Need advice, thoughts and opinions (long)

**jonette5** · 07-06-2003, 09:28 PM

I need everyones thoughts etc.. So much going on in my life right now sometimes I can't think straight!
Since 1992 I have had 4 back surgeries for herniated disk. The last one was a fussion. I now have permanent nerve damage and lots of trouble with my left leg. 2 years ago my back doc. told me to quit work and go on disability or risk being in wheel chair by the time I was 50. I am now 38. Well I didn't want to do that so I kept on working at my same job. In the last 6 months my leg has gotten worse and I have started having problems with my middle back (surgery in lower back). My job requires lots of heavey lifting and stuff not good for your back and I was not allowed to ask for help. About a month ago they had me doing something that I told them I COULD NOT do with my back (not part of my job) but they said do it or else! By the time I got home I was hurting so bad I could not hardly get out of my van. I came in the house crying and went straight for the pain meds and the bed. I told my hubby what happened (along with the S**T work there was alot of BS from co-workers I was putting up with cuz of missing work from my leg problem). Hubby looked at me and said "QUIT"! He said "if you don't you will end up in hospital for your back or stress" I said "no" and he said "yes". So next day I went to my doc and told him and he sent me for MRI and x-rays. Tests show 6 herniated disks in mid back and 1 in lower, major scar tissue problems and arthritis. Doc said nothing they can do for me, it will not get better. So I filed for disability.
DID I DO RIGHT? For some reason it makes me feel like I did something wrong. I know I can no longer do factory work, besides who would hire me? I have no other skills and I can't sit or stand for more than 15 minutes at a time. I know I have medical problems and don't want to end up in wheel chair but is this the right thing to do? If so why do I feel so guilty?
Any thoughts, advice or opinions would be appreciated!

**Advertisement** · 07-06-2003 09:28 PM

**Danny** · 07-06-2003, 09:42 PM

i don't understand why you would even ask if it was right or wrong. You have no other choice - you should have listened to your doctor in the first place rather than letting it get this bad. For what?? An employer who doesn't care about you or how much you are suffering as long as his work gets done? No job in the world is worth ruining your health and body over.

**Sunee** · 07-06-2003, 11:09 PM

((((((jonette5)))))))

**mom4angels** · 07-07-2003, 04:05 AM

Yes hon you did the only thing that you could do. Your health is more important than any job. I wold get a second opinion about your back though. Find a specialist that deals with back troubles.

**archaic** · 07-07-2003, 04:52 AM

Disability is difficult to get. Social Security will almost always turn you down. Appeal immediately and keep on appealing. It can take up to 4 years. Get a lawyer and keep on him/her. Eventually you will win. The lawyer in this type of case, can only take 10% or $4000 of the final settlement (it's retroactive). Don't be discouraged because you may actually get it on the first try.

**mlathroum** · 07-07-2003, 04:59 AM

Good luck sweetie! Have you thought also of going after the company? You did tell them and they already knew about your problems. There has to be something you can do. Do try the disibility you deserve it.
I have a sister who doesn't deserve it but and is on it.

**BeanieLuvR** · 07-07-2003, 09:48 AM

{{{{jonette5}}}} You should not feel guilty at all. I hope that you can get disability without a big fight. I am sorry for all of your pain.

**schsa** · 07-07-2003, 10:00 AM

I know what it's like to go to work knowing that you really can't do the job. It's hard to admit that you really need to quit working but it doesn't appear that you have any choices.

Get the best lawyer in your are that handles SSI cases. They are going to turn you down a few times but if you are persistant you will finally go out on SSI. Be sure that you document everything from here on out. Before you quit your job see if you can go out on medical leave at all so that you can visit and get some other opinions on your condition. The more people who agree on your condition, the better your case will be.

Don't give up any benefits unless you absolutely have to. You should have vacation time as well as sick leave and I would take advantage of both before I quit. And be sure that you have medical coverage either from your employer or your husband. You are going to need it most of all.

My heart goes out to you. There is nothing worse than chronic pain.

**lpelham** · 07-07-2003, 10:47 AM

Originally posted by jonette5
I feel so guilty?

I don't think you should feel guilty, but I think you do because you were raised with a good work ethic. I don't know how old you are, but I know my grandparents went through the depression when you couldn't really count on anyone to give you anything and I think that gave me a desire to work and earn my keep. I too would feel guilty if if something happened to me and I had to claim disability. But you shouldn't feel bad - you tried to keep working and there is no need to further damage your health.

Libby

**jonette5** · 07-07-2003, 06:36 PM

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and kind words. I feel sooooo much better knowing that other people besides my family think it is the right thing to do.

I KNOW THIS IS GOING TO SOUND SILLY, BUT.....I don't want to be one of those people that get "talked" about for living off the government! I know I shouldn't let what some people will say bother me ( I know the truth and that's all that should matter ) but I have very low self esteem anyway, and I just get my feelings hurt by these jerks too easily! I know...I'M CRAZY! LOL!

THANKS AGAIN!

**Iluvbears** · 07-07-2003, 07:12 PM

Girl who gives a damn what people say. People are going to talk but who cares. They aren't paying your bills or living your life. No one knows how much pain you are in, except you. If someone whines about you being on (appling for) Social Secrity ignore their dumba$$..You paid in Social Security so you are entitled to it...

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