Hello everyone,

I have had my SSI hearing. The judge is sending me for more testing before he makes his final decision. I have a lawyer, whom was highly recommended but has been nothing but a problem to me. I would say my hearing did not go well. My lawyer advised me to lie (she didn't use the word lie she suggested 20 minutes) on how long I can sit. The judge became angry on 2 occasions during my hearing. He didn't want explanations only straight short answers. My lawyer didn't discuss how the hearing would go just told me what to say about how long I can sit. So I was very unprepared.

I have Spinal Stenosis and Arthritis in my hands. My L4 & L5 slip to the F,B, L and R. This causes the Stenosis to be different on a daily bases. I have good day's and very bad days. It is never the same. In my right hand I have limited feeling in my fingers and Arthritis wrist pain and bone popping when writing. Typing, I use my ring finger\ 4th finger on my right hand and my left hand fingers are fine.

I have 3 appointments in the next month. So I have some questions and need advise. Here they are

1.Appointment #1- X-rays, feet, ankles, knees, hips, entire back and wrists. I am not worried about this appointment however, I have MRI on my back and 2 set of these same X-rays on file already. Why do this again?

2. Appointment #2- Physical Exam and Specialist Testing
Does any one know what this is and what I will be doing?

3. Appointment #3- Psychological Evaluation and Specialist Testing
Does any one know what this is and what I will be doing?

To be perfectly honest in court I felt like a lier. I answered the questions on a worst case scenario. My lawyer has never handled a Spinal Stenosis case so she had to research it herself. The sitting is very limited if I am in straight backed hard seat chair, stool or office chair numbness and pain could be 10 minutes to 30 minutes. If I am in my recliner or comfortable arm chair I can sit about a hour. The nerve impingement is based a lot on my body positioning and activity.

If anyone can give some advise or explain these tests I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks, Dedee

Dedee, psych eval can be a minefield. Do you have choice as to who does it. I hope so. If you want more info on this message me privately.

Annie59

Hello Dedee and WELCOME to Neurotalk!!!

Here is the link to our Social Security Disability Forum:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum28.html

Here is the link to our Spinal Disorders and Back Pain Forum:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

Here is the link to our Arthritis Forum:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum86.html

There is a a wealth of information here.

Please feel free to roam around an join in anywhere.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask. Someone will always be around shortly to help in any way that we can.

Abbie

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk. Happy to see you have come to be with us. Just let us know if we can be of any help.

There are great number of fellow members here to assist as possible. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around.

Darlene

hi dedee and welcome to NT,

i can't answer your #2 or 3. as to #1...they probably want to compare your current status to your earlier tests to see if there are any changes and to see if you're worse.

i don't see why you have to con't with this lawyer. i don't know enuf about changing lawyers. you might consult with someone else (that should be free) and ask them what the process would be. they don't get paid until you get approved and get the $$$.

when i was applying for my ssdi my social worker told me to answer the Q's thinking about my worst days. so, you can be honest. i have physical variability also. but, my worst days can be very difficult.

good luck. keep us posted.

sounds like u need a new lawyer i also just started a disability case been turned down 1 time allready good luck !!