[legzzalot]

I am freaking out!! 12 more days and this 2 yr fight will finally be over. My lawyer seems competent enough but he has not prepared me for any of it other than going over my medical records. I have no idea what to expect. I have no idea what questions will be asked.

I know it will be ok. I know it is a slam dunk case, but I am really stressing over it right now.

The fact that the stress has triggered the "manic" side of me is not helping. I swear to you after an hour of discussing all of the crazy things going on in my head, my shrink told me i need a time-out. She told me to run away to a place that allows me to relax.

Of course, the trip to the beach I decided on looks like it is not happening. It is going to be cold and rainy all weekend. Just my luck.

On the plus side, this SSDI thing will son be over. That has been the biggest stressor aside from MS. Once all is said and done I think I will be able to learn to relax again.

[Dejibo]

relax! getting the hearing is the big deal. You have all your medical records? you have all your documents? do you have letters from possible employers saying that they couldn't hire you? You have your daily routine showing your WORST day? Letters from family or friends saying they have watched you struggle and want you to get help? Hugs from us? Its in Gods hands. Breathe, be prepared and then let it all flow.

[legzzalot]

1100 pages of medical records and counting. all of the ssdi requested bs paperwork has been filed appropriately along with my letter which includes how my days typically flow. Statement from PCP, Neuro, and psychologist all stating I am not to return to work because I am physically unable and I have a list of incurable diseases along with proven physical disability.

It will be ok. And I am dragging my mom with me so that she may testify to the pain and emotional and physical disability.

I just wish I knew what was going to be asked of me. I wish I knew what the state rep had to say so that I may offer a counter.

I think the insanity is holding me together right now. I think once it is finally over the floodgates will open and I will breakdown.

Between the hearing, and the kids, and everyone being sick, and the relationship issues with the man and with my family, and the DD's mom showing up, and the neighbors kids practically living at my house...

It's just a LOT to deal with all at one time.

OK, I am going to sit and breathe and visit the ocean in my head.

[karilann]

The judge will ask you questions and you will answer....otherwise the lawyer answers. Plus....if you have all the documentation you talk about, then you will be super okay! I had NONE of much of that. Just my medical records....and I was approved. I think my judge has a family member or close friend with MS cause he seemed to understand the disease. You won't have to explain yourself and don't feel as though you have to "talk the judge into anything". Your records are facts and facts are pretty much what they deal with. There will be a vocational expert there and the judge will ask him/her about how your disease affects your ability to do certain tasks.

I will give you one important tip: We all have physical limitations with MS. But an important answer to many of their questions is....I can't; it exhausts me. I get too tired. I fall asleep a lot.
AND.....don't talk about what you can do.....its all about what you can not do. Talk about EVERYTHING when asked as if you were having your WORST day ever.
They say very few MS cases get denied in court. The biggest issue with filing for the first time is how close are you to age 55. The closer you are (in any disease catagory) the easier it is. I was about 51 for my court date and I was approved quickly. You appear to be MUCH younger but have SOOOO much more documentation than I did. Perhaps your over the top anxiety is also MS related!!!
Breathe!!

[SallyC]

Keeping everything crossed for ya, little one. Go Get 'em.