Applied for ssdi, they want me to see a psychologist.
 

Hello everyone I had applied for Social Security disability back in May 2013 because of my MS but was denied first time around. I reapplied this past September 2013 and then was also diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I have been back-and-forth speaking to the representatives making sure that they have received all of my medical documentation from my doctors and hospitals which they say they have. I received a phone call from my representative saying that my neurologist stated he wanted me to see me to see a psychiatrist because of my complaints of having anxiety attacks. They actually called me yesterday and said they set up an appointment with one of their doctors which is a lot sooner than my appointment would have been. I'm a little nervous about this I've never seen a psychologist before I'm not sure what to expect. I had to go back to work but only three hours a week because my bills have been piling up. My biggest problem is not only the weakness in my legs but now I have incontinence. That's just a few of the many symptoms I have been experiencing and ever since the cancer diagnosis the major problem with the panic attacks. I really just want this all to be over with I'm trying to stay positive but I'm really hoping that this is my last appointment I have to do before they make a decision. I don't have a lawyer which concerns me I just hope I've done everything that they need me to do because I'm pretty much at the end of my rope.

It will all be fine!
 

Hi there , I just wanted to tell you that I had a server back injury and the made me do the same thing . It's no biggie and only takes like 30 mins for apt! Just be honest with them and it will all work out!

Hello Tracy :)
 

Thank you...oh yes I will be honest. I think that talking to someone would help. I also made an apt. With a psychiatrist.

Don't expect this to be like a normal appointment where they'll try and help you. Much of the time will likely be taken up with filling out tests and questionnaires. It's simply a fact finding appointment for them. ;)

I'm glad to hear that you made an apt to see a psychiatrist on your own, Tracy. Your own doctor will be able to advise you on treatments that may be able to help you manage the anxiety attacks.

The psychiatrist that the SSA sends you to will not treat you, his job is to tell the SSA if he thinks you are totally disabled by your anxiety or if it contributes significantly to your total disability.

Several of us here have a mental health issue that contributes to our being totally disabled or that results from our emotional reactions to be totally disabled. Some of our regular posters have been approved for primarily mental health issues. I hope that you will hear from more folks who were sent to an SSA psychiatrist so that they can tell you about their experiences to (hopefully !) help decrease your anxiety about it.

I didn't see any of the SSA docs, so I can't comment on that.

You certainly have a lot on your plate right now, that's bound to aggravate an anxiety issue. I hope that with treatment for the anxiety attacks, thyroid cancer, and MS that you will get to a state that you can manage. The (limited) financial security that comes with SSDI approval could also help ease that anxiety a bit.

We'll hold your hand through the process if you need us to :hug:

Best wishes getting through all of this.

Don't worry - I was afraid I was being sent for a mental eval because they thought I was a fraud or faking my problems. My attorney's staff put the fear to rest - they said when people are disabled it is stressful and common for them to develop depression (or in your case, anxiety) and for this to affect their ability to function well.

If they find co-existing conditions that limit your ability to cope or function day to day, that will not hurt your case.

Good Morning Tracy :)
 

Hey Tracy.....just checking in....how are you doing ?

We're here for you :)

Debi from Georgia

I am hanging in there, my appointment is tomorrow....I am just going to be myself and be honest. There are so many things that have been stressing me out this past year. I just hope that after this meeting I hear some good news from ssdi soon. This whole process has been so overwhelming, I hope it's all worth it. Will post back after y appointment.

Tracy, I too applied for SSD and was sent for a "mental eval" it was nothing to worry about. I also asked for a copy of the report for myself and actually got it.
I hope it goes/went well for you!

Hi, well I went for my appointment and the doctor could tell I was nervous, he told me to relax lol. He first showed me 3 items and asked what they were. Little did I know that at the end of the consult, which was only about 15 minutes, he asked me what the 3 items were that he asked me to remember, which I couldn't. He asked me basic questions, age, where I lived ,if I was married, did I go to college, if I was depressed etc. he asked me how I felt when I felt anxious. He also asked if I was suicidal, heard voices or hallucinated.
Then he did the math part, start at 100 and subtract 7 all the way down to 1, he stopped me at around 50, maybe because I was using my fingers and messed up. He gave me a set of numbers and asked me to repeat them backwards. And finally he asked me to start at 1 and keep adding 3 till I get to 30.
At the end he told me that he did not make the decision but that he really hopes I get disability. That made me feel better. Now I wait.....hopefully not too long.

Laura did you get approved?

Sounds good !
 

Hope this helps you get your disability......sounds like you had a decent dr which quite a lot of people don't get....so glad you did.

Stay positive about it and let us know how you're doing.

Debi from Georgia

Tracy,
Anxious to hear the outcome. I would think the doctor realized how much less anxiety you would have with approval. Can't imagine your not getting approved.


Gerry

I am so very happy to hear your appointment went better than you expected, it is always nice to walk away releived.

I was turned down the first time and I appealed, they have made their decision on the appeal but I do not know what that decision is yet. I get sick traveling, and with out legal help I waived my right to appear and wrote a long letter instead. I should know any day now. I don't expect it to be good news. I will have to appeal again. This time I will seek legal help. I have sickness and accident insurance and they REQUIRE me to apply and make every appeal I can.

I hope it goes well for you.

Get a lawyer!!!!!!!!