This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Hi again Brave, that is great that it's working so far for you. I wonder could your employer could review the arrangement then for a while more? I wish I'd been able to do some remote working - my job required you to be on site all the time so I just had to give it up. Would your employer maybe agree to a on-site/off-site mix that you could both agree on? Like you say it's a shame to give up a good job in these times.
Another possibility would be to open your existing job up as a job-share. Then you could work week on/week off or half days.
There are a lot of possibilities if your employer has an open mind. Fingers crossed for you you can get something sorted that suits you.

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Concussus Resurgo
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RR-MS dx 1998 and Coeliac dx 2003
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Copaxone, Cymbalta. EPO, Fish Oils, Vitamin D3 2000 IU daily, Cal/Mag/Zinc, Multivitamin/mineral, Co-Enzyme Q10, Probiotics, Milk Thistle.

Brave,

I did a year of working remotely before I went on permanent disability in 04. As everyone before stated, it does play havoc with your psyche.

Depending on your line of work, maybe consider working as an independent contractor? Maybe your current employer would consider it? Granted you wouldn't get benefits but you could charge a lot more (hourly rate). You could also do this for more than one company.

The bad economy might be in your favor since there is really no long commitment for your services on the part of a "potential client". Doing this while your skills are still current would also be in your favor.

Just a thought. Good luck.

Well, time flies by and I'm reaching to point that I hate "Applying for SSD"
May I ask those who got approved, how long would be the waiting period until you receive first check?
(Lets assume the best scenario, if your application is approved)

brave

Brave,
I went on long-term disability in 2005 after working 25 years as a software engineer. I was required by the provider of my disability insurance (employer provided) to apply for SSDI as soon as possible. I did, and it took 2.5 years before my application was finally approved. After approval, it only took a month or so before I got my first SSDI check, but it took several months more (6 as I remember) before the backpay check came (this was backpay for almost 3 years of waiting for approval). BTW, all of the SSDI backpay check went immediately to the provider of my disability insurance, and it then took a few additional months before my monthly check from the disability insurer was reduced by the SSDI payment, and this overpayment also had to be paid back.

If this applies to you, keep it in mind, and don't spend any large checks that come your way.

I pretty much stay busy with small projects around the house, taking extension classes from my local college, getting exercise in some form or other, etc. For a time, I also facilitated a monthly MS support group at a local nursing home in the county, but gave this up to take better care of myself. But volunteer work was a very good way for me to feel connected and useful. I may start it up again at some point.

Not working has really been, and still is an enormous adjustment, almost as big an adjustment as coming to terms with my changing physical and mental abilities.

The best thing I did for depression when it became a problem was to get a puppy. He has been a great companion, and gets me out for short walks during the day.

--Tracy

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CCSVI Procedure 9/16/2009 at Stanford
Stent in left and right IJVs
SPMS
Copaxone and Ampyra user

Brave,

I also had a disability policy with my employer. They also insisted that I apply with Social Security. However, they were so anxious to pay as little as possible they assigned one of their attorneys to the case. I was approved within a month.

When I did get the check I also had to pay back my disability insurance carrier for the difference.

I know it's an additional expense, but could you afford an attorney? If not, maybe someone at a Legal Aid office could offer some assistance.

Good luck.

M