Saw my LLMD for a follow up yesterday; he was genuinely happy with my herx (still ongoing). I've only been on (oral) ABX for a month now.
Yesterday he upped my ABX in what he feels is a safe way for me.
Most of my worst symptoms are neurocognitive, but I also have joint, muscle, visual, digestive, cardiac, and other symptoms as well.
He is hoping that by my next follow up in another month that I will be at least 50% better. It's just a guess.
Here's my question:
I have been not working since February of last year: I took a medical leave and NJ temp disability until July.
Since my employer replaced me during my leave, I then went onto unemployment.
My unemployment is currently on extension, which will end in late May.
At this point, I honestly cannot see myself getting and holding onto a job in my field (teaching) by that time.
I barely make it thru my few hours on my radio show. It is an ordeal to even drive there, and afterward, I'm wiped out for the next day.
Also, with my brain symptoms (including past treatment for depression, anxiety, and current short term memory loss, disorientation,
getting lost, and losing my ability to speak, write, or read properly) I'm really not a candidate for a good employee I don't think!
My LLMD cannot estimate when I'll be in decent shape. My family dr (who still insists I have RA and depression) felt 4 years ago I should go for disability. (I just kept working the best I could)
OK, FINALLY here's my questions:
1. when do you get to the point when you feel SSDI is the way to go, other than trying to go back to work?
2. if you did take SSDI, how long did it take you to get your SSDI through?
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
quote:Originally posted by MissMari: i have been not working since February of last year: I took a medical leave and NJ temp disability until July.
Since my employer replaced me during my leave, I then went onto unemployment.
My unemployment is currently on extension, which will end in late May.
At this point, I honestly cannot see myself getting and holding onto a job in my field (teaching) by that time.
I barely make it thru my few hours on my radio show. It is an ordeal to even drive there, and afterward, I'm wiped out for the next day.
My LLMD cannot estimate when I'll be in decent shape. My family dr (who still insists I have RA and depression) felt 4 years ago I should go for disability. (I just kept working the best I could)
OK, FINALLY here's my questions:
1. when do you get to the point when you feel SSDI is the way to go, other than trying to go back to work?
2. if you did take SSDI, how long did it take you to get your SSDI through?
mari, are you still working now? you mentioned 2 hr. radio show you have times 5 days; 10 hrs. week ??
you have to STOP ALL WORK and be off work 5 months before you can officially file for SSDI.
you could get unemployment for now, but tell EACH of them what you are doing! some will allow it, others will not.
if you go from start to finish having an admin law judge hearing, it's 2.5 yrs. of pure hell of redundant paperwork over and over hoping you will give up.
mari, it took me 5 yrs. of hell to go thru 2 claims since ALJ denied me so it went to appeals court and my lawyer at time didn't file a brief with appeals council, and then quit me 4 yrs. into this.
mari, if you have all the necessary drs. SUPPORTIVE paperwork describing how you PHYSICALLY can not:
sit, walk, life, crawl, bend, climb, use your hands, cognitive, etc. for
0-2 hrs., 2-4 hrs., 4-6 hrs., and 6-8 hrs. daily
you can win 1st time; 1st step within 6 months of sooner depending how busy they are!!!
read the last 35 plus pages of my newbie's package; it's all about ssdi benefits.
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Go for it little darling.
If you find later it isn't needed.. they will be happy you changed your mind.
If you don't apply.. and wait till the bitter end.. you extend the suffering... and you are only hurting yourself.
Plus.. once you are on it I believe you can work and earn a bit each month without affecting your benefits.
Don't take my word on that... as it has been years since I looked into that part... but just so you know.. it might be an option.
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