Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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Brain & Nervous System
/ Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

Disability

shellos8
shellos8
Hi there, haven't been here in awhile but I need some advice and I'm going to do some reading and see what's going on with all of you. :)

I'm here because I have cognitive problems that just continue to get worse. I'm making a lot of mistakes or forgetting things at work. I work as an insurance agent in a fast paced office. I've been there for almost 15 years and have always been very good at what I do. The past 2 years and especially the past 6-8 months my job performance has suffered. Some of the mistakes my employer is aware of but most of them they're not. I'm usually able to fix them but one of these days I'm going to make a big mistake that can't be fixed. I find myself questioning everything I do because I just don't trust myself.

And then there is the fatigue. God I hate the fatigue! I can barely stay awake at times sitting at my desk. I've tried Amantadine which did nothing for me and am now taking Ritalin. I just started taking it about a week ago. Sometimes I feel like it's helping and then boom, I can barely function.

I'm a single mother so my question is, if I am not able to continue working because of these problems is there ANY way to apply for disability without actually having to completely stop working? I just don't know how to do it. I can't just quit. I have a mortgage, a car payment, insurance, food, etc. I would have NO income if I just quit my job. How does a single mother do it? I'm fearful of the future of my job and my ability to work.

Any input is welcome. Thank you
bleedinblue
bleedinblue
I am no expert by no means but I was able to start the process and it will take a while best of luck.
d3bears
d3bears
you can still make some money while getting disability.
princessgwenda
princessgwenda
Way back when I was diagnosed AND started in college, THE same MONTH, the new, fancy, expensive, special Dr. told me in the first visit that I should try my best to get a simple job with a bigger company to rely on THIER disability and disabled workers comp. insteada the government alone. He said that BIG companies would NEED to abide and pay a reasonable pension to their employees...
Being only 18 and VERY nervous about college and seeing this new Dr. for some weird disease that I didn't believe I had after my eyes cleared all up; Most all of his words were swept under the rug.

Now when I can bearly wake up before 10 am and can hardly walk anymore and think/ remember important stuff anymore; I wish I tried harder to find some job with some company besides my fathas little shop and get "paid" under the table, if at all! So I DO NEED the gov. to help me stay pooor!

I recommend speaking with the neuro and ask him/ her what they think would be a good direction.
marilyn4342
marilyn4342
When I first noticed my cognition failing me and the fatigue pulling me under, I applied for SSDI. It usually takes two attempts to be approved. The Social Security office sent me information on a person right to work part time to supplement their income.

They even sent me information on where to go and wht to look for. I would suggest you call your local Social Security office for advice.

Good luck in this endeavor.
deleted_user
deleted_user
My husband was experiencing some of the same issues, you are experiencing now. You may want to contact a disability attorney to find out your options. From my understanding you will have to show you are unable to work. Nevertheless, an attorney will be able to answer your questions. Sometimes it's difficult to get disability with MS. My husband applied 3 times and was denied disability each time. Finally, we hired an attorney. The attorney was able to help him get his disability. The good part about hiring an attorney is their fees coming out of your first lump sum check. The fees are based on percentages.
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