Psych Eval for SSD

Well, I just got back from my appointment with the psychiatrist for Social Security Disability. It was grueling. She did and IQ test on me and then did a neuropsych evaluation. It took 2 1/2 hours to get it all done.

When I left her office I was so stiff she told me to make sure I took the elevator, which I did. When I got to the bottom floor I sat down and started shaking and crying. I was totally physically and mentally exhausted. My son had to come and pick me up, since I didn't feel like I could drive.

It was a very hard session for me. I cried while I was in her office and then the testing made me feel like an idiot. I had a very hard time remembering things. She told me that my memory was kind of weak and that I had a hard time concentrating.

She also told me I mustn't like History, Science, Geography or Math. I felt so dumb when she said that. I told her I was an "A" student in school all my life but now I feel like something is missing in my head.

She felt that depression, stress, and extreme fatigue was making me feel this way and that if we could get the depression under control it might make things a little easier for me.

Now, I have to wait 4-6 weeks before I hear anything from Social Security according to her.

I am so glad that is over. I'm exhausted.

Hugs,
Mary Ann

Hi Mary Ann. Both my rheumy and psychiatrist had referred me for a neuro/psych exam, so I've taken it twice. I  hated it to. I still remember them quickly showing me pictures of objects for me to name and I called a pelican a pinguin. (wrong answer!) I'm not bragging, but I'm a (was) very intelligent. They knocked a good 20 points off my IQ. After each exam I felt like an idiot too. All I can say is: I hate lupus Keep your chin up Sweetie and please don't feel ashamed. It happens to all of us. Love Ya, Donna

MaryAnn,

My neuro sent me for this test. I know the feeling. I felt like a complete moron when I left. I even passed the Boards for my RN, but I am sure I failed this test. I have been on disability for many years. My neuro sent me for this eval because I keep complaining about my memory issues, etc. When I went back for the results and the physiatrist (sp) tried putting off alot of it on stress and fatigue I laughed at her. She asked what was so funny, I told her she should try living in my shoes for just one day.

I felt so stupid when I left that test too, by when I put it into perspective with what we deal with every single day, what can we expect of ourself? Don't put yourself down, chalk it up. Pat yourself on the back for making through the whole test that is a huge accomplishment in itself. Take today for yourself to recoup. Whatever that means, do something that makes you smile.

Hugs,
Debbie

Thank you everyone for the encouragement. I really was starting to feel really stupid, but I realize that is not true. I was an A student all through school and I know I am smart. Just right now though I am having problems with my memory and concentration.

I was wondering about CNS Lupus. Does anyone know how that is diagnosed and what the symptoms are?

Luckily, I have an appointment with my rheumy today so I am going to tell her about the testing. I also asked that a copy of the dr's notes be sent to her so eventually she should get that.

Thanks again for the encouragement. I feel much better today.

Hugs,
Mary Ann

I'm really interested in what my tests say also. I just hope I got a fair evaluation since she was a Social Security Doctor.

This journey with Lupus is very different. Never imagined I would be where I am today. Not that it is necessarily all negative, just different than what I imagined my life.

Oh well, one of my favorite sayings is "Go with the flow." And that's what I do.

Mary Ann