any nurses out there with back injuries

Simplepleasures · Dec 10, 2007

I would strongly sugest that if anyone is planning on applying for SSI/SSD that they get themselves a lawyer as well. They usually take no fee if you do not get awarded SSI and if you do get the SSI, they take between 10-15% as their fee and it is well worth it in my opinion. Also, having a doctor with with you have a good rapport, that keeps excellent records and is willing to assist you in attaining SSI is also a plus. The urged my hubby to apply for it immediately in 2000 but he had hope he would get better but he didn't, he applied for SSI on 2006 and was awarded a retroactive award to 2004. The judge asked why he did not apply sooner and when we told him, he shook his head and said amazing! Each state has different programs for Medicare drug programs.supplimental insurance, for the best assistance, your local office for the aging can assist you in choosing the plan that best fits your needs. I wish you the very best of luck in this venture. Be advised that if during the hearing for SSI/SSD, the judge rules that you can do some sort of work, you could be sent for career retraining(that's how it works in NYS).

Hi, I am disabled due to Spinal Stenosis ,DDD, DJD, the works. I agree about getting a a lawyer for the SS appeal process, some lawyers will start at the beginning at the application stage but most will tell you to apply then wait for the inevitable denial at the initial application stage and the reconsideration stage, then the lawyer steps in for the appeal stage. 65% of initial applications are DENIED, then at reconsideration 85% are denied.Then at the hearing level 65% ar APPROVED! What gives here?Sadly the waiting list for an ALJ hearing is now 2 years plus in many states. here are 750,000 people nation wide in this waiting list and during this lengthly wait , some either die, loss all their savings and home , car etc. Sad eh? Ther is a very good support and information group called the Social Security Disabilty Coalition , just google it and you will get to its website and forums, VERY helpful info there.

chisgirl · Dec 21, 2007

I was kicked by a patient coming out of anesthetic back in 1975... it's a long story. Additionally, that evening shift I was the only person working a floor with 24 patients... talk about being short-staffed, even that far back. I had no orderly, LPN, RNA... no one. When I couldn't get up and walk the next morning, I persevered even though it took me three hours to get dressed. My charge nurse, bless her, sent me to the ER, where I waited 3 hours to be told to go home and rest. No mention of Worker's Comp... nothing. Two weeks later, still no word from anyone and rent due, I tried to go back to work. the long and short of it... I couldn't do normal duties, tried doing light duties, and woke up paralyzed from the waist down when L3-4 and L5-5 herniated severely enough in the night that parts of the facet joint wound up embedded in my spine. Four operations later, I'm in pain, but I'm walking and managed to have two kids... not without some difficulties. I tried to nurse... not possible in a hospital at all. I tried working in a clinic but my back went out too often and eventually I gave up. I did go back to school and learned to be (another long story). My job upon graduation.... providing health information via the public library's consumer health information service... I got to use my medical background and use my new skills as well. The point of the whole thing.... when God closes a door... He opens a window. You just have to look for it, or at lease, slow down and feel where the breeze is coming in.

You are NOT alone in your pain and we all seriously know that your pain is VERY REAL. Don't let anyone tell you that you are exagerating your pain or making it up... believe in yourself... you are your own best doctor. More than trusting in yourself though.... trust in a higher power (whether you call it God, or Allah, or Bob...). When you are offered help by your friends... say yes once and a while... it makes them feel wanted too. Don't become identified by your pain (Oh, you're the back patient...). Know that there is a plan for you...you may not "nurse" in the traditional sense, but "once a nurse, always a nurse", it's in your blood. You just need to let God use you... open your mind and your heart to the possibilities and try to focus on that, not the pain. (That's easier to say when you are reasonably well medicated/treated, I know)

Good luck to you and I will keep you in my prayers.

woody62, RN · Dec 26, 2007

In March of 1988 I suffered a herniation, at L4-5 right side, when I helped a 100 pound old gentleman get up in his bed. I underwent a percutanous diskectomy in May of 1988 and suffered a reherniation four days after my surgery. It took an attorney and a hearing, and a second opinion before I underwent my lami on November 29, 1988. On January 30, 1989 I was returning from my neurosurgeon's when I was hit by a big rig and suffered serious injures. Because I was returning from my WC doctor's appointment, my insurance company was responsible for payment of the medical bills and my continued disability.

I applied for SSDI. It took me 18 months to get a hearing before an administrative law judge and three months later I received my first check. I got an attorney who specialisted in SSDI hearings after my second turn down. I recently read that because Bush has refused to put in for a biger budget, the number of law judges hearing these case verses the number of cases is increasing. The curent projected time is thirty six months. And no increase is projected to increase the number of judges. If you are going to apply be willing to wait the thirty six months.

I returned to graduate school in 2000. And had to drop out in 2003 when I suffered a three place fracture of my left anklie. And later had a case of blood clotts. If you can return to school and are not too close to 67, do try it. Best place is public universities, they are not as expensive and the private ones.

Woody:balloons:

rehab nurse · Feb 24, 2008

****UPDATE******

Hi everyone...I am the lady who started this thread. Well, in the few months since I wrote it, have lost my home, my car, my everything. My two young children and I moved back with my parents in their tiny home. It's been difficult, but at least we have a roof over our head and heat during the cold winter. And I again have internet, I had gone without for a long time during this period.

I was finally awarded medicaid for my kids and I. I am in the middle of the nastiest divorce ever. I am in another court battle with some of my credit cards, I now have a lien on any future property or wages until their balance is paid. A lot going on all at once. Good thing I was awarded the medicaid, because my COBRA was just about to expire.

Other than that, it's the same old same old. Still in a ton of pain, despite nearly 500mg of morphine a day. To the poster who asked if I was a surgical candidate...no I was not. I did seek out 3 opinions. I went to the best I could get...and they all agreed that my injuries were too severe and too far gone to operate. They also agreed that my pain issue would not be resolved by surgery. My pain is basically due to the irritation of the nerves that are constantly bathed in irritating chemicals. I had read about the IDET procedure, but both my main docs both said the IDET was not an option for me, and that its success rate was poor.

So anyway, that's where I am. Still trying to navigate the SSDI paperwork, however, I do not have any doctor that charts well enough. I have learned that docs sure don't chart nearly enough as they should. I am apalled at how little the docs chart in your medical records. Also, none of the docs understand that I CANNOT go back to work on the amount of medicine I take. They don't understand what a floor nurse does. I couldn't pass a physical for a job if I wanted to. I can barely walk as it is, I can't stand more than 5 minutes, can't walk or sit more than a couple of minutes without my pain flying off the scale. It is hard enough getting through the daily grind of things to do, like laundry, grocery shopping, getting the kids ready for school, etc. I am in pain constantly. I have learned how much I can do and not do to keep my pain level as low as possible. I know longer remember what a pain-free life is, but I survive.

So how is everyone else doing? And does anyone who has successfully gotten SSDI, does it matter what your educational level is? The whole SSDI system still seems so "foreign" to me.

EmmaG, RN · Feb 25, 2008

rehab nurse, I am so very sorry

Have you considered contacting your Congressman? I know that sounds hokey, but they really can light a fire under SSA's ass and get them moving on your claim.

My daughter was in a similar situation with the military/VA system. She had been injured in basic, but continued to serve after her graduation. It got to the point where she couldn't go on any longer, and was medically discharged. She fought with them over her disability benefits for well over a year--- unable to work due to physical limitations, and not collecting any pay from her military service.

Even though she lives on the opposite coast, I wrote my Congressman about her difficulties. I told him that I understood she was technically not his constituent any longer, but begged him for help or advice in the matter.

His office jumped on it immediately, and within a week her case was decided and she received not only a damned hefty disability percentage, but back pay from the date she was discharged.

During our last election, my younger daughter asked me why I voted for this man, as he is a Republican and I am a liberal. I told her this story and that I didn't care what political party he's affiliated with, he works hard for everyone in his District and would have my vote for as long as he chooses to serve.

Sorry for the long post, but I do think it might help to contact your representative. Tell them the entire story. All of it. And good luck sweetie. My prayers are with you, as always.