You are not alone.I worked in the Laundry field for 23 yrs.I have ddd from work but its hard to prove.I have to work because the Darn bills.Somedays are better then others.I come home and put the ice pack on my back and I also go to sleep with with it.I take my pain pills and my gapatine.Nothing really help just takes the edge off.Having DDD changed my life.Maybe you should try applying for ssi.Good Luck.

I applied for SSDI in January, and was approved in April. First try! I was stunned, since I had always heard it was so difficult. I would suggest to you that you go to their website www.ssa.gov and apply online. It really is nice because you can start and stop whenever you want, so that if you get tired, you don't have to worry. They will contact your doctors for you. It also gives you time to get all your information together, such as job history and meds list, and doctors addresses, etc. It's worth a shot, at least. I know it was such a relief for me.

I sure do understand what you're feeling. I had a very high pressure job up until 2 years ago. It's a difficult transition to go from working to not working, but I needed to do that. And now, I've gotten to the point where sitting at the computer for too long just doesn't work for me anymore. It's too painful.

I wish you all the best as you walk the path you need to follow.

LOL. I did and got it. I just can't stand being idle and playing WoW all day long. I just wonder whats out there that won't lvl me on my back for three to six weeks.

In comment to reply #2. I was shocked too about getting my SSI since I had heard so many horror stories about getting it.

Hi,

I'm in the same boat as you. I have to retrain because I am a construction electrician and there is no way I can continue in the trade. Not really sure what I am going to take though, it's a difficult descision. My Dr.'s have suggested floral arranging as I would be able to sit, there is no heavy lifting, nowhere near as much stress. I feel for you, don't know how old you are but I'm 49 and I want to find something I can do until retirement age, and not have to go through yet another career change. Best of luck to you. :)

Reply to #5.

Thanks for the well wishes. I'm 58, my deterioation started years ago. My disability started years ago, it just climaxes and became legal a year ago, last July. It's interesting u said a floral shop, cuz I'v been thinking about volunteering myself at a nearby store until I learnt he tricks of the trade, I've gone this long w/o the extra income, another 3 months wouldn't hurt. I can only supplement my disabilty pay a few pence more, but every lil bit will help