[bretd]

I have been fighting depression for most of my life. For many reasons. thing seem to get worse and worse for me. I was injured at work in 2005 I have not been able to work since. I have had two back surgery's the last one was a triple spinal fusion L-3,4. I have been fighting disability for over three years. Just recieved notice from the appeals council my case has been sent down for a remand hearing. Good news, in most cases they deny the appeal. but the last hearing took 2 years and I will lose my house if it takes that long. I am in alot of pain most every day I take norco 4 to 5 times a day at the highest dose. My dr has prescribed all kinds of meds for depression, none seem to help. Pretty much at the end of my rope, and I know my wife and kids have had enough. Just wanted to write some things down.

[Leesa]

Bless your heart. Do you have an attorney for your disability claim? I hope so. If not, why not hire one on contingency? That way you don't have to pay him if you lose. If you win, he gets paid a portion of your back pay. Other than that you dont pay him anything. With an attorney, you almost always win, as they know the ins and outs of the disability business. Just make sure you hire one who specializes in disability.

I had a rough time with my disability claim too, and it took 2 1/2 years. I was denied twice. Then I hired an attorney and won just 2 days before my hearing before a judge. I had contacted my senator, representative and even the White House about this -- so someone stepped in in my favor, cause the fact that I was approved 2 days BEFORE my hearing is a little strange.

I wish you the very best, my friend. I know how hard this is.

And please ask your doc to try another med. There MUST be something out there that will work! Have you tried Cymbalta? I'm on it twice a day, 60mg.
and it does work. I'm also hard to medicate, so I was surprised that this worked. Please take care and keep posting! God bless and let us know how you are. Hugs, Lee

[don1956]

Originally Posted by bretd

I have been fighting depression for most of my life. For many reasons. thing seem to get worse and worse for me. I was injured at work in 2005 I have not been able to work since. I have had two back surgery's the last one was a triple spinal fusion L-3,4. I have been fighting disability for over three years. Just recieved notice from the appeals council my case has been sent down for a remand hearing. Good news, in most cases they deny the appeal. but the last hearing took 2 years and I will lose my house if it takes that long. I am in alot of pain most every day I take norco 4 to 5 times a day at the highest dose. My dr has prescribed all kinds of meds for depression, none seem to help. Pretty much at the end of my rope, and I know my wife and kids have had enough. Just wanted to write some things down.

i know that is a very heavy load on your mind.of loosing your home and not being able to take care of your family.plus your back also..i was kind of there to.i fell at my job.injuried my neck and shoulder.it took me awhile to start my benefits rolling.the only thing i was most concern with was my "SSDI".yes i to had to get a lawyer.and it might not hurt to call your congress person or senator.you can even go to there office(but they wont be there just there aids).but in a place like michagan,with all those auto workers there.those lawyers should know about workers injuries rights and how to handle those cases.at least that how it was for me here in NY.my lawyer is a pretty sharp guy.he saw on my xray injuries to my neck,my doctor said its just my shoulder..at trial my lawyer pointed out to the judge,that its both!judge agreed..so you see a lawyer can help

[ginnie]

Welcome to Neuro Talk. I am sorry to hear how hard it is for you and your family. Glad you found this site, there are alot of compassionate folks here. I came here for the same reason you did. I am fused C3-7 and do understand your pain. What leesa said is right. Get an attorney to help you with the process of disability. It took me four years, before I received help. Financially I was ruined, so that too has happened to me. Stay close to your family if you can and keep coming back here. Post all your questions, and someone will help you. I sure will talk to you anytime too. ginnie

[Catch]

So sorry you are going through this. I know how tough it is on DI and how hard, or should I say, impossible, it is to get SSDI. How anyone is expected to live with no income for up to three years! I am on CA state DI now and talked to an attorney who gave me the news that I would be without income for a minimum of one year. I have opted to go back to work, rather than wait and lose everything. I am looking for a job now that pays about 50% less than my last job.

Hang in there if you can, and I hope you can, because if you are disabled, you will eventually win. I hope for your sake it is soon.