Disability update

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to update you on my status. I have not worked since June of last year. After much thinking and discussion with my family I decided to apply for disability in November. I just received my 1st letter of denial. (as was expected) But I have now retained a lawyer to help me.

It has taken alot mentally to deal with the not working part. But I have always worked and now feel this is time I need to take for myself to manage my health issues. As for the positive side, I have more time to spend with my daughter who is 6 years old. And don't have to deal with the daily pressures and stress of a full time job. I did love my job but could see things were getting harder. I had been in my career for the past 10 years and it was an emotional decision to leave. But I believe I did the right thing.

Also have come to believe that my family and well being is worth fighting for. I will continue to keep everyone updated...thank you all for your support.

yellwdaisy

 

Hi Daisy! I just got my first denial letter too, on Saturday. I called my lawyer yesterday, and already have an appointment for today at 4:00. Did they basically tell you that although you can't do the work you were doing, you can do something else?

Along with fibro, you can see at the bottom of my posts what other disorders I suffer from. So my question to them is...what exactly do you think I can do? I can't work with the public because I have panic disorder, and when i'm out too long in stores or around too many people, I suffer severe panic attacks. I wake up every day in some kind of pain, whether mild or, like today, I just hurt so bad EVERYWHERE, from the fibro.

I was a school bus driver, so that was not physically demanding on me, it was sitting in a seat driving a bus! However, it was extremely mentally demanding. I loved my job and I loved the kids. I had a bond with the kids because there were only a few of them, and they all some kind of disability.

I am waiting to hear from the county assistance office as to whether I am approved for Medical Assistance so that I can make an appointment with a rheumatologist, and a psychiatrist. The lawyer told me to do that yesterday so that we have even MORE proof of my disabilities.

I have been out of work since October. I was pulled out by my doc, on disability, for a month and then attempted to go back, only to last for 2 weeks, and then he pulled my again. So since then I have had no income, and I had no insurance from the start because my work was considered part time due to being a school bus driver.

It is a very hard decision to make, deciding to give up a job that you loved, but to be honest, I felt like I just couldn't do it anymore. I was suffering severe panic attacks WHILE driving! And my boss knew all of this, so that just goes to show how much they care about you. I was also practically forced to resign, I had a meeting with the superintendant of the district, and he basically gave me the "choice" of voluntarily resigning or getting fired for missing too much work. *sigh*


Anyway....enough venting from me! LOL! I hope everything works out for you, and I wish you luck with the fight!

((hugs)) Fox

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the support. It has been a hard decision, but after much thought and prayer, I believe I did the right thing. Now we are down to one income and though we are okay, I don't have any insurance so meds and visits are tough. Not to mention with gas prices at the rate they are...my rheumatologist is in another town about an hour and half away. But that's another story.

Anyway, no fibromyalgia is not my main dx, but it is the most recent. The attorney I have is really good and he believes in my case. So I am blessed. Just trying to keep the faith.

Again, thanks for the support. Oh and good luck fox. Hope all goes well.

Yellwdaisy ________________________________________________________

Fibromyalgia, Herniated Disc, Lumbar Pain, Migraines, Anxiety Disorder, Depression, PTSD, Short term memory loss, Severe Fatigue, Insomnia, Endometriosis

 

I've been off work since Oct. I had Breast Cancer, so needed surgery, time for recovery, which dealing with the severe fatigue was THE worst. In January my Dr. wrote me out on FMLA til July. It's a good thing since about a week later I thought I had a severe case of IBS-D. Well it's lasted over 60 days and now we know it's something else. I see a GI specialist next week.

Thank goodness I'm off work. Could NEVER make it, but I'll tell you, mentally it's been quite the struggle. I feel totally worthless. I got so much out of working - great friendships, a sense of accomplishment and importance and a chance to use my talents and BRAIN. I am definitely in a funk. I am naturally a positive person, so this has been a tough road.

It's been a big financial struggle on us which doesn't help. The reality sucks and I need to find acceptance, which I will as I'm a tough cookie.