The long haul to SSDI

My last day working was May 5th of this year. I received and processed the SSI/SSDI paperwork about a month ago. I saw the neurologist last Thursday about the tremors and still no diagnosis. He wanted MORE blood tests. I have already been diagnosed with DDD, Spinal Stenosis, Thoracic Outlet, Fibromyalgia, Bi-Polar w/severe anxiety and PTSD. Lately I feel like pulling the sheets over my head and never coming out. I saw a hand doctor last week the same day as the neurologist about my De'quervains syndrome in my thumbs and the trigger finger in both my ring fingers. He decided to do cortisone, so I ended up with four shots that were extremely painful and still is. I can't take much more of this. I've been seeing a mental health therapist once a week just to help me deal with all of this. There are so many things I could do just a year or six months ago that I cannot do anymore. I have hears so many stories of waiting for years to win a SS case and I don't know if I have the will or the capacity to fight. I have not been denied yet, but that fear looms in my mind constantly. I am living on $197 a month through the state and have no money for extras, like a little fun once in a while. I know I would never consider suicide, but lately I feel like I just don't want to be here anymore.

Hugs and you are not alone.
Come back out from under the sheets, this is a journey not a fight.
It sounds like you will be approved as long as you have the paperwork to document.
If not, then they will send you to their doctor for an evaluation.
Try to remain calm. When your mind is in a fight mode, everything feels worse.
Fear not, there are many people here going through the same process.

Before just going along with what the doctors says, be informed or get informed.
Cortisone shots are meant to stop pain singles or they kinda freeze the nerves for tremors. BUT do nothing to heal and more damage can be done while on them.
You can ask the Neurologist for a MRi of your cervical spine/Thoracic region.
I hope you find a good primary care doctor that advocates on your behalf.
Research and dont give in,
Things are changing so pm me if you like!
Happiedasiy

I was afraid mine would take forever also. But I guess I am "screwed up enough" that they awarded me on my first try. Make sure you have your documentation in, and see if you can make a personal connection with your worker. I called mine because I wanted to make sure I was doing things correctly. She ended up advocating for me quite a bit (this helped a lot). She also seemed to make more of an effort to call me if something was missing, or helped me track down whatever info she still needed to complete the file. Despite years worth of paperwork, she still wanted me to get an additional eval by someone they chose. After talking to her a bit, she made sure that the request they sent was for a female evaluator (I have trust issues with guys that I'm working on). That also helped a lot, as I was able to be a hair more comfortable during the visit.

It's not impossible to be approved on the first try, but I think it helps to put a bit more effort into it. The personal connections go a long way in figuring it all out (and then it's not as scary to call the second time you have questions or concerns). I know my lady often sounded abrupt, but she was still always nice. They tend to get heavy case-loads, so I'm sure they get frazzled.

Good luck!

i got my SSDI within 4 months on the first try. it really is individual. i think it helps to have a doctor u have been with for a long time so they get consistent records. good luck,

Gruvingal-

Have you been evaluated by a movement disorder neurologist? It is worth a try. Make sure the neuro did a fellowship in movement disorders ( 2 yrs after residency). There are a bunch of strange/odd/rare movement disorders...I have one.

Thank You All for your responses! Yes, I saw a neurologist last week (referred by my Dr). I have also seen a surgeon who said nothing surgically can be done right now. The neuro guy wanted more blood work. I called today to see if the results were back and am waiting on a call. I still have to have the nerve conductive test which I am NOT looking forward to. My fibromyalgia rears it's ugly head in response to anything like that. I also saw a hand guy last week and he did cortisone injections for my thumbs and ring fingers. It hurt so bad as they were doing it that my body was contorting on the table. I am still in pain at the injection sites and have had a headache ever since. The numbness in my hands is also worse than before. I can't take much more poking and prodding. I feel like a human pincushion! I know things will be O.K. in the end, it just seems so hopeless sometimes. I have very little patience left, especially because these are things I have been complaining about for years and no one would listen until things got really bad (i.e. the tremors and pain in my neck and back). It takes all I have just to type for five or ten minutes before my arms and hands go numb. I just pray this is over soon so I can at least try to go on with my life.

Hi gruvingal! I've had fibromyalgia for 15-years and difficulties with cervical vertebrae for many decades. PM me if you have any questions. You've got my support.