Hi Hope,
You know that saying "If I didn't have bad luck, I'd have no luck at all!" ? I'm afraid that might apply here

That's a tough break.
I hope that your lawyer's past experience with this judge will give you an advantage in maximizing your chances for success. Trust his advice.
I can tend to talk to much and give too much detail. My lawyer worked with me on his "code" that if he "kicked" my lag under the table, I needed to wrap it up. Try to remember and follow any tips like that that your lawyer may suggest.
In your case, I would hope that your lawyer would be the one reminding the judge that if you "just wanted free money" or to "not have to work", you could just take early social retirement. You've have declined taking that because you KNOW you are disabled and deserve SSDI.
I hope the ALJ understands that and gives approval now to save you the stress on your health of trying to continue this fight.