[Raynaadi]

I got a call today from the disability determination office asking me if I'm taking anything for depression.

I explained that one medication was denied, and that we're now fighting to get me on another.

She wanted to know if the depression is secondary to my MS and how the depression affects my ability to work.

So, it seems as though they think depression is worse then the MS. For me, I can't tell the difference between the MS and depression because they both cause extreme exaustion and limit my daily activities.

So, how am I to know if I am "more" disabled due to MS, or depression?

Am I more likely to loose disability if they deem me mentally well?

They're going to have me see one of their pdocs.

Is MS not enough? If I'm not depressed but have a debilitating disease, does that mean I'm not entitled?

Now I'm worried that if I say I'm generally happy that they'll think I can work. I can't lie!!! Yes there are days when I'm down in the dumps, and yes on those days I'm more exausted than others but even on my good mental days I get warn out out of the blue!

So....for those of you who have seen a pdoc for disability determination, what do I expect??

[littlemissjess]

I haven't seen anyone, but I know someone really close to me that has MS but she isn't paralized like some people are. But, I hope things go good for you. Prayers go out to you!

Good luck with everything

love, jess

[(JD)]

Maybe the disability path is quicker if it's for depression? Why do they need to have an either OR ??? why can't you have disability because of the two? Depression is common with any chronic illness. Guess you need to ask a disability lawyer for what you should reply? Sorry, more questions thans solutions for you. TC

[lenjan]

When I was trying for disability (for a physical illness), I threw in my extensive psych history to try to bolster my case. They had me see one of their pdocs, who asked such insulting questions (in terms of ease) that there was no way I could be judged disabled by my depression, although I can find plenty of people to argue for me otherwise.

Do your best to get your own pdoc's records to them!

[bebop]

hon it is much easier to get for depression than ms. ms has so many degrees to it and that makes it difficult for them to determine disability. my sister in law has it pretty bad and works most of the time. unless she is having a really bad episode which is getting more frequent. she has to do weekend iv's at home it gets so bad at times. not saying yours is any better than hers but that is how SS looks at it. I know more people with depression that get ss than physical issues. btw I am applying again! errrrrr

[Christina86]

I'm getting disability benefits, and I know the pain in the *** amount of time it takes.

Hope all goes well.

[sabby]

I have a friend who is on disability for MS. She does not claim depression due to MS. She is quite stubborn on that matter even though she has been having bouts of depression tagging along with the MS.

I don't know what your level of MS is, but you can get disability on MS alone depending on the level you are at. What helps tremendously is how your doc writes up his report for the disability office.

Good luck with it Rayna.....don't know if I was much help with what I wrote or not....LOL.

Hugssssssss
J

[Raynaadi]

Well, now apparently I have anxiety to add to my list of symptoms for if/when I see their pdoc....had a massive anxiety attack on Friday. Luckily I was with bf who knows all about them.

AAARRRRRGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!