SSDI

[Guest guest]

I applied for social security after my second surgery due to pain and the damage

done to my cord. I was denied the first time, so I retained a lawyer who filed a

reconsideration and I was denied for that (84% of people are denied the first

and second time). My lawyer has now filed an appeal and we are waiting for them

to make a decision on it. It takes a long time, and I would recommend a lawyer

the first time you file. From what I have been told it is virtually impossible

to get benefits without someone fighting for you. I have been out of work since

March and am hoping some good news come soon. Good luck to you.

To: tetheredspinalcord

From: lilacs007@...

Date: Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:51:53 -0700

Subject: Re: SSDI

I'm sure people will be chiming in with more information, but from what I

have seen written - most people get a lawyer to help them, that way they have a

higher chance of qualifying the first time.

That sounds frustrating.. If you did go on disability through work why would you

not be able to come back and work if things didn't work out?

Maybe consult an attorney, the consultation should be free, and you can get some

answers pertaining to your specific situation.

All the best

Subject: SSDI

To: tetheredspinalcord

Date: Tuesday, October 11, 2011, 7:09 AM

I have read a few posts about going on disability. Has anyone with TCS here

ever been accepted for assistance? I have severe pain continuously, but because

I am my sole support, I just push through the pain to keep working. I don't

think I can do it much longer. But since no one can feel your pain, and can't

really understand what we go through, I am scared to try. Because, of course,

you can't work while you wait for approval. That would just prove, in their

eyes, that you are not too disabled to work. I would have to go on short term

disability at work and apply and hope and pray. But, if I wasn't able to get

SSI or SSDI, I would be out of luck with no job and no money. Sorry for the

whinny tone, but I'm nearing the breaking point. Any suggestions about applying

for assistance would be appreciated. Thanks, Patsy

[Guest guest]

Hi Patsy,

I have been on SSDI since about 1990. However, the first time I applied for it I

was denied and I was devastated and I did not appeal the decision within the

allowed time ( to be approved and payment would be retroactive to your first

application). I was suffering from depression and took the rejection personally

and couldn't make myself go through the appeal process in time. Obviously I did

reapplied and was approved. During the time between my SSDI denial and my

reapplying I learned that 25 to 30% of all applications are automatically denied

before they are even read. So its important to appeal immediately.

Also, I was still half in denial about TCS and not being able to work so I

minimized the extent of my problems. It is really important to tell the truth,

the whole truth about how TCS effects your life. List everything you can't do or

things that increase your pain. And not just the physical things you can't do

like bending, sweeping, sitting, walking etc. but also include the decline of

the quality of your life. For example: when you can't work your self esteem may

diminish, you may not be able to visit with family and friends due pain while

driving and so you become isolated, you may suffer from anxiety and depression

due to no/low income and being isolated. If you are incontinent you can add how

embarrassing it is and how that perpetuates the anxiety, depression, self

esteem. TCS can also effect your sex life and all your relationships, family,

friends, so don't be afraid to include that.

You can email me if you need more info. I'll be glad to help you through the

process.

Sue

[Guest guest]

Hello

I have applied for disability in FEB.....I was denied once becuase SSA thought I

was working full time, however I have not worked at all since my last

detethering 1 year ago.  That was my 2nd surgery to detether I think I am

tethered again.  I have been living off of nothing much at all.  I am going

through an attorney and have from the beginning.  I have also been told that

without one you will have to eventually get one.  The process is very long. 

And  it seems like there is no end in site.  I am hopeful,  after my 2nd

surgery I also developed RA which of course adds to my dgn.  Like I said though

the process is long and frustrating.......Good luck to you!

Michele

________________________________

To: tetheredspinalcord

Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2011 6:09 AM

Subject: SSDI

 

I have read a few posts about going on disability. Has anyone with TCS here ever

been accepted for assistance? I have severe pain continuously, but because I am

my sole support, I just push through the pain to keep working. I don't think I

can do it much longer. But since no one can feel your pain, and can't really

understand what we go through, I am scared to try. Because, of course, you can't

work while you wait for approval. That would just prove, in their eyes, that you

are not too disabled to work. I would have to go on short term disability at

work and apply and hope and pray. But, if I wasn't able to get SSI or SSDI, I

would be out of luck with no job and no money. Sorry for the whinny tone, but

I'm nearing the breaking point. Any suggestions about applying for assistance

would be appreciated. Thanks, Patsy

[Guest guest]

Hi Sue,

 

Thank you for this information. I too will be applying very soon. I am also

going through menopause due to a full hysterectomy last year. It's hard for me

to remember what I'm trying to say and I drop words while speaking all the time.

Depression can make this happen as well. I will keep your email handy.

 

Kellie

Subject: SSDI

To: tetheredspinalcord

Date: Tuesday, October 11, 2011, 12:06 PM

 

Hi Patsy,

I have been on SSDI since about 1990. However, the first time I applied for it I

was denied and I was devastated and I did not appeal the decision within the

allowed time ( to be approved and payment would be retroactive to your first

application). I was suffering from depression and took the rejection personally

and couldn't make myself go through the appeal process in time. Obviously I did

reapplied and was approved. During the time between my SSDI denial and my

reapplying I learned that 25 to 30% of all applications are automatically denied

before they are even read. So its important to appeal immediately.

Also, I was still half in denial about TCS and not being able to work so I

minimized the extent of my problems. It is really important to tell the truth,

the whole truth about how TCS effects your life. List everything you can't do or

things that increase your pain. And not just the physical things you can't do

like bending, sweeping, sitting, walking etc. but also include the decline of

the quality of your life. For example: when you can't work your self esteem may

diminish, you may not be able to visit with family and friends due pain while

driving and so you become isolated, you may suffer from anxiety and depression

due to no/low income and being isolated. If you are incontinent you can add how

embarrassing it is and how that perpetuates the anxiety, depression, self

esteem. TCS can also effect your sex life and all your relationships, family,

friends, so don't be afraid to include that.

You can email me if you need more info. I'll be glad to help you through the

process.

Sue

[Guest guest]

Patsy,

I realize my opinion will be the minority in this group, but even the

minority needs a voice, right? Take what you want and leave the rest. But

know that it is possible to apply yourself and be approved the first time.

I have been on SSDI since December 2002 after my second surgery. I was in a

very similar place as you the year before I was approved. Desperately needed

to quit, but had bills to pay. And can't apply if I'm still working. I

guess I was lucky in one respect that it was in healthcare, so I only worked

3 days a week (but 13.5 hr shifts, sometimes longer). Even though I LOVED my

career (what I miss most since my last surgery), I knew I would not be able

to do it forever because of how physically demanding the job was. I decided

to go back to school and get my MPH so I would have something to fall back

on when the time came. I had no idea the time was coming so soon. When I

went back to school, I went down to part time. But, as time went on, I could

barely handle going to school full time, let alone trying to work shifts in

my down time and had to quit in October 2002. I ended up having my second

surgery in December of that year. By Feb of the following year, I was

starting to lose function in both my legs very rapidly. Even with bilateral

AFOs and forearm crutches, I could hardly walk. and I certainly couldn't

drive anymore. At that point, I had to take an incomplete in all my classes

for that semester. Then I had surgery #3 the end of May/beginning of June. I

went straight from the hospital to IP rehab. I did manage to make it back to

school for fall semester though (I'm one determined little cookie. But that

was also my downfall for not being able to call it quits with my job sooner.

I loved it and didn't want to leave. Like I said - I'm determined.

I began the application process shortly after I quit my job completely. I

applied by myself. I applied by myself. I called and got the directions

about what my MDs needed to submit. I gave each of them the forms to fill

out and mail in. I think the process has gotten a lot easier to do now that

everything is on the web. By the time I was in IP rehab, they had the

financial/work counselor come talk to me about applying for SSDI. I told

them I had already applied about 6 months earlier. When I was in rehab, my

parents would bring me my mail and I would have assorted letters from them

requesting additional information and/or additional documents. I would have

mom copy them and mail them in. The rehab facility I was at has their own

rep they work with at SS. They contacted SS and had my case file transferred

to the rep they work with. Except for the 2-3 little papers they had

requested and mom had copied and mailed in, I was 99% through the approval

process. I was officially approved before I was discharged, back dated to my

second surgery in December.

I understand that more than 50% of the cases are denied the first go round.

But I still don't think that is any reason to hire a lawyer right off the

bat. IMO, it doesn't seem that the lawyer would do much to influence the

outcome of the initial decision. I think what your MDs say and what your

medical records reflect play the biggest role. And paying him to collect

papers and contact your MDs and stuff seems like a waste to me (meaning, not

worth he big chunk of change he is going to get for something that doesn't

require legal expertise to do. I always suggest that the individual do the

intial application. Drop off the forms to your individual MDs and have them

fill them out and mail them in. Fill out your forms, answer the questions

(or whatever they ask for) and DIY. It is a given that you (or your MDs)

will mail in 100% of everything they want the first time. SS is going to

send you letters requesting additional documentation. Fortunately, pushing

paper isn't too hard on the back. If and when you get that initial denial, I

think that is the time to contact a lawyer.

When you are denied, is when you need someone experienced with the law of

getting SSDI to make sure every little piece of red tape is cut through just

so, so that SSDI doesn't come back and say you didn't do X by a certain

deadline and now you can't appeal. After the denial is when (IMO) the

lawyer is necessary. The intial application is a matter of getting forms to

your MDs to fill out. Filling out your own paperwork and mailing it in.

Personally, I would hate the idea of paying a lawyer to get a form to my MD

and filling out my questionnaire with the answers I told him/her. I could

(and did) do that on my own.

I guess my point is that handle the initial application yourself. There are

people that are approved the first time through without much hassle. It was

actually a pretty painless process. Annoying? Sure. Do they request you to

send in additional info about the most mundane thing? Sure. Does SS

nit-pick? Of course. But it doesn't take a legal mind to handle those

things. If a lawyer handles that, all those billable hours dealing with

shuffling papers from you to MD to SS all equal billable hours and money

that you won't get if you are approved initially.

Partly, you have to rely on your MDs knowing what they're doing. In the

past, there have been people who said their MD wouldn't say they were

" disabled. " SS doesn't really care if your MD thinks you are " disabled. "

What they need to hear is how your condition affects you and especially how

it interferes with your ADLs (activities of daily living). SS doesn't want

to hear a MD say that this person can't work. They are disabled. They need

to hear every nuance of how it affects your ADLs. ADLs are much more simple

to accomplish than working. Thus if your ADLs are affected substantially,

that makes a better case to SS for approval. So don't get too hung up on the

fact that in the letter a MD didn't write that you are " disabled " or " unable

to work " . If your ability to cook/feed yourself, clean, dress and bathe are

affected (which are far more basic tasks), then expecting someone to work

when they are struggling to accomplish ADLs is pretty unrealistic (not that

SS is known for their reality checks).

Similarly, when answering their questions that you fill out, you don't have

to focus on the " I can't work issue " and answering everything in the context

of work. You need them to understand how even the most simple task that

people take for granted has been affected. I mean, people take going to the

bathroom for granted. With neurogenic bowel and bladder, that is no longer a

given. Working is a far cry when you're just trying to remain continent and

not go when you don't want to and/or go when you need to and can't.

Another thing I did, which (I would think) also made my case stronger was

that I gave the from to ALL of my MDs. Everyone from my PCP, cardiologist,

urologist, physiatrist, neurologist, neurosurgeon, PT - everyone got a form.

Even if it wasn't related to my TC.

For those that haven't had surgery and maybe have only seen a pain clinic

and their PCP, but only have their pain mgmt MD submit the form for their

application because they are the only MD they have treating their TC issues,

may look more suspect (given this country's huge problem with addiction to

pain meds and shady pain clinics that will write anyone a Rx for the right

price), than if they also even consulted their PCP and had them fill out the

form as well.

Sorry, I realized I have babbled on quite a bit (I finally trimmed my

velociraptor fingernails and I can finally type 80 wpm again and I get

carried away LOL). IMO, handle the initial application yourself. Answer the

questions honestly. Drop off the forms to your MD (if they still have you do

that, unless they have the MD do it online or otherwise submit it

electronically). Besides, who can best convey what you are going through - a

lawyer or you, who lives it every day? Let the lawyer earn his/her billable

hours if or when the denial letter arrives. Besides, I think you have a good

resource to ask any question you might come across to this group. At the

very least, I think its worth a try to at least start the process and see

how far you get. Even if you only get 1/2 way through the process before you

get stumped and can't find anyone that knows what to do and you do have to

hire a lawyer, that is less work for the lawyer to do.

Just MHO. These are just my opinions and my experiences. Probably also

colored by the fact that I'm a pretty determined person and would rather do

it myself (I'm a determined control freak and don't believe anyone can

accomplish anything for me and be as anal as I would if I did it myself).

Good luck with the application process. Its frustrating to see people who

need it get denied time and time again (my best friend's husband had to

appeal and go to court twice to finally get approved and there was no way he

could work). Especially when I think back to when I was working and how many

people I treated that were getting SSDI or SSI and had not a bloody thing

wrong with them. Two cases come to mind immediately (they weren't the only

ones by any means). One was hit by a car when he was a kid and was never

expected to walk again (the accident was probably 15 years earlier). But he

made a full recovery (He had back pain after lifting one of those big cable

spools by himself - duh! Even for a healthy person, that is a 2-man lift).

Or the girl that was on it for asthma. Yet she took no medications for it

and hadn't had an attack in more than 10 years. It was maddening!

Again, good luck with the process. I'm here to help any way I can. Feel free

to message me offlist if your so inclined. My inbox is always open :-)

Jenn

On Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 8:09 AM, sweettrillium

wrote:

> **

>

>

> I have read a few posts about going on disability. Has anyone with TCS here

> ever been accepted for assistance? I have severe pain continuously, but

> because I am my sole support, I just push through the pain to keep working.

> I don't think I can do it much longer. But since no one can feel your pain,

> and can't really understand what we go through, I am scared to try. Because,

> of course, you can't work while you wait for approval. That would just

> prove, in their eyes, that you are not too disabled to work. I would have to

> go on short term disability at work and apply and hope and pray. But, if I

> wasn't able to get SSI or SSDI, I would be out of luck with no job and no

> money. Sorry for the whinny tone, but I'm nearing the breaking point. Any

> suggestions about applying for assistance would be appreciated. Thanks,

> Patsy

>

> __

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,I'm just wondering if you were approved because you were in an in patient

rehab vs. working/ not being employed and being at home.

We have been working on my hubby's mom's disability (brain cancer) since March

of last year, and we still don't have an answer. I know all the paperwork was

done and obviously she was not able to work after brain surgery/radiation and

high risk of seizure.

Do you think where you are/your level of disability has anything to do with the

application?

Thanks and so happy you were approved so quickly! 

> **

>

>

> I have read a few posts about going on disability. Has anyone with TCS here

> ever been accepted for assistance? I have severe pain continuously, but

> because I am my sole support, I just push through the pain to keep working.

> I don't think I can do it much longer. But since no one can feel your pain,

> and can't really understand what we go through, I am scared to try. Because,

> of course, you can't work while you wait for approval. That would just

> prove, in their eyes, that you are not too disabled to work. I would have to

> go on short term disability at work and apply and hope and pray. But, if I

> wasn't able to get SSI or SSDI, I would be out of luck with no job and no

> money. Sorry for the whinny tone, but I'm nearing the breaking point. Any

> suggestions about applying for assistance would be appreciated. Thanks,

> Patsy

>

> __

>

[Guest guest]

Hello Rick

 

I have applied for ssdi in Feb I was denied in May SSA got the info wrong and

thought I was working fulltime, I have had 2 detetherings and I have not been to

work since my last one 1 year ago.  My surgeries were only 1 year apart, I also

was dgn with RA 4 wks after my last surgery, I am still waiting on a decision,

and I have an attorney.  I am about to lose everything I own.  I live in

Colorado how did you get on medicaid and did it take anything away from the pay

you get from SSDI?  I understand that if the government helps you in any way

then they deduct it from your payment, or your settlement,.  Please help me

understand this better.

 

Thank you

Michele

________________________________

To: tetheredspinalcord

Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2011 9:54 PM

Subject: Re: SSDI

 

sweettrillium said the following on 10/11/2011 6:09 AM:

> I have read a few posts about going on disability. Has anyone with TCS here

ever been accepted for assistance?

>

I applied for SSDI and Colo Medicaid in October of 1997 right after I

got my MRI back showing TSC. I filled out the paper work myself except

for the doctors statement. I was approved on December 2-97 and had

surgery Dec 6-97. The 'secret' is having your doctor put on the

application he/she fills out that you can no longer perform the

work/duties that you have been doing in the past and you have no

training or ability to perform other meaningful work. " Meaningful work "

is important especially if you previously held a career type position

where you can no longer perform those duties.

Rick

[Guest guest]

Maybe back then you did not have to reimburse Medicaid, but you do now. My

next door neighbor spent 2 years on Medicaid (there is a 2 year waiting

period from when you are approved for SSDI that you become eligible for

Medicare). Once he received his settlement, he had to reimburse GA Medicaid

for what they had paid for his health care. Although, perhaps there is a

difference between receiving a private settlement and a SSDI back pay

settlement. That I don't know for sure. I do know that of his settlement, he

only kept 1/3. 1/3 went to the lawyer and 1/3 went to reimburse GA Medicaid

for what they had paid for his treatment over the past 2 years.

Jenn

> **

>

>

> Hi Michele,

>

>

> Colo Medicaid does NOT take any of your SSDI, in fact quite the

> opposite. As I recall, After a year of SSDI you qualify for Medicare

> Part A, B & now D.

>

> Good luck, let us know how it turns out.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Is your lawyer charging you up front? Mine takes a percentage of whatever I get

(mostly from the back pay) and if I don't win I don't pay anything. I was denied

for the reconsideration my lawyer filed and am now on my first appeal. I too am

having to file bankruptcy due to all my medical bills and being unable to work.

But I refuse to allow this disease to rule my live, I am in control of my life

and I always remember it is what I make of it. After going out of work I decided

to pick up some of the things I never had time for, one of them is sewing and

doing crafts. It takes time because I cannot sit for long but my grandkids are

reaping the benefits of me being unable to work.

To: tetheredspinalcord

From: ltbunny192@...

Date: Thu, 13 Oct 2011 23:48:02 -0400

Subject: Re: SSDI

I know that was an opinion on not Goering a laywer but I also wanna pipe

up and say something. I've been without a paycheck or ss since 2007. I applied

on my own it took over a year for them to deny me. Then by that point I had no

job and no money to pay a lawyer. I'm finally able to pay a lawyer this tome as

I reapply but I'm also now fileling for bankrupty and I have nothing. My life

went from prefect credit to shit. All because I thought I could do it on my own

and it would be done in a timely manner. I still think if I had a lawyer the

first time I would not be in the mess I am today.

This message was sent from s' iPhone. Apologies if it does not format

corectly.

>

> MARKETPLACE

> Stay on top of your group activity without leaving the page you're on - Get

the Yahoo! Toolbar now.

[Guest guest]

Hi Rick

 

After I read your first e-mail on SSDI, I got on the phone with my attorney.  I

broke down and explained my situation to them, I am about to lose everything and

I have been waiting so long for an answer.  I did get somewhere like I said

when SSA denied me in May due to their mistake, my chart should have been tagged

instead it has been approached as if I just applied in May.  So my attorney has

made it known to SSA how long I have been waiting so from what he told me they

should only have my chart for 6 months, and they have had it for 51/2 months so

I should be receiving an answer soon.  My attorney has wrote me a letter to

give to my morgage company to get them off my back.  I hope that helps.  I am

going to go to social services on Monday and apply for some help, I was afraid

to do that because I was told I would have to pay that all back.  I do have

insurance the doctor I work for still pays that for me and he has for the last

year that I have

not worked.  So he will continue to do that until I have an answer.  Also SSI

will pay me the first 5 months that I do not get any pay for since I have no

income, than I will have to pay my attorney 25% of what I am awarded.  I hope

this happens sooner than later cause I am at the end of my rope..........

 

I have been living from the help of friends for the past year I do not have any

family so I am blessed to have them.

I would rather be working then living like this, but I am sure there is light at

the end of the tunnel or shall I say cave cause thats what it feels like I am

in.

 

Thank you so much for responding, when I read your e-mail the other day I was

given hope.  And I thank you

Michele

 

________________________________

To: tetheredspinalcord

Sent: Friday, October 14, 2011 9:57 PM

Subject: Re: SSDI

 

Hi Michele,

I guess I lucked out in finding the right people at the right time. I

was checking out at my NSG office in after reviewing my MRI with the

NSG. I was talking finances for future followup visits with the

receptionist. At this point I had quit my job of 20 years and had no

income or health insurance. She suggested Colo Medicaid, SSDI, Medicare,

etc. I said I have no clue about that stuff where do I start? There was

a nurse or other office person present, she said come with me so we went

to her desk. She basically explained the system to me and got me an

appointment with a county human services supervisor. So the next day I

met with county Human Services. She took a personal interest in my case,

got me the SSDI forms, and enrolled in Colo Medicaid. My NSG said there

was no surgeon in Colo that would touch my spine and that he would refer

me to Dr Spetzler at Barrow Neuro Institute in Phoenix. So I

call BNI and they said bring $80K with me for 10% down payment! I told

my new case worker that and she said she would get it fast-tracked

approved for out of state surgery. I do not what she did or how she did

it but this all started in Sept of 97 and I had surgery on Dec 6-97.

Colo Medicaid does NOT take any of your SSDI, in fact quite the

opposite. As I recall, After a year of SSDI you qualify for Medicare

Part A, B & now D. A year later I got a Medicare card in the mail that

is dated Sept 1998. Colo Medicaid pays all my Medicare premiums and

co-pays. I have not paid a dime for any of my 'traditional' health care

since Sept 1997 and I remember a partial refund from Medicaid for that

$3,000 MRI I had back before Medicaid. Remember, back in 1997 Medicaid

and Medicare, SSDI, etc all had money, now they pretty much do not, or

at least it is harder to get.

I think you should call up your county Human Services agency and make an

appointment with an adult care case worker. Also a face-to-face

appointment with Social Security Admin would not hurt. It seems to help

when those with approval authority actually see what you are dealing

with. I would guess that when they talk to you on the phone they

automatically think you are trying to defraud the system.

Good luck, let us know how it turns out.

Michele Casey said the following on 10/14/2011 10:39 AM:

> Hello Rick

>

> I have applied for ssdi in Feb I was denied in May SSA got the info wrong and

thought I was working fulltime, I have had 2 detetherings and I have not been to

work since my last one 1 year ago. My surgeries were only 1 year apart, I also

was dgn with RA 4 wks after my last surgery, I am still waiting on a decision,

and I have an attorney. I am about to lose everything I own. I live in Colorado

how did you get on medicaid and did it take anything away from the pay you get

from SSDI? I understand that if the government helps you in any way then they

deduct it from your payment, or your settlement,. Please help me understand this

better.

>

> Thank you

> Michele

>

>

> ________________________________

>

> To: tetheredspinalcord

> Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2011 9:54 PM

> Subject: Re: SSDI

>

>

>

> sweettrillium said the following on 10/11/2011 6:09 AM:

>

>> I have read a few posts about going on disability. Has anyone with TCS here

ever been accepted for assistance?

>>

>>

>

> I applied for SSDI and Colo Medicaid in October of 1997 right after I

> got my MRI back showing TSC. I filled out the paper work myself except

> for the doctors statement. I was approved on December 2-97 and had

> surgery Dec 6-97. The 'secret' is having your doctor put on the

> application he/she fills out that you can no longer perform the

> work/duties that you have been doing in the past and you have no

> training or ability to perform other meaningful work. " Meaningful work "

> is important especially if you previously held a career type position

> where you can no longer perform those duties.

>

> Rick

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

JBobin said the following on 10/14/2011 11:33 PM:

> Maybe back then you did not have to reimburse Medicaid, but you do now.

Medicaid is a STATE program partially federally funded. I would assume

every state has different policies.

Rick

[Guest guest]

I was told from my attorney that sometimes you have to pay back medicaid and

sometimes you don't.  I am not sure what the reasons are.  I wonder do you

have to pay back food stamps, or any money given from social services?  If

anyone knows I would like the input. 

Thanks

Michele

I live in Colorado I know that is does differ from state to state

________________________________

To: tetheredspinalcord

Sent: Saturday, October 15, 2011 1:27 PM

Subject: Re: SSDI

 

JBobin said the following on 10/14/2011 11:33 PM:

> Maybe back then you did not have to reimburse Medicaid, but you do now.

Medicaid is a STATE program partially federally funded. I would assume

every state has different policies.

Rick

[Guest guest]

That sounds right about Medicaid - I depends. I have known those who had yo

and those that didn't. But the majority had to repay (from GA, NC, IL, MO &

NY).

U shouldn't have to repay any count assistance received thru family &

children services. U can have more income and qualify for that assistance

than with SSI. I receive a fair amt in SSDI and still qualified for food

stamps. U can also apply for TANF (temp assistance for needy families). That

is cash assistance. That may help u out with ur mortgage payments and maybe

utilities. Have u tried contacting ur utility companies? Sometimes they

have their own assistance programs for ppl with short term needs.

Good luck & I hope u hear from SS soon with some good news.

Jenn

~~~Sent from my Samsung Infuse 4G~~~

> **

>

>

> I was told from my attorney that sometimes you have to pay back medicaid

> and sometimes you don't. I am not sure what the reasons are. I wonder do

> you have to pay back food stamps, or any money given from social services?

> If anyone knows I would like the input.

> Thanks

> Michele

> I live in Colorado I know that is does differ from state to state

>

> ________________________________

>

> To: tetheredspinalcord

> Sent: Saturday, October 15, 2011 1:27 PM

> Subject: Re: SSDI

>

>

> JBobin said the following on 10/14/2011 11:33 PM:

> > Maybe back then you did not have to reimburse Medicaid, but you do now.

> Medicaid is a STATE program partially federally funded. I would assume

> every state has different policies.

>

> Rick

>

>

[Guest guest]

Jenn

 

Thanks for the information,  I am going to apply for assistance this Mon.  I

will try for cash, food stamps.  I am at the end now.  I have never had to have

help from the government and I hate to do it, but I do need it, I can't live

like this any longer.  I will also contact my utilities, thanks for the tip.  I

am hoping the next time I write I will have good news.  I will get an answer for

my SSDI and also the government will help me out.  I have my MRI on Wed so that

will point me in what direction I go to next as far as another surgery.  I feel

terrible and I am sure something is going on. I will keep you posted and again

thank you for the advice.  I have learned so much from this group,  everyone has

been such a blessing.  Thank you and my best to you. 

 

Michele

________________________________

To: tetheredspinalcord

Sent: Saturday, October 15, 2011 3:01 PM

Subject: Re: SSDI

That sounds right about Medicaid - I depends. I have known those who had yo

and those that didn't. But the majority had to repay (from GA, NC, IL, MO &

NY).

U shouldn't have to repay any count assistance received thru family &

children services. U can have more income and qualify for that assistance

than with SSI. I receive a fair amt in SSDI and still qualified for food

stamps. U can also apply for TANF (temp assistance for needy families). That

is cash assistance. That may help u out with ur mortgage payments and maybe

utilities.  Have u tried contacting ur utility companies? Sometimes they

have their own assistance programs for ppl with short term needs.

Good luck & I hope u hear from SS soon with some good news.

Jenn

~~~Sent from my Samsung Infuse 4G~~~

> **

>

>

> I was told from my attorney that sometimes you have to pay back medicaid

> and sometimes you don't.  I am not sure what the reasons are.  I wonder do

> you have to pay back food stamps, or any money given from social services?

> If anyone knows I would like the input.

> Thanks

> Michele

> I live in Colorado I know that is does differ from state to state

>

> ________________________________

>

> To: tetheredspinalcord

> Sent: Saturday, October 15, 2011 1:27 PM

> Subject: Re: SSDI

>

>

> JBobin said the following on 10/14/2011 11:33 PM:

> > Maybe back then you did not have to reimburse Medicaid, but you do now.

> Medicaid is a STATE program partially federally funded. I would assume

> every state has different policies.

>

> Rick

>

>

[Guest guest]

Rick

 

I have applied for SSDI in Feb.  I am still waiting, and now next wk I will

have my 3rd detethering surgery and I was told per my attorney that SSA wants to

wait until after my surgery to give an answer.  I was also told my age has

something to do with it.  How old were you when you were awared SSDI?

 

Michele

________________________________

To: tetheredspinalcord

Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2011 10:54 PM

Subject: Re: SSDI

 

sweettrillium said the following on 10/11/2011 6:09 AM:

> I have read a few posts about going on disability. Has anyone with TCS here

ever been accepted for assistance?

>

I applied for SSDI and Colo Medicaid in October of 1997 right after I

got my MRI back showing TSC. I filled out the paper work myself except

for the doctors statement. I was approved on December 2-97 and had

surgery Dec 6-97. The 'secret' is having your doctor put on the

application he/she fills out that you can no longer perform the

work/duties that you have been doing in the past and you have no

training or ability to perform other meaningful work. " Meaningful work "

is important especially if you previously held a career type position

where you can no longer perform those duties.

Rick

[Guest guest]

I was 43 in 1997. Sounds like typical SSA BS.

R

Michele Casey said the following on 11/9/2011 3:27 PM:

> Rick

>

> I have applied for SSDI in Feb. I am still waiting, and now next wk I will

have my 3rd detethering surgery and I was told per my attorney that SSA wants to

wait until after my surgery to give an answer. I was also told my age has

something to do with it. How old were you when you were awared SSDI?

>

> Michele

>

>

> ________________________________

>

> To: tetheredspinalcord

> Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2011 10:54 PM

> Subject: Re: SSDI

>

>

>

> sweettrillium said the following on 10/11/2011 6:09 AM:

>

>> I have read a few posts about going on disability. Has anyone with TCS here

ever been accepted for assistance?

>>

>>

>

> I applied for SSDI and Colo Medicaid in October of 1997 right after I

> got my MRI back showing TSC. I filled out the paper work myself except

> for the doctors statement. I was approved on December 2-97 and had

> surgery Dec 6-97. The 'secret' is having your doctor put on the

> application he/she fills out that you can no longer perform the

> work/duties that you have been doing in the past and you have no

> training or ability to perform other meaningful work. " Meaningful work "

> is important especially if you previously held a career type position

> where you can no longer perform those duties.

>

> Rick

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Michele,

I was 27. I began the application after my second surgery and was awarded

it within a month after my third surgery (they were 6 mos apart). The award

date was backdated to the date of my second surgery.

I applied myself. When I was in IP rehab following my last surgery, I got a

few letters from SS requesting some additional info which I sent in. When

the counselor @ the rehab talked to SS, I was told that my case has

basically already been approved. The counselor @ the rehab facility sent in

the last bits of info they wanted and was approved. Was a pretty easy

process for me. I know this isn't the case for everyone. My friend's

husband fought for years before he finally got approved and he was really

not able to work. He could barely manage daily life. It was really messed

up. While I know it is a federal program, it seems that the state makes a

difference. Seems like the SS office in some states seem to b more

difficult than others. I have never had to b evaluated by a SS MD to

determine if I can stay on SSDI, whereas my friend who was born with SB,

TC, club feet, bilateral dislocated hips, etc as well as survived an

aggressive brain cancer seemed to have to go through this every other year.

Ridiculous. Then again, its the government. - they never make sense

Jenn

~~~Sent from my Samsung Infuse 4G~~~

> **

>

>

> Rick

>

> I have applied for SSDI in Feb. I am still waiting, and now next wk I

> will have my 3rd detethering surgery and I was told per my attorney that

> SSA wants to wait until after my surgery to give an answer. I was also

> told my age has something to do with it. How old were you when you were

> awared SSDI?

>

> Michele

>

> ________________________________

>

> To: tetheredspinalcord

> Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2011 10:54 PM

> Subject: Re: SSDI

>

>

> sweettrillium said the following on 10/11/2011 6:09 AM:

> > I have read a few posts about going on disability. Has anyone with TCS

> here ever been accepted for assistance?

> >

>

> I applied for SSDI and Colo Medicaid in October of 1997 right after I

> got my MRI back showing TSC. I filled out the paper work myself except

> for the doctors statement. I was approved on December 2-97 and had

> surgery Dec 6-97. The 'secret' is having your doctor put on the

> application he/she fills out that you can no longer perform the

> work/duties that you have been doing in the past and you have no

> training or ability to perform other meaningful work. " Meaningful work "

> is important especially if you previously held a career type position

> where you can no longer perform those duties.

>

> Rick

>

>

[Guest guest]

I am on CPP disability which is the equivalent -- they are likely saying they

want to wait til after your surgery to see if your disability will be prolonged

-- since you are doing another surgery they are not going to approve you as you

may improve from it. The CPP criteria in Canada is your disability must be

prolonged and severe, and they will use any information that does not support

this to deny you. As well they don't want to put someone who is young on it as

it will cost more money. I was 46 when I got approved, but was on LTD before

that for a few years, but had to work with a lawyer to re-instate my LTD after

the 2 year mark. Hang in there, it's the way they operate it seems, and you are

doing the right thing having a lawyer. Good luck with you surgery!

Dee

To: tetheredspinalcord

From: micheled723@...

Date: Wed, 9 Nov 2011 14:27:14 -0800

Subject: Re: SSDI

Rick

I have applied for SSDI in Feb. I am still waiting, and now next wk I will have

my 3rd detethering surgery and I was told per my attorney that SSA wants to wait

until after my surgery to give an answer. I was also told my age has something

to do with it. How old were you when you were awared SSDI?

Michele

________________________________

To: tetheredspinalcord

Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2011 10:54 PM

Subject: Re: SSDI

sweettrillium said the following on 10/11/2011 6:09 AM:

> I have read a few posts about going on disability. Has anyone with TCS here

ever been accepted for assistance?

>

I applied for SSDI and Colo Medicaid in October of 1997 right after I

got my MRI back showing TSC. I filled out the paper work myself except

for the doctors statement. I was approved on December 2-97 and had

surgery Dec 6-97. The 'secret' is having your doctor put on the

application he/she fills out that you can no longer perform the

work/duties that you have been doing in the past and you have no

training or ability to perform other meaningful work. " Meaningful work "

is important especially if you previously held a career type position

where you can no longer perform those duties.

Rick

[Guest guest]

>Rick> >I have applied for

SSDI in Feb. I am still waiting, and now next wk I will have my 3rd detethering

surgery and I was told per my attorney that SSA wants to wait until after my

surgery to give an answer. I was also told my age has something to do with it.

How old were you when you were awared SSDI?>

>Michele>>>________________________________>From: Rick

>To: tetheredspinalcord >Sent: Thursday,

October 13, 2011 10:54 PM>Subject: Re: SSDI>>> >sweettrillium said the

following on 10/11/2011 6:09 AM:>> I have read a few posts about going on

disability. Has anyone with TCS here ever been accepted for assistance? >> >>I

applied for SSDI and Colo Medicaid in October of 1997 right after I >got my MRI

back showing TSC. I filled out the paper work myself except >for the doctors

statement. I was approved on December 2-97 and had >surgery Dec 6-97. The

'secret'

is having your doctor put on the >application he/she fills out that you can no

longer perform the >work/duties that you have been doing in the past and you

have no >training or ability to perform other meaningful work. " Meaningful work "

>is important especially if you previously held a career type position >where

you can no longer perform those duties.>>Rick>>>>>[Non-text portions of this

message have been removed]>

There is a pull-out section on Social Security in the most recent AARP

newsletter. In it is a section on SSDI explaining the process and wait times.

Find an oldie and borrow the issue.

[Guest guest]

I'm 24 years old was born with TCS had two untethering surgeries. I applied for

SSI in july of this year and got approved last week nov. I had applied only one

other time a couple years ago and got denied and did not apeal it. The

difference i believe was that the first time i put that i had a tethered cord

and feet and mental problems and wasnt seeing many doctors for it and didnt have

all my information. So when i applied this time i was seeing a doc for

everything i put on there annnnndd instead of putting just a tethered spinal

cord i documented it as spina bifida (tethered spinal cord). Im not quite sure

if that helped but it went so fast this time and i never got denied this time so

i didnt need lawyers and stuff. I also have a bad foot and ankle from the

tethered cord so i have had minor surgery and am now about to get major ankle

fusion surgery and they also looked at that and realized i would be out for

awhile unable to work then and not sure if i will be able to after i heal. My

advice would defiantly be to see a doctor for every little thing and have it

documented and the whole time after you apply you call your person who deals

with your case and let them know about every single appointment you make the

more you cooperate the better it is!!!! and im sure every state is different

some harder than others.....

>

> I have read a few posts about going on disability. Has anyone with TCS here

ever been accepted for assistance? I have severe pain continuously, but because

I am my sole support, I just push through the pain to keep working. I don't

think I can do it much longer. But since no one can feel your pain, and can't

really understand what we go through, I am scared to try. Because, of course,

you can't work while you wait for approval. That would just prove, in their

eyes, that you are not too disabled to work. I would have to go on short term

disability at work and apply and hope and pray. But, if I wasn't able to get

SSI or SSDI, I would be out of luck with no job and no money. Sorry for the

whinny tone, but I'm nearing the breaking point. Any suggestions about applying

for assistance would be appreciated. Thanks, Patsy

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you Rick I am 41 now and like I said my 3rd surgery on my spine in 3

years will be in 4 days, I am scared to death I have 2 girls that need me, but

I can't imagine letting my symptoms get worse.  Have you done fine with only

having 1 surgery????  I have read that one person has had 10 surgeries WOW  I

can't believe the stress with that. Now SSDI wants to wait to decide until they

get hospital records, that will only tell them what was done not if I have any

complications that takes some time, I don't know how long they want to put this

off.  I also have RA so this is not my only problem so who knows what they are

thinking, the more time they waste the more money they spend on my back pay

which will be back dated 1 year.  They act like this is a life I want to have I

am young I want to work and I would if I could I would. I am glad you had an

easy time I sure hope I get some good news after this surgery.  Just the fact

of 3 spine surgeries is

too much to think about let alone what is SSA going to do.  I did call for

government help her in colorado and I was told whatever money or food stamps I

am helped with I have to pay back to them.  Well one surgery on medicaid I will

probably owe SSA after that............All of your information has been a huge

help to me so please keep letting me know what you think and how you have done

after one surgery and do you have any problems now from any complications. 

Thank you so much for your time and compassion

 

Michele

________________________________

To: tetheredspinalcord

Sent: Wednesday, November 9, 2011 4:17 PM

Subject: Re: SSDI

 

I was 43 in 1997. Sounds like typical SSA BS.

R

Michele Casey said the following on 11/9/2011 3:27 PM:

> Rick

>

> I have applied for SSDI in Feb. I am still waiting, and now next wk I will

have my 3rd detethering surgery and I was told per my attorney that SSA wants to

wait until after my surgery to give an answer. I was also told my age has

something to do with it. How old were you when you were awared SSDI?

>

> Michele

>

>

> ________________________________

>

> To: tetheredspinalcord

> Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2011 10:54 PM

> Subject: Re: SSDI

>

>

>

> sweettrillium said the following on 10/11/2011 6:09 AM:

>

>> I have read a few posts about going on disability. Has anyone with TCS here

ever been accepted for assistance?

>>

>>

>

> I applied for SSDI and Colo Medicaid in October of 1997 right after I

> got my MRI back showing TSC. I filled out the paper work myself except

> for the doctors statement. I was approved on December 2-97 and had

> surgery Dec 6-97. The 'secret' is having your doctor put on the

> application he/she fills out that you can no longer perform the

> work/duties that you have been doing in the past and you have no

> training or ability to perform other meaningful work. " Meaningful work "

> is important especially if you previously held a career type position

> where you can no longer perform those duties.

>

> Rick

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Jenn

 

Thank you for sharing you story with me as well,  I forgot to mention my

attorney also stated that he believes my age has something to do with it, he

thinks if I was 50 then I would have already received it.  Like a person can

help what age they get sick, like anyone at any age wants to live like this.  I

cannot believe this.  I am glad that you didn't have any problems like I have to

go thru.  I am on my 3rd surgery in 3 years.  I am a nurse I can't do that work

anymore and that is the only work I have done.  I am lucky if I can get up and

going at a decent time of the day just to do my daily chores that I have

problems doing. 

 

If I may ask what comlications do you have from the surgeries?  And has the 3rd

surgery been the charm?  Do you feel like you will have to have another

surgery?  I know for me I can start to tell right away that I am getting

symptoms and I try to put it off as long as I can until like you have probably

felt you just can't take it anymore.

 

Thank you for sharing your story with me as well and I hope you don't mind

answering my questions or anything else you may think of that may be of some

help to me.

 

Michele

 

________________________________

To: tetheredspinalcord

Sent: Wednesday, November 9, 2011 4:45 PM

Subject: Re: SSDI

Michele,

I was 27.  I began the application after my second surgery and was awarded

it within a month after my third surgery (they were 6 mos apart). The award

date was backdated to the date of my second surgery.

I applied myself. When I was in IP rehab following my last surgery, I got a

few letters from SS requesting some additional info which I sent in. When

the counselor @ the rehab talked to SS, I was told that my case has

basically already been approved. The counselor @ the rehab facility sent in

the last bits of info they wanted and was approved.  Was a pretty easy

process for me. I know this isn't the case for everyone. My friend's

husband fought for years before he finally got approved and he was really

not able to work. He could barely manage daily life. It was really messed

up. While I know it is a federal program, it seems that the state makes a

difference.  Seems like the SS office in some states seem to b more

difficult than others. I have never had to b evaluated by a SS MD to

determine if I can stay on SSDI, whereas my friend who was born with SB,

TC, club feet, bilateral dislocated hips, etc as well as survived an

aggressive brain cancer seemed to have to go through this every other year.

Ridiculous.  Then again, its the government. - they never make sense

Jenn

~~~Sent from my Samsung Infuse 4G~~~

> **

>

>

> Rick

>

> I have applied for SSDI in Feb.  I am still waiting, and now next wk I

> will have my 3rd detethering surgery and I was told per my attorney that

> SSA wants to wait until after my surgery to give an answer.  I was also

> told my age has something to do with it.  How old were you when you were

> awared SSDI?

>

> Michele

>

> ________________________________

>

> To: tetheredspinalcord

> Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2011 10:54 PM

> Subject: Re: SSDI

>

>

> sweettrillium said the following on 10/11/2011 6:09 AM:

> > I have read a few posts about going on disability. Has anyone with TCS

> here ever been accepted for assistance?

> >

>

> I applied for SSDI and Colo Medicaid in October of 1997 right after I

> got my MRI back showing TSC. I filled out the paper work myself except

> for the doctors statement. I was approved on December 2-97 and had

> surgery Dec 6-97. The 'secret' is having your doctor put on the

> application he/she fills out that you can no longer perform the

> work/duties that you have been doing in the past and you have no

> training or ability to perform other meaningful work. " Meaningful work "

> is important especially if you previously held a career type position

> where you can no longer perform those duties.

>

> Rick

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dee

 

Thank you for you advice.  I don't understand why they would think that TSC will

improve after 3 surgeries in 3 years from what my NS states they don't know

enough to understand why we don't have problems with it until we hit later in

life if it wasn't caught at birth that is my case.  And he tells me he can't say

that I will not tether again.  The problems that I already suffer from will not

go away what he said is lets do the surgery to prevent any further neurological

damage but even with that there is only a 50 50 chance that works and only a 50

50 chance that I will not tehter again and since I have this many times chances

are I will again.  Such a terrible process to go thru.  I don't know what is

worse right now doing another surgery or dealing with SSA.  Maybe she just needs

some more documentation in order to allow the claim.  We will see surgery is in

4 days.  If you can think of anything else that may be of help please let me

know I am

open to all the advice I can get.

 

Michele

________________________________

To: tetheredspinalcord

Sent: Thursday, November 10, 2011 8:35 AM

Subject: RE: SSDI

I am on CPP disability which is the equivalent -- they are likely saying they

want to wait til after your surgery to see if your disability will be prolonged

-- since you are doing another surgery they are not going to approve you as you

may improve from it.  The CPP criteria in Canada is your disability must be

prolonged and severe, and they will use any information that does not support

this to deny you.  As well they don't want to put someone who is young on it as

it will cost more money.  I was 46 when I got approved, but was on LTD before

that for a few years, but had to work with a lawyer to re-instate my LTD after

the 2 year mark.  Hang in there, it's the way they operate it seems, and you are

doing the right thing having a lawyer.  Good luck with you surgery!

Dee

To: tetheredspinalcord

From: micheled723@...

Date: Wed, 9 Nov 2011 14:27:14 -0800

Subject: Re: SSDI

 

Rick

I have applied for SSDI in Feb.  I am still waiting, and now next wk I will have

my 3rd detethering surgery and I was told per my attorney that SSA wants to wait

until after my surgery to give an answer.  I was also told my age has something

to do with it.  How old were you when you were awared SSDI?

Michele

________________________________

To: tetheredspinalcord

Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2011 10:54 PM

Subject: Re: SSDI

 

sweettrillium said the following on 10/11/2011 6:09 AM:

> I have read a few posts about going on disability. Has anyone with TCS here

ever been accepted for assistance?

>

I applied for SSDI and Colo Medicaid in October of 1997 right after I

got my MRI back showing TSC. I filled out the paper work myself except

for the doctors statement. I was approved on December 2-97 and had

surgery Dec 6-97. The 'secret' is having your doctor put on the

application he/she fills out that you can no longer perform the

work/duties that you have been doing in the past and you have no

training or ability to perform other meaningful work. " Meaningful work "

is important especially if you previously held a career type position

where you can no longer perform those duties.

Rick

[Guest guest]

Hi Michele,

Michele Casey said the following on 11/12/2011 11:01 PM:

> Thank you Rick I am 41 now and like I said my 3rd surgery on my spine in 3

years will be in 4 days, I am scared to death I have 2 girls that need me, but I

can't imagine letting my symptoms get worse. Have you done fine with only

having 1 surgery????

I am doing great! I think there are several reasons. I keep very

active and do not lay around all day. I do PT 2 X week in summer and 3 X

week when it gets too cold and icy outside. Prob 3 hrs week TV max. I do

not eat processed foods, sugar or any grains, I eat mostly raw

vegetables (get a juicer), fresh fruit, meat, farm-fresh eggs (lightly

fried in cold-pressed organic coconut oil), and raw nuts except peanuts.

This resulted in a natural 50 pound weight loss and now I am at my

recommended weight level. I take several supplements & vitamins, all

high quality and none of them are artificially made. I attribute this to

a great immune system and would never poison myself with something like

a flu shot. I drink 2-3 liters home filtered water a day. Now my only

presc are tramadol for mild muscle aches, ditropan for bladder, and

klonopin for occasional spasms. I have a very comfortable sitting chair

for computer & reading. Do I need a disclaimer here? After 14 years of

trial & error, this is what works for me and may or may not work for

anyone else.

> I have read that one person has had 10 surgeries WOW I can't believe the

stress with that. Now SSDI wants to wait to decide until they get hospital

records, that will only tell them what was done not if I have any complications

that takes some time, I don't know how long they want to put this off. I also

have RA so this is not my only problem so who knows what they are thinking, the

more time they waste the more money they spend on my back pay which will be back

dated 1 year. They act like this is a life I want to have I am young I want to

work and I would if I could I would. I am glad you had an easy time I sure hope

I get some good news after this surgery. Just the fact of 3 spine surgeries is

> too much to think about let alone what is SSA going to do.

what is RA?

> I did call for government help her in colorado and I was told whatever money

or food stamps I am helped with I have to pay back to them.

That just does not make sense to me. I have never heard of such a

regulation or rule. The only exception I can think of is if there was a

lawsuit and you were awarded monetary damages for an accident or

negligence.

> Well one surgery on medicaid I will probably owe SSA after that............

SO how are they going to make you pay? Last I heard you cant get blood

out of a rock.

> All of your information has been a huge help to me so please keep letting me

know what you think and how you have done after one surgery and do you have any

problems now from any complications. Thank you so much for your time and

compassion

>

> Michele

>

You're welcome, anything I can do let me know.

Rick

[Guest guest]

Hi Rick,

What supplements and brands do you take?

>

> Hi Michele,

>

> Michele Casey said the following on 11/12/2011 11:01 PM:

> > Thank you Rick I am 41 now and like I said my 3rd surgery on my spine in 3

years will be in 4 days, I am scared to death I have 2 girls that need me, but I

can't imagine letting my symptoms get worse. Have you done fine with only

having 1 surgery????

>

> I am doing great! I think there are several reasons. I keep very

> active and do not lay around all day. I do PT 2 X week in summer and 3 X

> week when it gets too cold and icy outside. Prob 3 hrs week TV max. I do

> not eat processed foods, sugar or any grains, I eat mostly raw

> vegetables (get a juicer), fresh fruit, meat, farm-fresh eggs (lightly

> fried in cold-pressed organic coconut oil), and raw nuts except peanuts.

> This resulted in a natural 50 pound weight loss and now I am at my

> recommended weight level. I take several supplements & vitamins, all

> high quality and none of them are artificially made. I attribute this to

> a great immune system and would never poison myself with something like

> a flu shot. I drink 2-3 liters home filtered water a day. Now my only

> presc are tramadol for mild muscle aches, ditropan for bladder, and

> klonopin for occasional spasms. I have a very comfortable sitting chair

> for computer & reading. Do I need a disclaimer here? After 14 years of

> trial & error, this is what works for me and may or may not work for

> anyone else.

>

>

> > I have read that one person has had 10 surgeries WOW I can't believe the

stress with that. Now SSDI wants to wait to decide until they get hospital

records, that will only tell them what was done not if I have any complications

that takes some time, I don't know how long they want to put this off. I also

have RA so this is not my only problem so who knows what they are thinking, the

more time they waste the more money they spend on my back pay which will be back

dated 1 year. They act like this is a life I want to have I am young I want to

work and I would if I could I would. I am glad you had an easy time I sure hope

I get some good news after this surgery. Just the fact of 3 spine surgeries is

> > too much to think about let alone what is SSA going to do.

> what is RA?

>

> > I did call for government help her in colorado and I was told whatever money

or food stamps I am helped with I have to pay back to them.

>

> That just does not make sense to me. I have never heard of such a

> regulation or rule. The only exception I can think of is if there was a

> lawsuit and you were awarded monetary damages for an accident or

> negligence.

>

>

>

> > Well one surgery on medicaid I will probably owe SSA after that............

>

> SO how are they going to make you pay? Last I heard you cant get blood

> out of a rock.

>

>

> > All of your information has been a huge help to me so please keep letting me

know what you think and how you have done after one surgery and do you have any

problems now from any complications. Thank you so much for your time and

compassion

> >

> > Michele

> >

>

> You're welcome, anything I can do let me know.

>

> Rick

>