Good idea to see the eye dr. I had not thought of that. My son associates night time with being at home so really, that is what we do

We do not have much in the ways of support for care for our son. I can count on 1 hand how many times my son has been with friends of ours or a babysitter. Usually we hang out with those friends as well. Working on that and school has been a good step. Our extended family does not live locally but when they visit we do take time to take a hike on our own.
We live rurally due to my dislike of living in town, prefer the country. I have been looking for a young adult close to us whom would be a good fit for my son. He does watch dvds but I typically get things done, however, understanding the importance to rest much more these days and we as a family are learning to adjust to this new knowledge of my TBI.

I opened my account for ssdi last month. Got overwhelmed with the application and stopped. Received a letter from them stating they will deny my claim if I do not complete by the 25th of this month. I made it through the printed application a couple days ago and completed my written letter of my ability to function this morning.

I went into my local ss office last Friday to talk about my neuropsyc report not being available until the 30th and what a horrible experience. I took a # and sat down until I was called. Every other person waiting was called over a microphone and was listed on the tv screen. My # was called by his voice and I realised that on his 2nd call. I said I just had a question about the 25th date due to my report not getting to me yet and he immediately started talking about what they needed from me, completed app and the release... just sign that. We are here to help, can we help.... I have pulled up your app and see you, are a working person... hummm... you have worked... kept talking and talking about the process and again how he was there to help me but he wouldn't let me speak. So when he was done I asked about the date and explained my report was to come after that.... he went into that I have had plenty of time to complete. I started to get overwhelmed, heart racing and began to tear up a, little and said, I wasn't being disrespectful, I thought I had more time to complete. He told me to compose myself and that he received a message from someone in the back that there was problem with our supposid conversation, he was doing all the talking, and if I wanted help with the application there was someone to help, said that over and over until I agreed to the help. Sat down at window 6... go to window 6, again, go to window 6 and she'll meet you there. So I went to window 6, metal shutter rolls up and was given a pen. She asked if I wanted her to file online for me because I was writing too slow. I asked if she would be able to print out the app she typed when we we done and said no. I decided to continue writing it out on my own and was told again I was taking too much time. It was not busy in the office, 5 or so people waiting so I clearly was not in the way. I told her thank you and that I was not comfortable and would complete at home, then I left.

My gosh. I felt bullied. All I wanted to ask was if I was right on having more time to complete. That is it.

I have all my Dr.'s reports except the final from my neuropsyc eval. I emailed my neuropsuchologist Monday requesting I hope to receive it by the 25th deadline. Would like to submit all together, however, if I do not receive in time, will submit all I have by the 25th and walk the rest in when in hand.

Amazing.

I'm sorry you have had this kind of a journey. Stinky deal!

I have had two neuro psych done. THey often schedule two days for people to do it so that they can take the breaks they need in order to complete it. It will give a good window on how much is related to PTSD...and how much is related to brain function. It doesn't...however, explain balance things...or convergence insufficiency.

So...good for you to have one done... use it as a tool...no matter what the outcome of it is. Do you best to be open about the results so that you can get the best care possible!

Cheers!
Kat

Oh, I feel so bad for you. SS is supposed to treat you better. It appears they do not understand or have people with neurological issues very often. You should be able to call them on the phone if you have questions. Maybe that would be better than the commotion of the SS office. You can always have a SSDI attorney handle the application for you. Their fees are limited by SS regulations.

My best to you.

Thank you for the support Mark. I felt like a whiner after posting that ssi post, which I usually do not feel that I am one.
I sat at the beach today and closed my eyes for a while, felt good. I am ready for the next step of this journey. Moving forward, never straight.

Also, I am grateful I didn't have 2 days of testing KateRN. Glad I got to knock it out in 1 day!

Goldenwillow, I just noticed that you are from the PNW. Me too! Whereabouts are you? I'm in WA. I haven't contacted my local group but plan to soon. This online forum thing and support group stuff is very strange to me too as I am not usually someone who asks for help, lets others in easily and I don't like being vulnerable. I am learning to adjust so many things in my life as I'm sure everyone with a TBI discovers.

Google "brain injury Washington" and you will find a number of web sites with information about support groups and other services in Washington state.

I turned in my application yesterday. It feels good to have that part of the process behind me. I turned it in, in person. I asked if there was any type of confirmation that I did so and the woman signed a # slip (the one you get when you check in ) and said her "John Hancock is all you need because my name is known around here". Alrighty. I had everything except my neuropsychological evaluation report which I am still eagerly awaiting. Supposed to receive by months end, which seems cannot come soon enough. The SSI woman said to just bring it in when received.

Waiting.

Do any of you see a psychologist? Maybe this is too forward of a question?

I am finding while waiting for my results and understanding the intensity of my injuries I am very saddened and angry. Any particular specialty to look for? I assume there are TBI specialists, off to look in to after posting.

Sorry if someone has suggested this already. I am learning the severities of my accident and how the ER Dr.'s did not explain the possible seriousness of this 6 years ago.

There were many writings of our accident where I fractured C6, C7 and had a subarachnoid hemorrage and now... learning about he TBI diagnosis. Apparently, the glass that broke between my head and the roof of my rig stopped the hemorrage, saving my life.

goldenwillow,

Have you asked the NeuroPsych who did your NP Assessment ? If he does not offer counseling, he may have some good referrals.