Murgir,
Glad you posted this! Yep, I'm going through the same "catch 22". I've been wanting to post a similar question myself.
I'm a little farther along so I'll share the highlights & if you want details I can share.
Ortho Dr. said if I had plate & screws w/wrist surgery I would recover faster & be back to work probably within 3 wks. (
)
Waited 5 days for surgery, after that then welcome CRPS!!
Of course that DX didn't come until agonizing weeks later.
By then used up all sick time, went on FMLA, then short term disability (STD).....
So many treatments, P.T. drugs & Dr. appts. (full time job itself).
I LOVE(D) my job and all the people there +perks! GRIEVED & STILL GRIEVING about that!
fast forward 6mo...slow minor improvements made but not enough to keep up with my work. Dr. appts. slowed to "part time".
So now, transitioned to Long Term Disability. Still thru work.
But to qualify they REQUIRE you to apply for SSDI.
So, I had to do that...........so many hoops to jump & paperwork!!
Waited 4 mo. & was denied (not unusual i guess).
So, now I've had to go to an atty. to appeal and will have to wait until Feb.?
So, with that long story I'm in the same boat. Some days, some moments I SO MUCH WANT TO GO BACK TO WORK! But if I do, I've used EVERYTHING up.
My hand still won't let me keep up the pace it's now disfigured and then there's still Dr. treatment days with no sick time left. Can you say "FIRED"?
Anyway long enough, it takes me forever to post on here.
Hope this helps.