Have you talked to a lawyer? In general a lawyer should not collect unless you win. It's worth finding a good one and running your situation by him or her.
I am currently waiting for a hearing to be scheduled (I was told it would be about a year). Are you seeing a T? Just wondering if you have any medical records. I don't want to sound discouraging, but my lawyer told me that one of the worst things someone can do is work, because the process is all about proving you can't work. I am not saying you shouldn't try, but I think you should talk to someone first before you get stuck unprepared in a hearing. I know mine is very far away, but it already makes me sick to my stomach with anxiety thinking about it.
Hugs to you!