Hi Lisa,
I filed for disability back about 5 years ago, and of course was denied and my Dr wanted me to contest it well I did but according to the SSA they never received my papers in the mail where I was contesting their decision. Of course I would have starved to death on what I would have been able to draw. At that time I had been self-employed as a hairdresser for 20+ years and could not do that anymore due to having to stand and with the RSD being in my foot well I just can't stand for hours a day. I have been able to find work that I could do and am much happier than if I chose to stay home.

Myself, I am just not able to stay at home because it drives me crazy so I would much rather work as long as I can find work that I can do. I know it isn't easy having to get up and get motivated when in such pain but so far I have been lucky and would not work for someone who wasn't compassionate about my disease. I guess if I had to try and work in a wheelchair I would just to be able to work. If I just lay around and take it easy for more than a day my Fibromylagia pain is a lot worse than if I keep active, and it seems that my RSD hurts more if I don't move much.

Explain to your SO and his mother that you would rather keep working as long as possible and you appreciate their concern but that stress doesn't help your pain at all. Also like someone else mentioned, I was told by SSA and my DR that I could not be working and file at the same time.

Keep us posted.. You are in my thoughts and prayers as always..

Love,
Janet

when i applied for ssd (social security disability )
they told me to file for both(ssd) and (ssdi) in the beginning as it is standard procedure.............however, they denied the ssdi (social security disablity income) right away as we had too many assets and with franks income i was not eligible........
ssd in michigan is like someone already said.......if you are unable to work for more than 12 months you may qualify for ssd...............
if you do receive ssd, you are only allowed to earn 800 per month before your benefits would be lowered.........
hope this helps...............

It is hard for "outsiders" to understand what someone with RSD goes through BESIDES the pain.

My husband has had RSD in his leg since 1995 - He was unable to work for quite sometime but after therapy, a pain management clinic (which I think is good for everyone - He went to Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota), he finally was able to manage his pain (for the most part) and go back to work.

Bringing in an income makes an RSD sufferer feel important again, gives them their pride back, makes them feel wanted and needed.

My husband being the primary wage earner was extremely prideful and needed to do something.....anything.

The down-side to that pridefulness....

If you work at all - SS will turn you down. It will not help appealing over and over again...If you can work at all you will be denied.

I believe your family is thinking ahead - Incase there comes a day when you cant work and has your best interest at heart. I'm also sure THEY feel that you are suffering needlessly and that you would be more comfortable at home and would not be in as much pain.

What they dont realize is that for you and every RSD sufferer - feeling important, worthy, wanted, and needed over-rides the need for comfort.

There are ways to compromise - Maybe work from home? Would your boss agree to that? Or how about doing volunteer work? That way you are still getting out of the house, doing something positive and this will give you self-worth, giving you a purpose and adding meaning to your life. Be creative, the answer will come to you.

HubbyWithRSD