Disability Question

[Mommamilla]

I am scheduled for a Spinal Fusion on November 3rd.  I have been out of work the past year due to several health conditions.  I had a cardiac ablation and most recently severe pain in my back.  I have used up all of my FMLA for the year.   Does anyone know if I am eligible for Social Security Disability?  I am unable to work due to my pain and the amount of pain medication I am on.  I would like to put off my surgery until January; but don't know if I should apply for Disability.  I work for the Federal Government and I am in the process of applying for a medical retirement since I have run out of FMLA.    I tried to work but I can't anymore because of my pain and the side effects of my pain medication.
I take Opana 10 mg twice a day and 40 mg of oxycodeone.  
Thank you!
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[Tuckamore]

Hello and Welcome,

I am so sorry to hear about your Chronic Pain and disability. Many of us can relate to your situation. My heart goes out to you.

I was where you are several years ago. I know the fear and uncertainty that comes when you realize you can no longer maintain employment in spite of your best efforts. Most of us wait too long - holding out hope for some miracle. Sadly it rarely comes. It's frightening! Terrifying!

Sherry offers some good information. Let me add that you shouldn't be confused by this Blue Book she is talking about. I read the list of diagnoses, qualifying requirement and so forth that she discusses. They totally confused me. Indeed I could not find my DX any where on the "list". Even with my extensive medical background I found it confusing. It appears they make the information way to difficult for most ppl to understand. I thought I had no chance - or would face a long fight.

You age helps. The closer you are to your retirement age the less fight you'll have - provided your qualify. It's not as difficult as they make it look - or as it sounds. If I were you I would not wait to apply.

Obviously you need proper and extensive documentation by physicians outlining your disabilities, short and long term prognosis. If you have that - apply. You are eligible to apply after you have been "disabled" and unable to earn a living wage for six consecutive months.

SSD representatives will walk you through the application process. Indeed when I didn't return my application on time they called me and filled it out over the phone. This non crier, cried and I said, "I don't want to apply for SSD anymore than you want to give it to me."

I didn't have to consult one of their physicians. I had great medical documentation. I received a "phone interview" after the application was completed and reviewed. Four months, yes four months after I applied I received my first SSD check.

There is something called the "Fast Track" to SSD - to my great surprise, I fit the criteria. When I read what qualified you for the Fast Track I was certain I did not - goes to show you how difficult their books are to understand.  The website is a bit better.

Don't wait my dear. Get the process moving. Call Social Security, they will guide you. I found them very helpful.

I wish you the best. If you have additional questions please feel free to ask. We're here often. Good Luck.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[namnam46]

Hi, once again, Mommamilla.  :)

First, I want to, officially, let you know how very glad I am that you have found our PM (Pain Management) Forum here on MH (MedHelp).  Please understand there are NO Doctor's on MH.  We are all CP ( Chronic Pain ) Patients that try to help each other get thru our daily pain that we endure in our lives.

I'm so incredibly sorry for all that you have been having to endure this past year with your spine and back.  :(  

I've been on SSD I since 2003 because of my DDD ( Degenerative Disc Disease ) and my Osteoarthritis.  I've done a small amount of research and I know that your Spinal Fusion will not automatically qualify you for SSDI.  However, if you have problems with mobility and other functions afted.uour surgery that are listed in the Social Security Blue Book that lists what qualifies you for a Disability Award after your surgery and.uour Docotor will help you by writing a letter in your behalf then you will have a chance to get it.  The BEST thing you can do is to go to the Social Security site and begin reading and get all the information that you can obtain and then call them and talk with them and let them walk you through the process.  I know from experience, it is not an easy process and it takes a long time to get everything done.  It can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 or more years once you apply depending on whether or not you have been turned down and have to appeal the decision.  They will send you all the information that you need, including the all important Blue Book so you can get everything started.  DON'T HESITATE TO ASK FOR HELP from Family, Friends and your Doctor's as you start to weave your way thru this incredibly complex system.  

I wish you the very best and I hope that I have been of some help to you.  I wish I could tell you that it will be fast and you will have no problems but unfortunately I've never known it to be that way.  I HOPE that you will have a smooth time with it and won't have to wait for long periods.  Just remember that you must be deemed not able to work at your old job or a lesser job to be eligible for it.  Just prepare yourself for a long road ahead so you won't be disappointed with the time it takes.

I'll be looking for your updates and I wish you the VERY BEST OF LUCK with your upcoming surgery on November 3!  :)  Please let us know how it goes and.your outcome afterwards as that will be the determining factor for whether or not you get your SSDI according to the Social Security Disability website.

I'll be thinking of you and looking for your updates.          ..............         Sherry   :)