Hi Beverly,

I came over here to follow a post from the TOS forum and was really moved by your story.

I want you to know you are not going to be in this really difficult situation forever. Soc.Security is almost ALWAYS an ordeal of the worst kind. I had to wait about three years and was financially freaked out and physically overwhelmed with pain. The future was impossible to imagine.

Attorneys don't get much out of these cases and there are plenty of flakes who start something like this because they think it is an easy few bucks for them. When a case becomes too time consuming, well...that is what seperates the men from the boys in the legal/ethical world.

It sounds as though the Judge is sympathetic to you and wants you to have the best shot at attaining the criteria He must follow before granting a judgement in your favor.

I see two additional factors in your favor. You have a supportive husband who will fight for you and is with you in your struggle. The other thing is that, even though it is not good news, you at least now know why you have been in so much pain and the physicians can address this.

Most of the legal 'work' has been done now and a new attorney just has to bring your file up to date and submit some paperwork. No money out of pocket.

I suppose you could take action againt that inept attorney, but that would not likely be a worthwhile endeavor. It may be the best thing that he 'released' you as there are many, many other lawyers who can bring this to a close for you.

The judge was very kind indeed to speak with your husband and let him know what happened and what is required to wrap this up.

Now you can concentrate on getting your pain and depression under control. It sounds as though it won't be much longer before you have a favorable judgement.

When you get that big check, all of this will fade to a distant memory. Medicare will kick in too. The future is much brighter than it seems right now. I promise.

Warmly,
Anne