Not sure what I missed but, Carolina did make a valid point as did Sandy. If SSDI sees that you can work and/or go to school full-time, despite the difficulty, that will reflect negatively on the outcome of the case. However, SSDI does allow one to work and encourages that with their Ticket to Work Program. You cannot make over $700 a month. You can also do volunteer work. I can't remember the number of hours.

Others things that I learned from my attorney - age is a factor as well as how you look and your level of education. In my case because I was "young," went to college, and was physically fit and "looked" healthy he did tell me I had a 50/50 chance of getting through the 1st part of the appeals process and that it was going to be tough. For me, good documentation from my drs. as well as the neuropsych testing was what helped.

Sandy - I agree completely about working on a schedule that fits within our limitations. I only work a little bit but I have the option to stop typing and go take a nap, change positions frequently, go to drs appts, etc. Additionally, there is the psychological effects of still "contributing" to society. I cannot imagine not being able to do anything at all. I think I would become depressed.

Like Allen, I enjoyed my job tremendously and was really excited about the career change I had made 1 1/2 years prior to diagnosis. I had plans to go back to school and get another degree but in interior design. I had so much to look forward to. Then, I stopped walking and started falling all over the place. Things got worse from there and have slowly started getting better.

Vonn - You go girl! What you are doing is awesome!

Hi everyone else! I hope you all have a good day and good weekend.