Has anyone with FMS filed for & received Social Security Disability Benefits? I am just uncertain of my future with this illness.Although I've been out of work for 4 1/2 weeks for surgery and ,due to return after the 6th week (and looking forward to it), I know how hard it is on me. I've considered other types of work but I havent been able to come up with anything that won't be hard to deal with. The job I have now allows me to do a variety of things through out the day, so I'm not sitting, standing,lifting or walking to long, but get a variety of all. I'm just unsure of how long I'll be able to hold out? With a mortgage, and other bills that need my income to support I have no choice but to suffer through it all,no matter how bad it gets. I guess I just worry about loosing it all. Sorry dont mean to sound Whiney, & no I dont need any Cheese. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif , Just curious to find other options if it gets to that point.

thanks,
Nature

Dear Nature: I have been thru all of the procedures to get disability, got it and learned something on the way. HIRE A DISABILITY ATTY right off. They only earn a fee if you win and are limited by law to the per centage of the initial settlement they can take. In your final interview with the psychologist do not act to chipper or limber or pick up his pencil that rolls to the ground(no joke). If you are turned down the first time, don't worry: most people are. I got it on the 2nd appeal. Best wishes, Al

Hi nature,

Sounds like Al knows his stuff on this one!!

You may also want to go search for my old post on working from home and start thinking about something you might be able to do from home ('specially since you already have a computer). I've been lucky and have been able to work from home and make my own schedule. I work when I have my highest energy levels (evening) and I take time off whenever I want, I have a minimum of "have to do" things, most can be delayed a day or so. You can also usually choose the amount of work you want to do, either just enough for some extra spending money or to cover the groceries, right up to a full time job but with flexible hours. If you have young kids, it also saves a fortune on daycare costs!

Thanks to both of you for your replies. I will be considering both, all though I'm not quite sure what I could do at home with my computer. I will still be looking for ideas. Thanks again.
Nature

i'd check into how much you'd get on disability. i did and mine would only amount to about 600. per month. how could i live on that.