At what point to you think you need disability ins? - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

lifeonhold2003 · 06-27-2003, 11:50 AM

I had been had a job for 21 years before I decided to resign due to ongoing pain and no diagnosis. I worked for 5 mos. prior to making this decision. I took short-term disability 2 times; however, you can only do this so many times without a diagnosis. Between this and missed days in between, I felt like my days were numbered. I now have no paycheck and am paying the high rates for Cobra ins. My husband has ins., but not knowing what was wrong at the time, I felt it was best to stay with my policy which was better.

Everyone kept telling me I should sign up for disabilty benefits in the meantime; however, I didn't dream I would still be in such pain after surgery and still be unable to work.

Now I'm sitting here with a mound of bills related to surgery and I'm still unable to work. My NS says it is just going to take time to heal. Yeah, but how much time?

Any thoughts on whether I would be a candidate for benefits at this point?

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AKA: Julie

4/23/03 - Anterior Cervical Discectomy w/Fusion C5/6 - donor bone with titanium plate, 4 screws, no collar post-op

cardinal · 06-27-2003, 01:32 PM

Well, I am dealing with dis ins now. At what point do you need it? well as long as your unable to work! Everyones pain is different. I have put up with mine for 20 yrs or more. Finally herniated so bad, couldnt't walk etc. got diagnosed had surgery L5 removed. Kept going, got worse, had C 5-6-7 herniated. I lived with the pain, so pain now is not new. But it is up in cervical and lumber too much for me to bear. I have had it! I need disability! Yes I can walk and talk and do some errands, but work 8-10 hr days no way, and part time, well I would lose my job ( I am in sales_ the dis co wants me back p/t but I can not deal with the pain and make sales calls. I have arthritis of the spine, bulging discs and the herniated ones removed withfusion. Be prepared for hell from the dis people, they get paid for turning people down not helping. You have to justify your pain, even though it is in black and white! Now they have added to my existing depression hmm another disability... I will fight to the end! They try to make you feel like your abusing the system, well only you know that, so if in fact your hurt go get em! I refuse to let the services my company paid big bucks for go unused when needed! They are messing with the wrong girl! I've worked since I was 15 now 47, raised 2 kids, divorced 3#, cancer scare, hysterectomy, cysts removed, kidney problems, infeftions, depression, financial woes, job loss, moving, selling homes, parents death, etc I can handle this ins company! bring it on! cj