[Warbler]

Hi everyone:

I've been receiving SSDI for 7 years for bipolar disorder. I am currently undergoing Continuing Disability Review, I had to fill out the long form. I had a telephone call a few weeks ago from a person reviewing my claim asking why I took a particular medication and I faxed her a report I had from 2011 where the consulting psychiatrist recommended the medication; my current psychiatrist prescribes it.

I just got a phone message that I have an appointment with Social Security's doctor on August 1 and I will receive a letter with all the details. Have no idea if this appointment is with a psychiatrist, psychologist, or what.

In any case, I wonder if my husband should go with me? He often observes that I am agitated or anxious or depressed when I might answer that I'm fine...obviously he sees changes in my behavior when I don't.

I'm really worried about losing my benefits. I see my psychiatrist only 15 minutes per appointment every few months...you can't find a doctor in my area who can give you more time. At my last psychiatrist appointment a few weeks ago I was trying to describe to him that I often feel sedated late into the morning. He said, "Well if it goes on for more than 2 hours, that's a problem." I said, "I'm talking not being able to get going until noon" and he said something as he was walking me out the door. I really fear his medical records will hurt me. I tell him things, but after this last appointment, I wonder if he really listens...he starts at 8am and sees patients in 15-minute time slots all day.

If anyone has any thoughts on what I might expect from this doctor's appointment, or anything else, I would greatly appreciate it...so nervous.