Finally some good news!

Just wanted to share a bit of good news with all of you!

I have suffered with menstrual migraines since 2004. I was 24 years old when it all started (31 now)..After getting talked into getting a full hysterectomy in 2006 which made my migraines worse, and ultimately got me fired for missing too much work in 2007...I filed for SSDI. After 3 years of fighting with Social Security...I was finally approved. YIPPEE!! They finally got it through their heads that I'm not trying to scam the system! My migraines are predictable and cycle 5 days without migraines..8 days of hell, and 2 days recovery..then repeat again. Here's the math (approximately) 240 days out of the year I am incapacitated!


It is a positive sign that the government is now taking Migraine sufferers seriously and seeing it as a real disease which can be completely DISABLING in severe cases! This process was long, exhaustive, and stressful. Being looked at under a microscope and being put on trial like some criminal was horrible. As if migraine sufferers don't feel guilty or weak enough for not being able to just brush it off, suck it up and work our way through it, we need to get treated vermin for getting sick (that treatment comes from every direction..the workplace, the government, your families!!!).

Does the fact that I get paid to suffer make my pain go away..no. But it does help me feel like I am positively contributing to my family now, which makes it less stressful on everyone. So now on the days that I can't drag my but out of this recliner, I can feel less like a worthless piece of crap...I can't help it but that's how I felt..when I wasn't contributing financially, and was unable to contribute by even doing housework...it's very hard to feel worthy, and even harder not to feel guilty about it.

So, needless to say..I am very very glad that I didn't just give up. I kept on fighting...now on with the never ending struggle to find ways to deal with the PAIN! I guess I can pray that in 20 or so years when I will be able to go through menopause the migraines will disappear! I know it's a 50/50 shot, but no one can take away my HOPE!

Never give up!!

Dawn

Dawn,

That's fantastic news! So glad you got it and it eases some of the burden.

I know how you feel though - I'm only working cause I can work from home. If I wasn't, I'd be in some serious trouble.

Just out of curiosity, what kind of documentation did you need to produce?

Again - CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Thanks Heeler...Documentation? Lots and lots of medical records (from the date of onset) backing by physicians, and before they make their final decision, they will have you evaluated by the SSDI psychiatrist to ensure it's not a mental illness of some sort.

If you have anymore questions feel free to ask, and I will answer them if I can.

Dawn

WOW. WOW. WOW. It feels like I just read my story. All of which you said is about me, but I am still waiting on my court date for my trail hearing. I suffer with the same. Menstrual migraines have forced me to quit work over 2 years ago, the day after I quit my job I filled for disability. I also deal with chronic daily headaches, pretty much in pain all the time. Menstrual migraines start 3 days before my cycle, will last up to two weeks and then add the recovery time from that and also all the meds I have to take. My system feels as if I have been turned inside out. I can't leave my house most of the time, I surely can't work a job.

I sure could use any pointers you have on how to work the system so that I can get disability. Any tips at all. I sure am happy for ya.

Hey dawn, check out my blog. I write about my life with chronic migraines.

http://throughthewordsofchronicpain.blogspot.com/

Dawn,

You should get a big check for three years backpay. I did.

Hal

Hal.

I did. It feels great to get all our bills caught up, credit cards paid off, and one small loan paid off! That makes a world of difference...much less stressful.

Dawn