Mart7

I am sorry for all that you are going through. Like you I had initial success from my microdiscectomy I had in 1999 -- actually I was blessed; because I was painfree until 2003. I have since found out I have DDD, arthritis of the spine, and now a collapsed disc (L-4/L-5 region) and am seeing an orthopedic surgeon and fusion surgery is probable within the next month. Anyway, I am sorry to digress... but I just want you to know I totally can relate to your frustration. Anyway, since you don't qualify for worker's disability (since you are classified as too disabled to work) shouldn't you qualify under SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)? Especially, since you have been classified as too disabled to work ANY job. That is the basic criteria that SSDI is that you are diabled from perfroming any occupation. I have systemic lupus and have had to be on SSDI since 1999. The reality is I left a 15 year career in management due to my illness and have had to rely on SSDI and Long Term Disability; I would have rather been healthy and able to work, but I am grateful to have this to help support my family -- without out it we would have lost so much. Anyway, I wish just curious, (I hope it is okay that I brought this up), but it does seem like you should be eligible for SSDI at this point.) Since I have not had my surgery yet, I am not sure what my outcome will be; however it has to be better then what I am experiencing now -- so I am certainly understandig what you are feeling. I am sure there are a lot of people very knowledgeable about fusion who will have some great input for both of us! You are in my thoughts. Please keep us posted on how you are doing.
-MJ