Hi everyone! :wave: I have a serious question and I need advice. I know many of you have been to the SS docs in order to be examined before they determine your case. Well, I just got the letter today, August 21st, to tell me that I have one of "those" appointments at 7:15 a.m. on Sept. 7th. My God could they pick an earlier time?! One good thing, I'm in the most pain in the early morning. But I would like all the advice I can get as to what I should or shouldn't do for this so called examination. I have heard horror stories from some of you all, and I don't want to mess this up. I am just re-filing now, as they lost my whole stinkin' file that I submitted in January! So, I'm counting on you, my friends, to give me your advice. My SS claim is based on: Fibromyalgia, Depression, Chronic Back Pain (herniated lumbar disc at L3-4 and L4-5, and an annular tear at the L4-5 level as welll as Foraminal stenosis in the lumbar spine.) Radicular pain. Cervical spine spondylosis, cervical disc bulging at C6-7 and bilateral Foraminal stenosis at C6-7 resulting in cervical Radiculopthy. (all that was from my doc's diagnosis and I have no idea what some of that even means, but it sounds good!) Also, on my application is the condition of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Should I take my MRI from my lower back with me, the results from the Cervical MRI and carpal tunnel test? Should I take my pain doc's diagnosis with me? Should I take my meds? HELP!
My God, I'm 45 screaming for help like a baby. Oh well, if my mother were alive I'd be calling for my mommy! LOL
Okay guys, go to work, I'm counting on you. I have to cancel a mammogram that I have put off for 5 years to go to this stinkin' appointment.

Thanks bunches,
tk

For the most part, everyone who applies needs to see one of their doctors. It's nothing major, it's more like taking a physical. They look you over, see how well you gate (walk), check your joints and ask a few questions. The only thing is for some people they come out of there in pain from all the little things they make you do so have someone come with you if you are prone to severe pain after activity.

As far as I know and PB can confirm, you do not take any xray's or reports to them, they are not there to diagnose you. You will just want to be sure that SS gets copies of those reports.

Just be yourself and be honest, if it hurts it hurts. Everyone gets nervous that's normal but it's certainly nothing to fear

Hi TK!

Sorry, I didn't see your post til now!

I just went thru this last week. If you're talking about a physical exam, mine lasted 3 hours, it was grueling, but the good news is the SS dr. was very kind. If he did something (like with my legs) that increased the pain, he would stop immediately and actually apologize. Most of the three hours was spent with tons and tons and tons of questions. He did do the gait test (several times) and at one point, realized I was having severe pain from sitting so long, that he twice let me take a break. I can only sit for a few minutes at a time. I thought that was real nice of him. Another thing that took up the three hours, was he actually wrote his progress notes down while I was there. If he had waited and done that after I left, I would only have been there about 2 hours. By the time he finished with his notes, it looked like a large novel. LOL! I will admit he was very thorough.

TK, I was so fearful of this exam and expected the dr. to be a real jerk, but he wasn't. I have no idea whether he helped with my case or not but he was actually very personable and patient. The letter I received informing me of my appt stated on it to take your regular meds as prescribed before the exam. So definitely take whatever pain med you're allowed before the exam. But you also don't want the pain meds to disguise your symptoms too much either.

Hope this helps. I don't think most people who go thru this type of exam has to endure 3 hours worth. Like I said it would only have been about 2 hours if he hadn't done his progress notes while I was there, and then most of the exam was just lots of questions about what I can and can't do.

Good luck with your appt! Linda

I did that over a year ago and was approved for SSDI. The most important thing is not to be all chatty, sometimes nerviousness can come out in being super friendly and if you suffer from depression, the Dr. will say you appear to be stable. Definately have someone take you if possible

Hello, Just to let you know that I recently went through this appt. also.
Don't be nervous,it's not that bad. It probably different in every state,but here in Ky. it was a joke. I t was like a cattle call. Waited for hours and when I did get to see the Doc, it took all of 10min. She tested my reflexes made me walk on my toes,etc. If she asked me to do something that I knew I couldn't or shouldn't do I said"Ican't do that." Be honest but tell it like it is! Show them how you feel on your worst day. No makeup, No heavy purse, Take someone with you.
Had my approval within 15 days-- Hope this helps

Carky56