[dollymom]

I had my ALJ hearing on February 4th. I was awarded a favorable bench decision, but I wanted to see it in writing, and couldn't stand the wait for the judge's letter. Woohoo! I just had my hubby check the mail and I received my fully favorable decision in writing. I still won't be able to breathe easy until I receive the award letter and see the money in my account.

I applied in April 2008 with a stop work date of June 2007. The judge awarded my backpay as of June 2007, so I guess I will need to assume the waiting period would make me eligible for payment starting January 2008.

I am 54 years old, suffer from HepC with cirhossis, multiple spinal fusions with degenerative disc disease and stenosis, migraine headaches and hypertension. I pray everyday and thank God for all of my blessings and ask to remain on earth as long as possible. I love my family and friends and don't want to leave them yet. My SSDI money will make things much easier for me and my family. I feel blessed.

I worked for 33 years before having to quit work due to my debilitating illness. I am so glad I paid into the system and am now able to reap the benefit of the insurance at the time I need it the most. I hope everything goes through as stated in the letter, but I will have to just wait and see. Hopefully, this stressful waiting period will end soon!

[plgerrard]

That is wonderful news.

It is great to be approved. But don't you wish you had your health instead? I sure do.

[dollymom]

You are absolutely right. I would love to have my health and my pre-disability life back. I earned great money while working, and the SSDI will only pay a small fraction of my previous earnings; however, that is better than nothing.

The thing I miss most is the social life I had before I got to where I am today. My hubby and I used to raise and show horses, as well as ride often. We had to give up that hobby due to my inability to participate, which in turn removed me from that social circle. We also used to work out, and my hubby would compete in amateur body building. He still works out, but I can't do that with him any longer, so he still works out, but doesn't compete, which removed us from that social circle. Additionally, our bowling is out, and we don't see that social circle either. I do have a few close friends, and of course my family who visit me, but I sure so miss getting up and going places!

I always complained about getting up every weekday and having to get ready to go to work...now I would gladly do it with no complaints if I could have that back again. You never know what you will miss until it is gone. I'm trying to find some enjoyable things to occupy my time...so far the only thing is a little computer use and reading. Those things I can do from my recliner or bed, but even that is boring. My hubby took me to a casino back in July of last year, but that was a flop because I couldn't sit in the gambling chairs for very long because of my back, can't drink because of my liver, and the smoke gave me the worst headache. I guess it was all for the best, because I really didn't have much money to waste in a casino, but if I would have had a comfortable chair, I sure would have tried to play for awhile. As much fun as it was to get out and about a bit, I was so happy to get back home to my personal comfort zone.

I feel really bad for my hubby and I tell him to go ahead and go places without me, but he won't. I am trying to get him to go golfing a few times a week, just so he isn't housebound like me. He does work, but that is not the same as getting away for some fun now and then. The best way for me to get through this "change of life," is by getting closer to God. Faith and prayer really make a difference to me.

[finz]

Congrads Dolly !

[plgerrard]

I know what you mean by your personal comfort zone. I rarely leave the house. About the only excursions out are for doctor visits. My husband does all the shopping, because I can't be on my feet for more than 10-15 minutes, and crowds of people tend to make my balance problems worse.

I was never one to watch much TV, but finally purchased a TV for our bedroom, and Netflix has become my new BFF. I was one of those obnoxious Type A personalities that was constantly on the go. I never visioned myself as someone who could actually find enjoyment by sedately sitting on my porch bird watching, but that has become my new passion.

We live in the country overlooking a river, so have been able to attract a wide variety of birds to our feeders. We have photographed 54 different species, and our favorite time of year is just around the corner - the babies. The birds are so accustomed to us that they will bring their babies to the porch rail to feed them. And they let us walk right up on them to watch.

When my sister visited last year she was like a wide-eyed child, and couldn't believe it when I told her to just walk slowly to the rail for a better look. She spent the rest of the night grinning, giggling and shaking her head.

Wow, where did all that come from - my new passion.