I just recently applied for SSA and SSI on Oct. 26. So yep, I'mma "baby" to this whole process. The lady who helped us fill out the application was so nice and helpful, I went out of the office really feeling good about the process. I felt kinda bad though, cause I had like 5 or 6 breakdowns, and was crying like a fool. At one point, she even came from behind my desk to bring tissues and hug me for a little bit. (yeah, I'm totally emotional at times).

Three days after filling out the application, I got sent like 6 different manilla envelopes chocked full of forms from the DDS office. Pain Evaluation, Fatigue Evaluation, Headache Evaluation, Function Report, Work History Report, and a DDS Information Sheet. I filled those out and returned them (what a nightmare!!!) It was like life stopped for the time it took to fill them out. I had hubby make copies of the forms before we returned them.

I have read that you are supposed to be honest and as complete as possible in answering the questions, but one of my friends (who is going to law school at the present time) read over my forms and told me I gave them too much information???

I guess I'm so anxious about this that I'm not sure exactly what I have questions about, if that makes sense. I guess one of the questions is.... is it actually possible to give too much information? I mean, I tried to answer them completely when they asked a question, but my problems seem like they merge and blend in together so totally, that its hard discerning where the numbness ends and pain starts. See, I'm a stay at home mom since 2002, so if something starts to hurt, I stop and rest. I rarely reach that 7-10 pain, cause I have the opportunity to take very frequent breaks during the day, to take naps when I feel fatigued, etc.

Any information or opinions would be extremely appreciated. Oh, for the record, my whole goal for SSA/SSI isnt monetary, its all about health insurance. I dont have any at all, so every doctors appointment is comming out of pocket. We've checked into free clinics, and being a rural community, we dont have access to any of those. Closest thing is the health dept. and all they have are Nurses, and a gynecologist that comes in once a month for paps.

Course now, if we win, I'm not saying I'd turn down any money... LOL, mama didnt raise a dummy. But we honestly want the health care, its more important, ya know?

Thanks for listening and for any input, God bless you all!!!!

Dawn