Other people are going to disagree with me, but I say you find the most reputable SSD Attorney in your area, and let them take oi from there. At least consult with one to find out if you are eligible, and how much you are entitled to. They only get paid if you do. I do not know what the % is, but it is set by Social Security so you won't get screwed. Some people, like me think it was worth it, while others do not. It is best to let them do it all from the beginning. Hope this helps!

First you have to go to Social Security and aply. Depending on documentation by your Neuro and how visibly obvious you dissability is will help. I was approved right away. But I applied after 20 years, I had just finished steriods so I looked like death and because I had 20 years of documentation it helped.
You should wait on the lawyer until you have first been denied. If you start with a lawyer and you get approved you still have to pay the lawyer.
So go to your local Social Security office and apply, then if you get denied, get a good disability lawyer. Just remember you will pay that lawyer something. It will most likely come out of back pay from your SSD monies.
Good luck.

I'm not sure if this will help, but I also get seizures sort of like the ones you described. They are called "Absence Seizures". They are under control now, but they scared me until I knew what was going on. I kind of fade out for a while, stare into space, and if I'm standing I will fall. My neuro thinks they started because of lesion activity in a certain part of my brain, I take medication that I tolerate well and I have adapted fine.
You are newly diagnosed, this is overwhelming, I know. Talk to your doctor about your pain, there is no reason for you to suffer. They should help you figure out the cause and treat it accordingly.
I was DXed in 2000 at age 29. I went through a period of depression and fear, but my life is anything but miserable. I have bad days, but then again, I did before I ever had symptoms. Stick around, we'll help however we can. Be well- Jen

I was on Rebif for 4 months and couldn't function! The side effects really did me in.

As far as SSD goes, seek an attorney. Its worth the money.

I am on Paxil to help with my anxiety and has been a life saver, not just for me but my family too. Not everyone reacts well to Zoloft.

You will probably get SSI as I am having to fight to get mine...currently have an attorney but was denied earlier this year sooo we are appealing....i too have ms and spaces in the brain that are missing however age is a primary factor from what I am told...if you can be rehabbed (per SSI) you won't get it...good luck

Maybe you need a new antidepressant. I take Rebif and Zoloft and they work for me but everyone is different. I used to take Celexa but then it stopped working.

It will probably take you a while to get SSDI. They will want to make sure that you are not going to get better first. I did get better after my diagnosis in 1994 and was able to work another 12 years. From what I have heard through the grapevine is that Zoloft may not be the best choice for men. It worked fine for me while I was using it. You might want to try a different one. Good luck. Your journey might get better for a while soon. Give yourself about three months to see if you are coming out of it or not.

I took my several years and i had been helping others get disability for years. MS is different in that there are many misconceptions still about. But the main thing the Judge cared about was _ if i was capable of doing my old job.

I waited till i was denied. The lawyer was helpful in organizing and support. basicly the MRI s prove the illness but it is the inablitity to work you have to show - fatique, memory, confusion, Physical probs, = inability to maintain any sustained activity etc. Goodluck

I totally get what you mean about your brain throwing up! I tried about 5 antideppresants befor I came to the conclusion that the dose was too dam high, seriously creeped me out. Went onto the lowest dose available then cut them in half, Takes the edge off the depression but doesn't make me feel like I have to hang on for dear life, because I'm so creeped! Can't address other side effects because I'm not on anything else yet. Hang in it will get better. There is joy in the small things.
Anne

1st slow down and talk to your human resources department about taking short term dis leave to get meds right so you can deal with if you can work. talk to your doc about work. a large part of getting ssdi is if your doc says you can't work. my hubbies doc said no to work after talking about it. he never had to go to their docs or had any other problem with getting ssdi. good luck

u can call ss u dont hv to go in....

If you make too much $, or have not worked in 5 years are the big reject from SS. They don't account that you have kids or all the other jazz that takes out of your $ supply. In fact this same question came up to Mitt Romney in his campaign forums. He didn't know much and would have to check into it. His wife has Ms but he never had to get aide. I was rejected because my husband makes too much and being a stay at home mom with my 4 kids, and hopefully more, I have not worked for 8 years, so therefore REJECT. Its amazing who can get SS over me. Its worth a try. Every $ helps.

try getting Legal Aid to help. I applied to SS and 6 months later was denied, I then went to legal aid it was free and they did all the leg work. I was approved within a month.

There is a difference between SSi and SSDI. SSDI depends on how many work credits you have established. SSI is supplemental security income which is based on the families income. You can always check your benefits due at ssa.gov and they will send you a report. Click the link that says "qualify and apply."