Posted 11/21/2010 2:32 PM (GMT 0)
damouthy it is a series of questions primarily to test cognitive not like a therapy session- at least for me. This is part of the SS process to determine if you are disabled as they can't measure pain.
Posted 11/22/2010 6:49 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks Gentle breeze... I pray every day that I get the ssd... I certainly wouldn't be asking for it after going to school for 5 long years to earn a degree. I would much rather be earning big bucks! sad

Take care, and have a great Holiday!! Laura wink
Posted 11/22/2010 7:00 PM (GMT 0)
Praying for all.
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