Insurance again denied LSB. This time for no failed PT and no failed analgesics. PM office is of no help...they asked me to contact my insurance. Today, official appeals were filed with insurance.

PM and I have been emailing back and forth for the past couple days. Appears to be a medrol dose pack on the horizon.

Vocational Rehab has decided to close my case as I am not able to work at this time ()

I have taken a few steps to help improve my sour mood...one of which is tutoring/studying with other students in the nursing program I am currently unable to finish. So far everything has been received well and I'm excited moving forward with it!

I have also contacted Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. I have an appointment next week. I also followed up on my GI referral and have an appointment early Sept.

Moving forward...

You can always apply for the Ticket to Work program through SS. Since they specialize in those that qualify for SSI/SSDI, they might be better able to help you find work with the accommodations you would need, or help receiving more or different training, etc.

Way to go on taking steps to improve your mood...

From my understanding, they work with the same group that just closed my case. And in all reality, I have no measure of any kind of pain management. Being able to get through 1-2 hours per day combined in 15-20 minute increments is more than I can tolerate. I wish this group focused more on re-training instead of resumes and interviews. The job I'm qualified for I cannot do. Jobs related to what I'm trained for that I *can* do are nonexistent. I'm back & forth in touch with the company that I interviewed with a couple months ago...if only I can get enough pain management on board to complete my degree...I would be golden. That is on the top of my bucket list

Thank you! So far it's a bit challenging, but it is also helping me with my preparation (mentally/clinically) for my final exam I am hoping to be able to do before too long.

My grands are coming in a few weeks, so more steps are being taken to get the house unpacked (finally...a year later). That is helping as well.

Baby steps...or hobbles as it were