I had my initial appointment with the VRC about a month or so ago. They turned it over to a local service and I met with all of them 3 weeks ago. I met with my personal coach 2 weeks ago. It was at that appointment that I learned there is not any record of my PCP giving the 'okay' to work and what restrictions/accommodations I need.

Last week I had to cancel due to pain. Today, I am so not feeling it. My leg has been more swollen and more cold since I woke this morning. I am an emotional wreck because of some family events this weekend and am wondering why I need to keep going every week if I don't even have the 'okay' to work. I emailed my PCP's nurse and my PCP is on vacation and may need me to get the okay from both neuro & pm first. I could be going to these weekly things and filling out apps for nothing.

I know a few weeks ago I submitted an app and went to an interview. I think because I felt I needed to see if I could. Well, my daughter drove me to the interview and waited in the car. She takes me to my VR meetings and does puzzles or reads (it's in the library). I can't make it through my practice runs of a mock job. WTH am I thinking? WTH am I doing?

Don't knock yourself for trying! You have been getting information and that is worthwhile. The "am I able to work"question was worth pursuing. Having the experience of testing yourself and finding out where you hit a wall helps determine your direction and quiets nagging doubts and questions. If you can put VC appointments on hold until they get what they need from your PC I would do so. Make sure you don't burn any bridges as far as SSDI, etc. VC documentation that you cannot work, cannot consistently make appointments due to functional impairment may be a help to you with that. This I don't know but I bet Lit Love can answer that one.

Don't despair, just because you can't meet your mock job trial now doesn't mean you won't in the future. And no surprise you are flared up after holiday travel and family stress. I'd be surprised if you weren't!

Sending hugs,

I hobbled in to my meeting this afternoon. We discussed the work release issue. Thankfully, I have next week as a reprieve since my counselor is moving and had to cancel. I informed him I may not be there the following Monday since I am having the LSB on Friday and do not know how that will affect me. He is really trying to get me something I can do from home, which is exactly what I need, so I am giving this the best shot I can.

My lawyer told me if there is a cessation of VR services due to the doctor not releasing me to work will only possibly be able to push a hearing date. Since we have reconsideration in IL, the first step is getting a decision from that. Last week, my lawyer said SSA noted my case as "closed" June 22, but neither of us has received any notification of decision. Weird.

The point of this has seemingly been for you to try and figure out if you are capable of working and if not, then you have more documentation for SS.

If attending one meeting a week is too much for you to handle, is it realistic that you can even manage working from home?