Social Security Disability (me and Alan are on it), usually takes 2 years from when you first apply. The only two times you get it immediately is if you have ALS, or end stage renal failure (because dialyisis is medicare run), now don't ask me why this is, this is what the people at the Social Security Office told me.

Now I had to do the 2 year wait thing. I went down, I was examined, (not for neuropathy but for degenerative joint disease), They make you jump through hoops, they make you see their psychiatrist), who tells you a bunch of numbers in sequence and then makes you repeat them back to him. This is how it was for me.

Now Alan, is a completely different story. He was approved almost immediately. 5 years ago, he applied, they sent him to their medical examination place. The guy gave him an emg, stated out loud "Oh my god, you don't feel this??" and he was approved immediately. But it takes approximately 6 months after you get approved to get your first check. Alan got approved and got his first social security check 6 months later. And he got medicare two years after that. The only time you get immediately on medicare is if you have ALS or end stage renal failure.

Me, I waited the two years (had to go to a lawyer who specializes in disability), I got approved, got the checks.

Oh, by the way, from when you get approved, it takes 2 years to get on medicare. That was how it was way back when.

Don't know if they've changed the rules today.

HI Mel,
It sounds like the rules are still the same as when you and Alan got signed up, from what the guy at National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research told us this morning. I'm going to go ahead and sign all the paper work and get it sent in and hopefully work part time for a while and see how things go.
The new pain med...Balacet 325 is helping with the pain. I have to take 1 1/2 pills 4 times a day but at least it's helping....but man does it ever make me tired. Seems ya can't win with pain meds!
Hope you and Alan are having a good day. I have infusion #4 tomorrow afternoon.......the fun never ends! LOL

Hi Roxie, talking from my own experience, be carefull who you confide in and don't trust anyone that includes your boss, decisions that you make now can affect the rest of your life, just tread carefully and you will be right.

Sorry, I didn't realize it had already been discussed.

yes be very carefull who you talk to. Bob and Brian are so right about that.
My youngest son is blessed,he know's how to fill out paper work. He
know's how to deal with the Gov. It's terribal what they put some people
through. I've seen some people,myself included have no problem at all.
And other poor souls battle for years. You seem to be going in the right
direction. I'm a Diabectic but i have polyneuopathy's mine was just not
judged by the diabetes alone. Get all of your paper work from your Drs.
and get a Dr. who will be willing to help you through this,some can't or
won't. Good Luck your heath must come first. Sue

HI Brian, That's ok. I know it's going to be difficult to avoid the question at school as to why I wasn't there the last 5 weeks last school year and now (hopefully) returning working only half days. My school is a gossip vine! I'm not even looking forward to returning.

It was that way when i was a nurse, but could get pretty funny if
if you were not the one being talked about. Sue Let's talk about Brian
now he looks soft and sweet, thing so???

Sue.......that's so very true......and that long tail! LOL LOL

Thanks Sue, now all i have to is convince the ones that really know me now that is going to be hard

I HAD to chuckle, but, at the same time Brian's so nice - I blushed {and it definitely wasn't a hot flash!}

Do keep any possible disability issues as lo key as possible for your own protection ...look at what all has happened to SeamsLikeStitches ? Who has been very quiet and probably very busy...I hope.
However, when things get truly impossible-DO speak up to the appropriate people about what all can be simply 'fixed' or changed.
As for being careful? That is the best way to be! Goodness knows how many of us get into trouble and fall when we get totally distracted. That makes us one bunch of slower, more thoughtful and careful planners about EVERYTHING we do...every single thing... But, we do tend to muddle thru it all!

So much else to think about other than what you WANT to think about?
Good thoughts a'plenty for now - j