7+yrsi dont know if i could do it either.if all this time your wife has been supporting you.i guess thats how "SSDI"see's it.also there are a lot of people out of work now and there unemployment has run out.so alot of them are trying to apply for that to.

Don showed were you were posting on NT. Don't give up. Your age does work against you, but it isn't impossible. I was 54 when my neck gave way. It took me 4 years, and lots of heart ache. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Get more opinions, and doctors writing personal letters like that. My PCP was the one who got the judge to pay attention. All my best to you. ginnie

this whole "ssdi" is a "nitemare"and a half.the mental and physical strain is unbearable.as my sister "ginnie"can test to that.and as well as you..everyone situation is a little different,but some what to a point similar.its a tough fight.but you have to keep trying.we know how you feel .we have been there and here for you

I was recently turned down, seems I am not disabled even though my job requires me to drive to get to my jobs and I can't drive because of medications, I have since been diagnosed with a few other medical conditions and got them into the appeal, but seriously, I can't for the life of me figure out the system. I have an abdominal aortic dissection, I shouldn't even be here, but I am not entitled to money that I have worked for just a bit earlier than I planned? I filed for an appeal, what a nightmare that was, 6 hours online!

I would relly consider Good luck.

Better to start a new thread. You don't only have to prove you're not capable of doing your current job, but any job.

If you can get a SSD lawyer to help you file your appeal. That would be the best way to go. Also keep a journal and copies of all your medical records. The process is long (you already found that out) and horrible to go through. An Attorney can keep things moving along a bit better than an individual. Almost nobody tries to do it themselves. If you can ask your doctors to write a personal letter to the aj judge, this can help your case as well. What my PCP wrote, was what got me another look by the judge. It took me four years to qualify. I wish you all the best Donna. ginnie

This is my second appeal to the appeals council, and I have had a lawyer the whole time, my doctor did write a letter to the judge. It has been almost four years. You signed off best wish's Donna, I am bret, you must have gotten confused. Thank you for your reply.

Sorry Bret, I tend to confuse things at times. It's in my nature. I do hope you can get disability. I was turned down three times, and it wasn't fun any of those times. Just keep up with the effort you are doing. Bret, it is a very hard thing to go through, just stay strong and hopeful. I don't get alot from disability as I became disabled to young. However I do get medical care, which up until that point was next to impossible. I had pre-existing conditions and never qualified for health insurance. So.... that long road to get disability had to go forward. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. ginnie

^^^this type of confusion is why it would be better for Donna (and polite to Bret) to start her own thread.