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JetJJ

Junior Member
What is the name of your state? Arkansas

Hi,
I'm 33 years old and just had back surgery in May for a problem that has been ongoing since 1999. I've seen several doctors who have prescribed me to physical therapy, steroid spinal injections (4), and ultimately surgery (which was my choice as a last resort). My problems were a few bulging discs, one partially ruptured disc, bone spur, and a (not uncommon) birth defect; a narrow spinal canal. During the surgery, the doctor removed the spur, moved a nerve, and took care of the ruptured disc by removing the remaining material in the disc. Now, having been 6 weeks I should be doing better but I'm begining (now that the surgical pain is gone) to feel the exact same pains and aches as pre-surgery. It's very disappointing because I have a five year old son who loves to rough
house and wrestle but I just can't (not more than a couple of minutes anyway).

I took time off of work last summer for 5.5 weeks (per doctor) just to give some healing time and received an injection. The injection worked for a few weeks then eventually wore off which led me to taking a day off of work here and there just to rest my back. Late Feb of this year, my problems seemed to get worse and here I am now. I've worked 6 days since then, as I was off for about a month, went back, then only to be told by my supervisor and nurse at work (a warehouse for a major retailer) I was putting the company and myself at risk by being there so I was asked not to come back until I get full clearance. During this time, I have been receiving benefits, 75% for the first 12 weeks which included last summer, and I'm now down to %60. Also, I restarted my quest for my college degree in Fall 05 just so that I would have more options. School is going fine which I'm proud of but physically, I'm just not all that active because of the pain and such.

I have a doc appointment this week and I almost hate to tell him I'm not seeing any improvment. Partially because he's such a super nice guy who really wants to help and also because I don't want it to seem like I'm "out to get disability". However, by his own admission pre-surgery, there was a chance I'd see no improvment. So now what? I really need to go back to work yet I'm afraid of damaging myself further. Any suggestions? Should I file for disability? Thanks.

p.s. Sorry for the length. :)What is the name of your state?
 


BL

Senior Member
Be honest with your Dr. about how you feel , and run the disability question by him .
In other words , to be able to qualify for SS Disability you would have to be deemed not able to do any type of work thats available in the US , not just your last job , or you are expected not to be able to do any type of work for at least 12 months .

Also , you are receiving compensation benefits that may play a role in your eligibility .

But by all means run it by your Dr. nothing to be embarrassed about .
 

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