okay heres my problem, i have my hearing on 4-13-05 and i am wondering if anyone knows if there are people out there that work for SS watching me. i am so paranoid that i don't want to go anywhere because i feel if i make any kind of wrong move i will get denied. as it is i am unable to do much and still i feel that there is someone taping me. does anyone know anything about this, maybe to ease my mind just a little.
well thanks and i hope everyone has a great Easter!!!!!!!!!! : : :D

Hi,

I am not sure why you applied for SS Disability but this would make a big difference in what they might be looking for. I have Meniere's disease and life threatening allergic reactions along with some secondary problems.
When I applied for SSDI, I was very honest in that I do have some good days. They are definitely far less than my bad days- but on my good days, I do as much as I can and try to live. On my bad days, I can't get out of bed and do anything. I might make it as far as the couch or the bathroom.
I suffer from a disease (Meniere's) which is virtually invisible. People have no clue what is going on with you on the outside- but on the inside- your body is spinning, it feels as if you are going to pass out, you fall easily, your affected ear rings horribly loud and there is so much pressure in that ear that you want to stab it with a knife and then there is the nausea and vomiting that sometimes accompany the spells.
As I said, I included a letter with my application stating all of this. I explained that my symptoms are totally unpredictable and wouldn't allow for employment anywhere. Spells can last several days at a time and then they are followed by horrible lethargy in which I can not do much and certainly can't function for 8 hours.

I hope this helps some

thank you so much for your reply. i am so sorry you are feeling so bad.
i actually have fibromyalgia, major depression and anxiety. i really can't do much anymore because i am always in pain. my 5yr old son has to help me do everything, bless his little heart. do you think a letter will help? i started writing one but wanted to ask my atty first to see what they thought. let me know.
i am guessing that you were granted, that is so great. right now i have been waiting 2 1/2 yrs and it has been quit difficult to live this way.

thank you so much

robin

Hi,

The most important thing is to be honest. What the claims investigators are looking for are those that complain of severe back pain to the point that they can't work- but then find them out doing intense lifting and yard work, or those that say they can not work due to nerve issues in their legs- but they are outside running or jumping on the trampoline.
I was very fortunate in that I had extensive medical documentation of my symptoms before I ever had a diagnosis. It sure wasn't fortunate during that time though- as I thought I was actually dying and truly if the allergic component hadn't been discovered- I would have. The symptoms I have are horrible and unpredictable- but they are easier to tolerate in that at least I know what I am going through now- and know that it might take a week, but I will get another few good days down the road. As- I said, I live for those good days. I greatly miss my career and working with my patients and families but I am learning to just cherish the good days (when they are given to me) to spend with my husband and son.
My advice is to just be honest- but don't minimize your symptoms either. They need to fully understand what a bad day is like for you and why it doesn't allow you to work.

thank you so much for your reply and sharing your story with me. i understand better. i miss working too. i worked at an internal med office for geriatric pts.
i loved my pts too. i miss my time to be with my friends at work.

thank you so much for you advice and i hope you are having a great easter.
robin