Home from surgery and a ? about social security | Arthritis Information

I had a total hysterectomy this week done by the Davinci Robotics - very cool. I am in so much pain from the car accident and my on-going flare, that the pain from this was barely an annoyance and only had to take motrin the first day.

Anyway, I have a SSI Angel looking out for me and seems to be trying to push this through on the first try. I got a call this week from one of the representatives and they said they had enough documentation from all my doctors so I don't have to see any of theirs, but they do want me to see one of their psychiatrists very soon as the last step before they make their decision. Does anyone know what I should expect and what they expect from me?

I need this so very badly. As most of you know, I was a stay at home mom until I got sick and I finally left a very abusive marriage with no money and no job. I tried 5 different ones last spring and the minute they found out I was sick I was squeezed out. Seems all I do is cry now. I really wanted to work, but nobody would give me a chance, especially after the urinalysis. I'm supposed to be able to show proof from my docs that my meds are legal, but they always find a different reason like the position is filled, etc. Now with this accident, the most recent CAT scan and MRI shows I have 3 vertabrae in my neck slightly leaking fluid into my spinal column and I have 3 others in my middle back that are twisting sideways because of the spasms caused by the accident. My docs say it will be at least two years before I am back to where I was, which wasn't a good place to begin with. I am still waiting on surgery for my completely torn labrum in my rt. hip and surgery to repair a nerve impingement in my elbow.

Sorry, I didn't mean to whine, but I really need help now and SSI would be such a blessing. Does anyone have any answers???
I have no answers-Just wanted to say I am sorry you are going through all this.

Thank you, It helps to know I am not all alone in this. seems all I do is cry anymore. I have heard that having any sort of phsycological problems makes it easier for them to give an approval of SSDI. Therefore, an appt. with a physciatrist is a very good sign. Tell him/her exactly how you feel and why. Don't hold back anything. If you can get a diagnosis of depression (and who wouldn't be depressed) it will be very helpful. Good Luck,

Ann

Owie, you are not alone and I am so sorry you have to go through all this. I agree that this appt sounds like a good sign. Make sure they see how you feel on your worst days, not your best.Oh, Sweetie, I'm so sorry you have so very much to deal with. Any one of the problems, alone, would be daunting. All put together I'm not surprised your are so down.

But, if you have someone helping you with the Social Security Disability, hopefully, that will get your application thru quickly.

I've had the psychiatric exam by a Soc. Sec. doc. I would advise you to just be honest and do NOT hold back. Don't try to make things seem like they are okay, because they're not. A lot of people don't want anyone to know how overwhelmed they feel, but the doc really needs to know.

Tell the doc exactly what you have told us. How difficult it is to cope witb everything. Let them know of the abusive relationship you have left and the difficulty you are experiencing finding work because of your condition. One question they asked me, and I've heard others say they were asked is: " Are you familiar with the phrase, "People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones"? What does it mean to you?" There is no right or wrong answer. It's just a phrase that helps them evaluate your state of mind, I think.

Don't worry that they think you may need to see a psychiatrist. I see one now, along with several of our other members. With the pain and other difficulties that accompany a chronic illness, we often need help to deal with our illness. Many of us are on an antidepressant, too. Mine is quite effective in keeping me from feeling so hopeless, at times.

Take care, Sweetie. We are all thinking of you. I'm here for you if you need me.

Hugs and much love, Nini

You've had a tough road to travel - I think it's time for a smooth road for awhile. Nini gave great advice on the appt. Don't hold back and be honest when you go in. Best of luck.

Cathy

Thankyou for your advice. I have been diagnosed with depression and see a counselor once a week. I've been on an antidepressant for the last year.

Would it be ok to bring notes or a list, as I am very forgetful when it comes to meds, drs, etc. and I would hate to forget something important. Plus, once I get talking, I usually end up crying my eyes out. I am a mess. Prayers for you. Hope it all works out.Hi,

I hope all goes well with postop and the ra flare. It can be so frustrating to not get pain relef. However, I think you are very brave and have accomplished so much already.

I have just been denied for ssdi twice. I need to get a lawyer. However, you sound like you have more than one angel looking out for with doctors writing a letter for you. the counselor writing a letter should help too.

My mom got ssdi for a short time before she passed away but it was tough at first. I helped filled ou the final papers that got her approved. however, there were a lot of psychological questions. It seemed they wanted to know how severe the depression was more than how much pain she was in. did the depression limit her life. can she get out to visit friends or if she sleeps a lot. I think her depression got her the ssdi more than her constant pain and osteoporosis. she was wheelchair bound towards the end of her life. I think your counselor should be a huge help to you.

best of luck to you. please feel better soon.

I agree with Shelly about the psychiatric problems sometimes being the condition that finally gets you your SSDI. I know it was, at least, considered for my favorable decision. In fact, they made me have an" authorized payee", which is someone who agrees to take care of your Soc. Sec. money and make sure it is used to your benefit. My husband is mine, and our account was set up in his name, and he must sign the checks. My doctors, bank, and family get quite a kick out of this, as I have always handled the finances in the family, and still do. I just didn't think it was worth the possible problems it might cause to fight the decision to have a third party (my Sweetie), take care of my checks.

Do not let that stop you from being very honest with the psychiatrist, though. These things can be worked out. You just need to concentrate on getting approved.

If you cry at the appointment, it's okay! They need to see you as you really are, coping with things as best you can.

If your antidepressants are not helping as much as you think they should, be sure to tell your prescribing doctor. There are many, many different ones, and you may just need a change.

Take care, Sweetie. I'm very concerned about you!

Let me know what happens.

Much love, Nini

I just talked with a girlfriend who was approved just two weeks after she was sent for a psychiatric exam and she said it was because they needed just one more bit of evidence or proof of her disability before granting her benefits. Sometimes they are right on the edge and could decide either way, but try one more avenue to get to the approval. Based on what she said, I would think this is a terrific sign that you are almost there. She couldn't remember just what was asked but said she wasn't even in the office ten minutes. HTH

Ann

I don't know anything about SSI but I'll be praying that you'll get the outcome that you need. Hope you can get some rest and recuperate! All the best to you! Deb, I forgot to answer your question about taking along notes. I would go ahead and take anything you think you need to help answer questions. I can't remember if I had my notes or not. They may or may not want you to use them but it couldn't hurt to have them anyway.

Hugs!