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Well the time has come for me to start investigating long term SSDI. I don't want it to be obviously, but between no strength, no energy, having to cath., being confused, I don't know how much more work I can do. I would like to know how to get the ball rolling on disability from anyone who has went through that ringer. Any feedback or helpful hints on how to start the process would be greatly appreciated.

loobie,

I do not know much about this topic, but wanted to add that people tell others to make sure not to go on part time.

If you do, and need Social Security Disability (which is different from your long term disability) then the payments will be based on your lower income at the time you quit.

gwa

What do you mean by 'lower income'? Do you mean that if you go on part time it's based on that?

Loobie wrote:What do you mean by 'lower income'? Do you mean that if you go on part time it's based on that?

Yes. But check with the Social Security Admin. people to get the correct info so you know how to decide what is to your benefit.

gwa

Hey Lew...
Sorry that this is a consideration, but completely understand. From what I've read, it looks like it could take 5-6 months to have a claim processed. GWA is absolutely right...the monthly amount you receive is based on what you're making when you file the claim, so it's best to file it sooner than later. You don't have to stop working while you wait for your claim to be processed.

There's alot of info online, and you can even file the claim online. Some people use attorneys, but they take a chunk o' change. You should be able to do it on your own, since your MS is a pretty obvious disability.

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/

This isn't a forever thing, Lew. Remember that! You could take disability for awhile, until a med works for you or they get the kinks out of the autologous stem cell/immune ablation stuff. Jeff's got his eye on that prize.
AC

Hey Lew, I went through this process and it took me two years. It really depends on the state that you live in though. When you first apply 75% of claimants are denied within the initial stages like I was. Once you been denied 3x your claim goes before a judge and that's when you have the best chance of being approved. Not to worry once you've been approved you get a retroactive paycheck that is paid to you from the time you first applied. I'd recommend getting an SSDI attorney. They're free unless they win your case. If they do win they get a set amount from SSDI which for me was $5300. This amount is taken out of your retroactive paycheck so you dont have to worry about it coming out of your own bank account. You're more than welcome to go through the process without the attorney but just so you know you've got a greater chance of getting approved with him by your side when / if it comes to standing before the judge.

Thanks for the help guys. I just did a three day course of steroids (T,W,Th of last week). They initially helped, but yesterday and today I am not getting around good at all. 50 steps or so with my legs in a lot of pain before I have to take a significant rest. Also my feet are absolutely killing me. So standing and walking are really tough right now. I also just feel like hell. I guess I never figured on how bad it could make you feel in terms of just feeling like crap. I mean I know what it takes from us, but I didn't really know it makes you feel absolutely awful; like being really sick when there's no cold or fever. Not a good week. I took the whole week off last week to get back on track with the steroids and get started in a new direction. I had full intent of getting back to work tomorrow. The way I feel, there is not a chance I could work.

I decided I'm going to use a little FMLA and see what I can do. It's almost like now that the steroids are a few days out, I'm worse than I was before I started them. With FMLA my work can't discontinue my insurance, but if I get laid off or something, I only go until the end of the month. This is crashing down really fast and with no other income, I need to get a plan going. My rational mind is really understanding that my present career is over. I couldn't walk from my parking space to my office right now. I don't lift anything at work. It's not a physically demanding job. But I do a fair amount of walking and that is what's not happening.

I'm going to go ahead and fill out the claim and not delay. After the time it took to get to this place, I can't believe how rapidly I'm declining. I had two really fun days on the steroids. I mean not running or anything, just being able to be comfortable. It was priceless. I feel like if this keeps up at this pace, I'm burnt toast.

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That's a good suggestion. I will email my trial coord. and neuro. and see if they can, at the very least, have Opexa say whether the MRI's were showing many new, or many enhancing lesions.

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Hey Loobie,
I am really sorry about the way things have turned out. I hope that things will slow down for you soon so that you can have a break.
NN

I am a self employed wed designer, graphic artist, etc. I spend all day online earning my income. My vision went crappy a few months ago. I have a hard time looking at a monitor for extended periods of time. I have to take an extended break at least once an hour from looking at a monitor. I know that a normal web firm would not hire me with my current state because of the fact that I need very frequent breaks for my vision...I have visual spots (that cover my entire visions) and photosensitivity. My vision looks like rabbit ears on a tv with bad reception and the light just kills me.

Do you think social security would approve me? I would like to work part time. Is it better to apply for full time benefits or part time. The last few years, I have been working for myself partime while my daughter was an infant, so my social security benefits don't look that great. I recently went back to full time, but almost immediately started having MS symptoms and was shortly diagnosed afterwards.