Just tired

MS fatigue can feel like beyond just tired. I was dg. at 23 and about 6 years later I applied for SSDI. Like you, I looked fine. At the time I was told fatigue was the main reason people w. MS go out on disability. I had been fired and it was then I realized I had cognitive issues - again, invisible. The fatigue and cognitive issues were debilitating. I miss working so much.....
Don't think I'm liking your neurologist much.....

Hi Mspbfh2,

At 62, you are eligible to retire and take regular Social Security. If you don't want to do that, you can always file a claim for SSDI. You would be eligible for Medicare 24 months after you start receiving SSDI. Then at age 66 or thereabouts, your SSDI would automatically convert to Social Security and the amount would remain the same.

I retired on SSDI four years after my diagnosis of RRMS. I won my claim on the first try. I know what you mean about missing work, and there are ways to work that you can handle. I found a second career using the skills I already had, and I work at home and choose my own hours. You can find work while you are on SSDI through the SSA's Ticket to Work program. You can also network with your colleagues and professional associations to find a work situation that suits you. Another way to create a paying job for yourself is to first volunteer at something you enjoy doing. It can turn into a paying situation down the road.

To echo Nadine's sentiments, I don't much care for your neurologist, either. They are all so different, and I guess we always have the option of finding a new one once we get sick enough of who we are seeing now.

I hope you'll come back and vent some more whenever you need to. Pity parties are always welcome here at multiplesclerosis.net. If it makes us feel better, then why not 😀

Kim

Thanks for the support. After I reread my post I realized why you said you don't like my neuro, who actually is great. She made a note saying I am fine (which is what I said, which is true on the MS scale...I can walk, do housework, etc. and I meant it that way). It was the long term insurance company that said I should be able to work. I am on SSDI, and just a few months ago started Medicare. The long term insurance helps bridge the gap bet SSDI and what I made as a nurse of 35+ years. I got SSDI first try, which the lawyer was shocked by; he had told me usually was denied, then an appeal, then maybe even a second appeal. I had to be evaluated by SOcial Security docs. and THEY are the ones who upheld the disability. It is just humiliating to be treated as a malingerer, which I have NEVER been. I am really, really good at hiding how much I hurt, and how much I am frustrated by the cognitive problems.

Is there anyone out there going to try stem cells with CellTex out of Houston.
Has anyone done the stem cells. Want to know if you had any positive results before
I spend a lot of money and travel to Mexico? Appreciate any input!