    
Clara Albert
Rating: 
Votes: 1 | | Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2001 - 2:29 pm: | |
I
am 60 years old, masters degree in public administration, worked last
20 years in management (local government, not for profit.) Four years
ago depression caused me to lose my job and I was out of work for two
years. My psychiatrist told me to apply for disability, but I was too
stubborn. I used all my savings, had to sell my house to pay the bills,
and finally had to declare bankruptcy. I then got a job which I have
held for the last two years. I am about to lose it again, because I am
not fulfilling the mission given me by the Board. Depression strikes
again. My attorney (not a social security expert)and a social worker
friend who deals with the disabled both have told me recently to apply
for disability. My diagnosis is clinical depression and post traumatic
stress disorder. I take remeron, seroquel, adderall, and paxil. I also
carry clonazapan (sp?) for occasional panic attacks. My jobs have
always involved a considerable amount of public speaking. Now I cannot
do that without trembling. I have no energy. None.
About my physical pain.
In
the morning, I wake up with so much pain, that is is hard to move at
all for three hours. I am stiff with extreme joint pain. Probably
arthritis. I also have extreme pain in my legs. MD's are not sure of
the cause. I have had two doppler scans to see if it was a circulation
problem and two epidural treatments to no relief. It is not a
circulation problem, according to a test. If I have to walk more than
one-half block, it is excruciating. I cannot walk steps. One doctor
thought it "might" be a pinched nerve. My life style is zero. I also
started coughing up blood last year. Doctors told me to stop smoking. I
had not smoked in almost 30 years, but have always been around a lot of
second hand smoke. My lungs are somehow damaged and this also limits my
movement or exercise. Because of my depression, my painful legs, and
shortness of breath, I have become really morbidly obese. Because of my
obesity, I have sleep apnea and must rely on a bi-pap(sp) machine to
sleep. I think I have carpal tunnel syndrome,because my right hand has
become really numb and I drop things a lot. I take the maximum dose of
ibuprofen and the maximum dose of ultra for the pain. Mostly, to no
avail. I also take synthroid, aspirin, warfarin, and doxasin.
If I
took the advice of those around me, would I have a chance to receive
SSD? Thank you for taking time to read this long-winded note.
Reply by Paul
You certainly should consider applying. I would hesitate to give up a
job and apply, if you are able to hang on. But if you are out for any
reason, apply immediately. You might then continue to struggle to work
while you are waiting, but if you consider that, be sure to discuss it
with an attorney, and be sure to disclose the fact that you are trying
to work. Take care and good luck. |
