I now am classified amongst you all. Never wanted to be here - and hoping it's temporary - I'm only almost 39 years old.
I slipped on some stairs 12 years ago, and flew up in the air, and my mid/upper back hit the edge of the stair. I passed out.
I've had problems here and there, ever since, but each time seems to get worse. Now I can't even work and have had to go on disability to pay for it.
They are sending me to the doc next Thursday, and from there a specialist, and from there testing. Takes time to get anything done this way, but nothing was being done before.
Anyways, just wanted to introduce myself to those of you that don't know me (many do from other forums).
This was just something I had to accept, at this point.
I'M HERE!
Welcome to our ranks, Kerry. Not that I'm glad you are having to take disability, but since it has happened, you are welcome here. Back injuries have the bad habit of staying with us for the rest of our lives if we don't get proper treatment and sometimes even is we do get good and proper treatment. It sounds as tho you had a really nasty fall.
Contrary to what many think, SS disability is NOT easy to get on. They will test you for everything imagineable that is NOT wrong with you so they can turn you down. It is estimated that 90% of the applicants are turned down the first time, 50%-75% of those who reapply immediately are denied benefits, and about 90% of those of us who hire a lawyer for the 3rd attempt are granted benefits. So don't give up if you are turned down. You will have to get your own doctors reports proving the degree of your disability to get anywhere. Be prepared to be declared to have Conversion Disorder(you invent symptoms to get out of doing something you don't want to do), Post Tramatic Syndrome, etc. or just plain lazy. Since you are less than 50 it will be even more difficult for you.
I'm not trying to discourage you or get you to give up. Quite the contrary. I simply want you to be forewarned of what a battle you are entering into. Another interesting point is that once you win, it will be 2 years at least before the medicare medical benefits begin. You will be getting the monthly check until then tho.
GOD bless and keep you and help you win this war.
Actually, I was informed by a dear social worker of a clinic that I used to go to, how to go about this. I am going on GAU (general assistance for the unemployable) which is state aid first. They have helped me ALOT - and have been extremely helpful to me in my process. My heart goes out to these people that deal with complete FREAKS (I had to tolerate them too, while in there).
My hopes aren't to go on Social Security. My only hope is that they will fix this, and I can move on with my life and work again, and actively garden again (my gardens look awful right now - very neglected).
If it turns out I can't, THEN they recommend me to SS, with all the testing already done.
That social worker gave me the road path. I choose to become active again, IF I can.
Not sure how this works in other states, but this is how you can do it in WA, if you have people looking after you and praying for you.
Karrie
Karrie, I've been wondering how you are progressing. I hope you have made at least some recovery from the injury. What prognosis did the testing show?
I am very glad to hear that Washington has a system in place to help it's citizens and that you will be able to get the help you need. In the meantime, we'll keep you in our prayers and there are a bunch of us here who know the sort of frustrations you are going through. I may not be able to give you any actual help or good advise, but I can listen and sympathize. And there are a bunch of us who can do the same. Welcome to this forum. Dotti
My unsolicited SS advice (from my own experience)... babysit every single form. If a doctor has one to fill out, call and make sure it is done and mailed (note what day it was mailed and who told you). Call SS to see if received. ASK a million questions of everyone involved in every step... "What should I do if... what is the next step... what is your advice..." And, never give up!
Good luck!
I am doing much better. They diagnosed me with spinal damage in my neck, and also fibromyalgia (mostly in my back, but it picks on anything - including my knee that I recently had surgery on). I am hoping to go back to work part time this summer, and start school in the fall - I can't have a job that requires me to sit at a computer all day long, and I've been a secretary for years. Not quite sure what kind of job I will get, but I plan on studying horticulture since it is something I know I enjoy.
The key thing I have to remember is to not over do. That is what causes the fibro to kick in and start havoc - and is it ever painful.
We're glad you've made some progress, and it is good that you can look forward to possible part-time work and some classes. Please keep us up to date on how you are getting along. Our best wishes are with you.