RSD and Social Security - Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Message Board

chicubs · 08-13-2008, 10:41 PM

Hi everyone! Hope you are all doing well tonight!
I have a question for anyone who is collecting social security because of their RSD. I had applied for social security around March. In the beginning of June they sent me these other forms to fill out because they said they wanted more information about me. Today (Aug. 13th) I received another letter from social security stating that they wanted me to see one of their doctors on Sept. 9th. They said in the letter that the reason they wanted me to see their doctor was for a memory test and a mental health examination. They did not say anything about me seeing this doctor for a physical or any kind of physical examination. As a matter of fact the doctor I am seeing I believe is a psychiatrist because after the doctors name it has the following letters PSYD. Or do those letters mean a different abbreviation for something else? I also need to bring along with me someone that is very familiar with my condition and how if effects me. I am going to take my husband with me.
My question is; has anyone else ever had to do this? If so what should I look forward to as far as the examination goes and the memory testing?
I already know that I suffer from terrible short term memory. I used to do our bills but I had to stop when I was forgetting to pay some of them! And as far as my emotional well being, well let's just say that "it ain't what it used to be"!! I am so used to being in control of my life and now I have to wait and see how I feel each morning before I can even decide what I will be able to do that day. I guess teaching for 22 years made me feel I made a difference in someone's life. Now I'm not too sure about that. Sure I know that I make a difference in my family's life. But I guess I felt too important for too many years. That may sound egotistical but I knew when I was teaching that I was doing something to help a person to make better choices in their lives. It felt good to feel important. Perhaps that is why my fall from grace has hit me so hard.
Well if anyone has had experience with Social Security I sure would appreciate your wisdom on what I can expect from here on out. Thank you very much.
May your day be healthy and Happy

,
Chris

RoseinSanDiego · 08-14-2008, 12:03 AM

Chris,
I haven't applied for SSI/SSD yet, but I cannot believe they are making you see one of their docs for a memory test and mental health exam. My short term memory is shot -- It angers me that they're requesting a mental health exam, because most people in medicine know that RSD is a very real, disabling condition.
I have a question -- Does anyone wear a Medic-alert bracelet/necklace? I was just wondering what people's opinion was on this issue cuz sometimes I think I should get one. The medication we take just wreeks havoc on our brains and stuff. Just dealin with the medication stresses me out at times. I wish you good luck when you go to the doctor. I hope that whoever sees you understands what you go through, and I'm hoping all works out for you with you getting the disability benefits. I've heard it can be a stressful and lengthy process so be strong.
Take good care,
Deb

jessemom · 08-14-2008, 12:10 AM

Hi Chris,
I'm just about done with the SSD process...waiting for a final decision. I saw two Dr's...one for the physical exam and one for psychological. I read somewhere (probably on this board) if you're prescribed narcotics, mood-stabilizers or anti-depressants of any kind they scheduled you to meet with the Psychologist. Or, Psychiatrist...I'm not even sure what he was?? And, I also read that most SSD applicants with severe pain are scheduled for a Psych consult.

I met with the Dr very briefly. We discussed my emotional state...he asked if I was sad (that's an understatement) and he did a short-term memory test ... asked me to repeat increasingly long series of numbers ... forward then backward!! Let's just say I got through most of the forward number series, but when it came to repeating them backwards, I was lost!!

It wasn't a bad experience (except for the wait - 3 hours!), but I did feel that it was a bit rehearsed and rushed. I can understand because they do this all day, every day and they know what they're looking for. My short-term memory is pretty much shot! I think it's a combination of RSD, meds and not being as mentally active as I was when I worked 60 hours a week. I try to do the NY Times crossword puzzle on Fri, Sat & Sun. I find it helps but it's not the same as working every day.

I completely understand what you mean when you say your "fall from grace". I want to be needed, respected and recognized again. I was at the top of my game when RSD slammed me to the ground 2 1/2 yrs ago. I try not to dwell on it, but I just can't believe what's happened to me. I feel unimportant now, too. I guess my job defined me more than I realized and I'm having a very hard time with it. I loved getting up early, going to work, putting in 12 hours and getting up the next day to do it all over again. Yesterday, I was thinking about how I'd be starting the budget process for 2009 (my favorite time of year) ...IF I was working. It really made me sad. I miss the action

Please let us know how it goes....GOOD LUCK!!
Vicki

sharon1030 · 08-14-2008, 06:02 PM

Hi Guys,

Deb, I have a medical ID bracelet because I have Type 1 diabetes so I added RSD for good measure

. There are some great sites online that have really pretty ones that you can hardly tell (from afar) are medical IDs. The one I have now has the plate with the medical symbol and on beads that make up the bracelet are my niece and nephew's names. If you do a search for "medical ID bracelets," I think you'll find some great sites.

Sharon