Hi, Ive never done this before so please bear with me. I'm 38 yrs. old and live in Ohio. I filed for disability and ss in Dec. of 2006 after falling in our home and broke my left tibia/fibula and tore a muscle. I had surgery done where a plate and screws were placed in my leg/knee. Couldn't do therapy until late April 07 I think and was told in May of same year, that was all they could do for me. I found out also during my recovery in the nursing home for rehabilitation of injury within hours of each other, that I have glaucoma and high blood pressure. I also have edema in both of my legs and I think the plate has slipped down right above my ankle. During my recovery process, I was diagnosed with depression and given meds on top of what I was already taking. All of this was in the file at my hearing and since I couldn't for the life of me get a lawyer to represent me, I went to the hearing without one. The judge was very nice, the hearing seems like it went well. After being denied twice before getting to the hearing stage, my nerves are shot more than usual, I cry now at the drop of a hat and I can't play with or interact with my kids the way I used to. Their father is helping as much as he can, thank goodness but I feel sometimes that I would have been better off if the leg had just been cut off. I say this because I have never felt pain like this before in my life! I can only sit so long and stand so long yet, I have to fight to get something I have worked to pay into since I was 16. I am tired, I am stressed and I am in constant pain. Added onto this, I know must wait for a decision from the ALJ. I miss being the woman I used to be, the mother I used to be and the wife I used to be. I am not asking for sympathy from Social Security, just a little understanding. I'm sorry but I needed to vent I guess. I know waiting on a decision can take forever but, the waiting is getting to me............badly.

Wow! I just started the SSDI filing, so I'm sure I'll go through the same stuff. I do have an attorney who is filing for me with no up-front cost (their fees are regulated by the SSA). I am in constant pain and heavy meds, though my high tolerance to narcotics makes for problems.

I hope your case goes well and you win your claim. Hang in there and remember that your kids need you and that they are a great source for something good in your life amidst your other problems.

Jay

I pray you don't............no one should have to go through anything like this. It may be easier for you since you have an attorney and depending on what state you live in as well. I am trying to hang in there as I know my kids need me but it's so hard at times. I don't understand why SSA feels the need to keep denying me as if I am lying to them about not being able to work anymore. To hear the doctor say that was very hard on me, I've always loved to work. The job I had wasn't medium work as stated in the hearing, I was a STNA. That places a lot of pressure on you both physically and mentally. I miss being able to interact with the people I took care of and the people I worked with. I had plans to finish college but, that will never happen now. The life I once knew ended and this horrific, painful one began. I wouldn't wish what i have been through, still going through (pain and trying to get disability) and more than likely what I will continue to experience on anyone! I wish you the best of luck and truly hope you don't need it as you will be granted disability.

I can only imagine the pain that you've gone through. Wishing you the very best - I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed for you!!

Shez

Thanks for the kind thoughts depressed. I can tell you as a tax accountant for 25 years and running 340 clients in my own practice for the last 10 years, its not an easy task! I don't se how these guys get off telling them that we have easy jobs! I don't know what a STNA is, but it sounds like a demanding job if it has intials. :-) Its like these docs telling you its all in your head when you know there is a problem....its always the easy thing for them to say. Again, I hope you get your win soon and we are routing for you!

An STNA is a State Tested Nurse Aide. Got my decision today and it was unfavorable. Judge said I did not meet SSA's requirement for disability. Now I have to find an atty., which I hope I can, because I am appealing! Judge said I can do light work which in the Vocational Experts words are: jobs I did like working in fast food. How does either one of them consider that type of job light work? Also, is the judge supposed to make personal opinons in your case? It looks like from what I read that one was made. I was/am hurt and upset but it is slowly turning into being angry beyond all words. If I could work, I would've worked. I don't understand why it's so easy for some people to get disability and so incredibly hard for others. All of the waiting, all of the wondering...........for nothing

Ohio bureau of vocational rehab could help. You can go to their web site..
Ohiobvr to get info,..they'll pay for school...they helped me