Mental status examination????? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

angeles0209 · 12-07-2008, 04:36 PM

I need some advise. I have a doctor's appointment from the social security office for mental exam. What will they be asking or doing during this exam?? This appointment is because I want to received social security benefits due to Multiple sclerosis. Due to many relapse this year I was only able to work at my job for about 3months. Please advise

MSJayhawk · 12-07-2008, 05:26 PM

Put forthright with the doctor. If you have a journal, bring it to help you explain to the doctor why you can not work. For me, the stress and strain of managing a company taxed my body and left me in disrepair. I was in SoCal when I went on disability. The state of California disability checks lasted until SSDI kicked in for me. I hope you do well.

What did working do for you? Did you operate any equipment that would make safety an issue? The state of California has more stringent accommodation rules than ADA requires.

Mental status will likely determine your cognitive ability to function as well as any physical detriments. Show them what you could do before and after MS. Most of all, do not let it get to you. It is just one piece of red tape you have to get through.

angeles0209 · 12-07-2008, 10:58 PM

Thank you very much for the information. I have all my medical records and a list of my past and present symptoms. I am very tired of being sick. I am 46years old and did not want to give up my job. But, I had to realize that I just could not keep stressing my body out to the point that i would end up in the hospital every 3mos due to MS attacks. I again thank you for the great information.

MSJayhawk · 12-07-2008, 11:25 PM

It is good that you have medical documentation. This should assist your case. I understand what you mean when you said you are sick of being sick.

If stress is hurting you every 3 months, you need to find an alternative for your life. I really understand your not wanting to give up your job. I did not want to give my job up either. However, for me, my family needs me to be as healthy as I could be. I know, too, that I was becoming a liability to my company no matter the intent of my heart and my loyalty to my employees. Disability is not the end of life. I have kept myself busy.

april1848 · 12-08-2008, 04:16 PM

Hello, and welcome. A mental status exam is nothing to worry about--it's probably standard procedure. They will ask questions about your functioning in daily life, basic things like cleaning, cooking, and bathing, and bigger things like working. They may do some memory tests, ask if you know who the president is, and things like that.

Good for you for accepting where you are. You can stay busy in other ways. I work at a non-profit and we have many volunteers who are very important in the running of the company. Some of them only work an hour or two a week, and many are disabled. We love our volunteers, and there are so many ways you can do it, in jobs that interest you. I'm sure you have a lot to contribute. You can also contribute here, helping others who are in your situation, and guiding others thru the disability process, which is difficult. Your abilities are very much needed!