Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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carolinagirl123 05/15/2008

I've been dx with MS since 2005. I've not had any major/bad things happen so far. But I do suffer greatly with unbearable fatigue and leg(s) pain. Most of the meds i take help somewhat. I'm still working full time (office work), but it is absolutely killing me. I could just cry during the day. I sit at my desk so miserable, all i think about is I'd rather be at home lying down. When I do get home, i head straight for the couch, sometimes my bed. I usually lay down for an hr. or so then try to oook something to eat for me and my daughter. I go to bed feeling like crap and i wake up feeling like crap. Its a ficious cycle that never stops. Do you think I might would be a candidate for disability? I've always worked but this MS has robbed my livlihood and has made me unhappy too. Should I try to get disability? Thanks for listening.

deleted_user 05/15/2008

Im in the same boat you are and I understand your pain....
my problem is I cant afford to wait 6 to 12 months for approvel with out a pay check but if you have short and long term disability threw your work that would help you until your approved for SSDI...
good luck to you.
april

deleted_user 05/15/2008

Getting disability is tough but living like this is tougher. It took me 2 yrs to get SSD. I was ok at first because my company had short/long term disability. Sometimes they even have extended sicktime that involves people donating their sick time. Sounds overwhelming. But it is worth checking it all out. Try to figure it out while you can think clearly and have access to the information in the company. It is really hard to live on only disability so if you have any kind of pension- I retired on disability retirement.
I wish you good luck and healthy days.

carolinagirl123 05/15/2008

I have a 1 year disability plan with AFLAC and I could retire under disability within my work place. But the waiting terrifies me, not really knowing how long it wil take. I'd have to live with m y parents for a while i guess. what a horrible situation to be in. To be in so much discomfort and have to worry about finances too. Thanks for your inputs!

TexasMS 05/15/2008

I know these can get complicated but do as much research as possible before you decide. For me if I was to do the retirement disability instead of long term disibility, my insurance premiums would go way up, if I do long term disibility I get the current preimum price until I turn 65 and I still get retirement benifits at that time. Just read all the fine print on everything before you decide what to do and have others look at it also.

deleted_user 05/15/2008

I would talk to your HR people at your job and your doctor. You may have to ask for accomodations. Check out the JAN (Job Accomodation Network) for ideas/help. What do you take for your fatigue. I am on Provigil and just have Adderall also. I hope it helps, because the fatigue is the worst symptom I have. The tingling I can deal with, but the fatigue is a whole different story. Please let me know what happens. I am researching all I can for my job too. I just got dx in Feb 08 and it has been an eye opening experience for me. Keep fighting....whatever it takes. I can't believe there is such a long waiting period for disability. Sonya

carolinagirl123 05/16/2008

My neuro put me on ritalin. I tried provigil and it didn't help. The ritalin helps some but then alot of times i feel shaky or sick feeling. There's just no easy fix for this crap. I hate taking all this med, i feel like a zombie. Its so hard mentally/emotionally. And people think "I LOOK FINE" I could scream. I will definately do my research while i'm still working. thanks guys!

deleted_user 05/16/2008

i understand what your going through.
none of the fatigue fighting drugs worked for me, my fatigue has been so bad that i couldn't even shower myself.
it took me 4 months to get approved for ssdi. i recomend you talk to your doctors and see if they will help you to get it. alot rides on their statements to ssdi

carolinagirl123 05/16/2008

It is really getting bad for me. I find it extremely difficult to get up in the morning and shower, hec its so hard to get out of bed. I have been showering everyother day now for the last couple of months. I jsut feel like it wears me out to bad and i try to consereve all the energy i have to keep on, i have to work/survive/eat. I sit down the whole time i do my makeup, i sit down to put socks/shoes on and sometimes just putting on my clothes. last night i felt so bad i didn't even want to reach across the table to get my medicine, it was just to tiring, i've even noticed my driving is not so good sometimes.sorry, i'm just not dealing with all this well anymore.

deleted_user 05/16/2008

I'm so sorry.
Baclofen helps with my leg pain. Provigil helps with the lethargy. Otherwise, try any amphetamine.
I'll differ with you a little bit- what has happened to you is major and bad. You just aren't in rough shape for someone with MS.
Call your neuro and tell them what's happening. And apply for SSD. The sooner the better. Here's a link for SSD and mental problems. It's a little different, but it may bring a little comfort, and it will definitely help with the SSD forms.
http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.ssd.html
Peace

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