After an initial denial, you can file for a Reconsideration. If you are denied Reconsideration, you can appeal for an ALJ hearing. Is this the hearing you are having Oct. 17th? Never heard of anyone who skipped the Reconsideration process to jump right into the ALJ hearing.

If you have an attorney, have you discussed your concerns with him/her? The attorney is the one that should prepare you for your ALJ hearing.
Each case is different.

This article may be of some interest to you: My Social Security Disability/SSI ALJ Hearing Was Scheduled, Now What?

Note that the article is "basic" information. What actually goes on at the hearing is different for each person.