Originally Posted by daylilyfan

I was let go in a mass layoff back in December. Almost everyone of the people let go had some sort of health issue. But, Ohio is an "at will" work state, so they don't have to give a reason for why they picked who they picked.

I thought I would get better after a month or so off work, but I have not. I was in a car accident where a woman ran a red light and hit my car in November, and I just have not been the same since.

It is time I think about disability. I have had RSD 9 years this month. I have done my best during this time to keep working, but the constant pain has finally got me down.

Ohio is supposed to be a horrid state to get approved for disability. I did speak with a lawyer who does disability and he gave me some advice. I also know someone who works in another state as one of the "determiners" who decide who gets SSD and who does not. She has also talked to me about this.

Of course, the main issue is that RSD is not on the automatic acceptance list SS uses.

I have horrible eyesight - I wear very strong contacts AND trifocal glasses. I have asthma, high blood pressure, RSD, Fibro and myofacial pain syndrome, plantar fasciitis in both feet. I have had stress fractures in both feet, and have RSD pain in both feet. I think my right foot may have another fracture, and see the specialist next week. The worst RSD is in my left shoulder and arm, and also the upper third of my back. Everytime I move it is like someone is tearing out my muscles. I am in the process of getting statements from all my specialist docs saying what I can do and what I cannot do so that I can go to the state's Vocational Rehabilitation to see if they can find a job for me that I can do. The lawyer said if they cannot find something for me, or won't take me into their program, that will help my disability case.

I am 52, and have no formal education to speak of. I took a couple evening classes at an art college, that is all. I have worked in the same trade, doing the same thing since I was 17... doing a journeymanship. Unfortunately, that trade is going down hill fast, and there is really no hope of me finding another job doing it. I would have to start over doing something new. The effects of the RSD on my brain and memory have become much worse in the last couple years. This has me very worried about trying to do something new. If I am dealing with something I have known and understood for years and years, I can do "ok" but if it is something new, I struggle learning and comprehending. Even TV shows - I DVR everything I watch now, because I have to rewind a ton of times because my brain wanders.

I have a service dog now, and that helps some. But it won't help when I go into interviews with a dog. Nothing points out a handicap faster than having a service dog.

The only meds I take are blood pressure meds, voltaren gel, lidoderm patches, and RSD compounded cream. Pain meds have done nothing to help me so I don't take them except the occasional tramadol or vicodin.

If you got approved for disability without having to go to appeal, did you have another major disease other than RSD? Do you have any advice for me?

Thanks so much!
Jules