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.

I do see a psychologist. I don't know that it is helping....but I do go. If anything it he helps me realize that I am not "looney" as so many people have said. It really is about support.

I have the same bouts of anger, sadness...and often times not certain of what about.

I would suggest a psychologist who deals with TBI/PCS

Since you did work recently, it might make your SSDI approval a bit more difficult.

It might qualify as a "Unsuccessful Work Attempt". This link will explain: http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/res...rk-attempt.htm

Most attorneys will not represent you until you've accumulated some potential back pay (if you listed your Alleged Onset Date going back a few years, you might have 7 or 8 months potentially already...) but a non-attorney SSDI rep might be willing to work with you right away. Allsup generally has a good reputation, but you might want to see if you can find someone locally--often former SS employees make good representatives.

http://www.allsup.com/

I disagree with LIT LOVE almost 100% other than the Unsuccessful Work Attempt. MTBI based SSDI can be a long slow process, even with an attorney so by the time the ALJ hears the case, plenty of back pay has accumulated. It took well over a year to get the hearing. Almost three years to the day from first application to approval. The maximum SSDI attorney fee is usually based on only 18 to 24 months of disability. My attorney earned her maximum fee from only 16 months of back pay. Because we were well past her maximum fee based on back pay, she did not fight for a higher benefit that I deserved. Getting me a better benefit would not have earned her a penny more. I got stiffed for thousands more in back pay and $150 a month more in permanent benefit.

Goldenwillow, I am seeing a psychologist for the first time tomorrow morning per my doc's recommendation. I am unsure what I expect out of it...but feel nervous. I am hopeful it will help to talk about my fears, frustrations, etc, but not sure how I feel about talking to a complete stranger about them. I know I'm talking fairly openly with strangers on this site, which is abnormal for me, but it's not the same...

Thank you everyone for your replies.

..........