Not sure what I missed but, Carolina did make a valid point as did Sandy. If SSDI sees that you can work and/or go to school full-time, despite the difficulty, that will reflect negatively on the outcome of the case. However, SSDI does allow one to work and encourages that with their Ticket to Work Program. You cannot make over $700 a month. You can also do volunteer work. I can't remember the number of hours.

Others things that I learned from my attorney - age is a factor as well as how you look and your level of education. In my case because I was "young," went to college, and was physically fit and "looked" healthy he did tell me I had a 50/50 chance of getting through the 1st part of the appeals process and that it was going to be tough. For me, good documentation from my drs. as well as the neuropsych testing was what helped.

Sandy - I agree completely about working on a schedule that fits within our limitations. I only work a little bit but I have the option to stop typing and go take a nap, change positions frequently, go to drs appts, etc. Additionally, there is the psychological effects of still "contributing" to society. I cannot imagine not being able to do anything at all. I think I would become depressed.

Like Allen, I enjoyed my job tremendously and was really excited about the career change I had made 1 1/2 years prior to diagnosis. I had plans to go back to school and get another degree but in interior design. I had so much to look forward to. Then, I stopped walking and started falling all over the place. Things got worse from there and have slowly started getting better.

Vonn - You go girl! What you are doing is awesome!

Hi everyone else! I hope you all have a good day and good weekend.

Happy B-day Jim!

Oh yeah - Happy Birthday, Jim!!! Hope you have a wonderful day! Sandy - is there enough room on the cake for ALL of those candles? Is a 1/2 sheet cake going to be big enough? LOL.

Today would have been my brother's 50th birthday! It is a bittersweet day for me as it has been only a year since he passed away (8 days before his 49th).

Well, I don't want to get into any type of aggression over this because this thread is about supporting each other. All I was saying was I don't think we should be questioning anyone's ability to work or not. Just because one can do something like a hobby or what not doesn't mean one can commit to a full or part time job. I was one of those who did suggest mums the word about the corp because SS could see that as an ability to work. I agree on that.

It was just my opinion and Carolina there is no reason to get so upset that you want to go away. Don't go away because of this. I just think when we start to question each other or one's medical caretakers on our ability to work or what not it creates hurt feelings and aggression. It's stressful enough to have to stop work. I know, my mom just lost her job and was denied SSDI but was able to pick up widows pension. It's nowhere near her full salary she used to make and is now in income based housing. Believe me that she wants to work but can't and it kills her. Honestly, we really don't know each other well enough to even be talking about whether one can work or not.

I am not going to comment anymore on this as it is only creating tension and I am too blessed to be stressed. everyone!

Aww, Tricia, I'm so sorry. Those anniversaries can creep up on us and really hurt. I know you miss your brother. Maybe you can do something today in his honor....like prepare his favorite food or get his favorite flavor of ice cream as a treat for you and the girls.

Sandy, I'll try to find the video for you. If I can't I'm sure one of my boys can.....

Trish, special for you today. I like Kitty's idea of honoring him by cooking something in his memory or just doing something that reminds you of him.

Here's the video of that Olympic weight lifter breaking his arm. Poor guy....he worked so hard and then this happens.



http://www.comegetyousome.com/video/...,graphic).html

That poor boy! You could see how he started going back and then snap! OUCH!

Happy Birthday Jim I hope your day is a great one, what do you think too many candles?

Ok I wasn't going to post today...but now I am....I appreciate everyones insight into the SSDI thing, I am stuck appealing an ALJ decision there isn't anything mroe I can do but wait and if I have to go to work to support the kids I know that I am only going to lose my case for sure. But NOONE is leaving! Carolina don't make me go get my chain and tie you down! I agree I too have questioned whether Vonn would be jeopardizing her SSDI and have told her that! Now lets all just have a mojito and Chilllllllllll