Hey Chaos! My last day worked was Dec 28, 2012. My PM dr filled out the paperwork for me to go on short-term disability, which lasts 6 months, then transitions over to long-term disability. This was an employer paid benefit. I had it all planned out so everything was covered when work stopped...nothing went as planned. I made sure I met the eligibility requirements of the plan and worked as long as I could after that. I was denied STD/LTD disability and have just filed my second and final appeal. I went ahead and applied for SSD in April and was approved on the first application and within three months...thank goodness for that!!!

I had a great job, great income, but not so great bosses. They treated me like crap and like there was no way I could hurt like I did, no matter what info I supplied them with. I was a financial & human resource manager and I was a one-person department. They had their favorite employees and I wasn't one of them...that was obvious to me in the way they treated me and the others that had health issues. They said to me, once you are off for a month, you'll feel better and come back. They either had no clue or didn't want to have a clue about it. By the time I left, I had been there 9 1/2 yrs.

I have RSD in my face, hands, feet, shoulders, left arm, left leg and trunk. It is spreading too. I have developed bladder and other internal issues. I had two SCS's implanted in 2011 and they helped me push thru work another 1 1/2 years. The pain was so bad, especially in my hands, because of my work demands. I would get home from work and not be able to do anything. I would be in tears most days. It was awful and very stressful. I still cannot do much, but it is good to not have to go to work after not sleeping all night or when I am having a really bad day. Oh, and I was on blood pressure medication for about 7 years and came off of it several months ago!! The work stress is completely gone. My husband is WONDERFUL and takes care of me and most things around the house. He can't do everything as he can only use one arm (cerebral palsy), but he can do a lot (except cook...lol). I do not have my family close by to help, they are 2-3 hours away, as are most of my friends. My husband's parents and sister is here, so that is good.

It is good that you will have your settlement to help you through. I know it has to be frustrating not knowing how much and when. I sued the mexican restaurant that was negligent in serving me refried beans with rocks in it...yes, rocks. I bit down and wth was that?? I ended up (after several failed root canals) losing my 3 back bottom teeth, got implants and a bridge. This trauma cause the RSD in my face. This was back in 1991, no one had a clue of what RSD was back then. I had no clue what RSD was. If I had known then what I know now, I would have NEVER settled for the piddly amount I received...and I do mean piddly!

Sorry, I am rambling...I do hope things work out for you. I know that it is a tough decision to make. Giving up work is tough mentally. Something I never thought I would be doing at age of 46!

Good Luck!!
Nanc