Degenerative Disc Disease Support Group

Gosh, I was never told what phase I was in and didn't know there was a "phase." LOL. All I knew was that I was in agonizing pain! I'd had 2 surgeries (one in '87 and one in '95) and I filed for Social Security Disability in '95. After 2 denials, I was finally approved. Wish I could tell you what stage I was in. Of course it's worse now, and I'm inoperable according to 3 neuros.

If I were you and you're suffering terribly, I'd file. It can't hurt. Most people get denied the first time, but after that you can hire an attorney on contingency! Then you'll undoubtedly get approved. Best of luck! Hugs, Lee

Wow...this post ended up being very informational (sarcasm). I will now just let it die a slow, painful death. LOL

P.S. LEEALL...thank you VERY much for your reply. If not for you, I could've ended up with "abandonment issues"...;)

Well I am in the first stage but I also have 4 herniated discs, stenosis, a displaced nerve root and fibro...and they still have said no 3 times...waiting on a hearing...unless you are dying the pretty much always say no...I'd file now if I were you b.c by the time you are approved it could be years...here in FL I read about people with brain cancer that were waiting and died in the process. Not cheery I know but it's the truth, file while you still have the strength to deal with the system and it's hurdles....I've been dealing with the DSSI for four years now...if you need advice feel free to ask. Good luck

hello there I have sever degenerative disc disease and two ruptured disc in my lumbar my whole spine is falling apart from my neck to my tail bone and I have tremendous pain 24/7 it never stops I get pinched nerves everywhere and I have been fighting for social security disability for five years now had a hearing on July 30th. and just got the letter yesterday and they turned me down again and also have sever depression but my lawyer says we just file another appeal !
Good luck to you I wish you the best !
Boatman1975

I've seen the docs for SSD and now awaiting my first denial (LOL) But, who's laughing, right? I know to expect a denial at first. Like everyone else, I was hoping to be one of the few that got approved right from the start but I won't be so naieve. However, I go to the mailbox every day hoping.
As far as phases...no MRI or doc ever gave me a phase number so I don't know. would be interested to know though!
Thanks for the post...don't let it die yet!
:)

Boatman...that is TERRIBLE! My spine is in no way as bad as yours...not even close. I have nothing ruptured and have had no surgeries...ever. I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU WERE DENIED...especially since you filed 5 years ago! I wish you had gotten it...that denial is just so wrong!

I just don't know how the SSA powers that be expect people to live all these years without income. I, for one, am not living...I'm just surviving month to month...nothing more and whole lot less. I just got evicted from my apartment after having lost my house and 2 cars to repossession. I filed 3 years ago. It has been a freaking nightmare that I wouldn't wish on anyone...ever!

I hope your appeal goes fast and that you win. My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Mehim...I wish you the very best of luck on your claim. Hopefully you will be one of the lucky ones! :)

ChefJess...thank you for your offer regarding SSDI advice. I have filed. I filed 3 years ago and I'm presently awaiting my decision from the ALJ now. I'm sorry you've been denied so many times. I just don't understand the lack of value our "social services" and society place on humanity. Karma needs to hurry up and get ahold of a whole lot of people in this country!

FeeFee, thanks for the well wishes...just got my first denial letter in the mail today. I want to work to supplement income but it would hurt like you know what and it would also hurt my case. I'm so torn because we need the $$$. But, if I can't physically do it, we just have to survive. The company who is representing me, Allsup, said not to give up, there is still a chance because they have a 98% success rate of getting people approved but, at what cost to my family and how long do we wait, you know? Oh, the stress of it all.

I have spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis with bi-polar disorder. I am falling apart head to toe. I have filed for SSD and it is in appeal, but it has only been a year, so I hope I don't have much longer. But you know the system....here in alabama it takes almost 15 months just to go to court. I'm having a hard time waiting for something like this. But like my lawyer says, BE PATIENT AND WAIT!