Thinking of applying for disability,what do you think?

[JenEbean]

I am 53 years old. I had a posterior decompression for Arnold-Chiari malformation in 1998. I have fibromyalgia. I had a ACDF of C6-7 in December 2003. Now I have hernations of T6-7 through T10-11. I am in constant pain in my back, shoulders and arms. I am a nurse and not able to do heaving lifting anymore so I switched from hospital nursing to a doctors office. The pace there is so busy that I am exhausted at the end of the day and work in pain every day. Am I wrong to be thinking of disability at this point?

[Kayley]

I don't think you are wrong to be thinking of disability now. I have a similar problem to yours. My herniation is at t6 and t7 also. I have never met another person with my type of herniation and I am curious if your pain wraps around your chest wall? That's what mine does, on the right side. I would go ahead and get the ball rolling on disability, as it can take some time, as you probably already know. Good luck!
Kayley

[sgibson]

I had typed a really long response to this and then the computer gremlins grabbed it.

Basically, I said that if you are still at the point where you can go to work and aren't missing a lot of time, then you still have time to decide. It was almost 3 years from the time my doctors told me to file until I actually quit work and filed. I was missing more time from work than I was there. They knew what was going on and realized that I was going to be leaving in a matter of time. I didn't give a formal notice. I just said "uncle". I can't do this any longer. Pain levels were unbearable even on narcotics. I was always "doped up" when I was there. I was not productive.

You will KNOW when it's time. I realize everyone is not like I am and if you think it's your time, then go with what your body is telling you. Good Luck.

God Bless,
Sherry

[Charlyssa]

Originally Posted by JenEbean

I am 53 years old. I had a posterior decompression for Arnold-Chiari malformation in 1998. I have fibromyalgia. I had a ACDF of C6-7 in December 2003. Now I have hernations of T6-7 through T10-11. I am in constant pain in my back, shoulders and arms. I am a nurse and not able to do heaving lifting anymore so I switched from hospital nursing to a doctors office. The pace there is so busy that I am exhausted at the end of the day and work in pain every day. Am I wrong to be thinking of disability at this point?

Hi Jen -

Ahh, someone who is my exact age...well, are you wrong to be 'thinking of' disability at this point...no. As to whether you actually decide to throw in the towel and file, really depends on your level of pain at this point. Since you are still managing to work, S.S. will look at that as being important, and NOT in your favor, unfortunately. I believe that everyone who eventually quits work, and then files, has reached the end of their work rope and has realized that they just simply can't do it anymore. Only you know if you are at that point right now. I could be wrong, but I don't think you can file for disability while you're still working...at least, I've never heard of that happening. I will say this - like you, I live with chronic pain - from fibromyalgia, DDD, scoliosis, arthritis, and bi-lateral chronic sacroiliitis...there isn't a part of my back that isn't affected by something, and I have arm and leg problems, as well. I went from full time, to part time work, and tried many different things to keep working, but finally gave up. Quit work one day, filed for S.S.D. the next. I was denied twice, despite an array of problems, appealed, asked for a hearing, handled my case without a lawyer, and won. So, if and when you do decide you can no longer tolerate working, I think that, you too, stand an excellent chance of winning. Good luck to you!!

Char

[JenEbean]

Thanks for the replies. I was thinking the same thing that as long as I am working I will get turned down. I have good days and bad ones, more bad but I work through the pain. In my job we are only allowed to call in 6 times a year and then we are written up. There is a process that they go through with verbal, written warnings, suspension then firing. They are pretty strict so I rarely call in due to pain because of this. I have actually gone to the bathroom and cried from the pain many times. I will talk with my neurosurgeon tomorrow also.

Kayley, my pain is mainly in between my shoulder blades, in my shoulder and around the rib area but in between the shoulder blades is the worst. I keep hearing from the docs how rare it is to get a herniation in the thoracic area, yeah, well not for me evidently.