Retirement

By sshyladyb

1 min read

I have not applied for disability because of the fear of rejection. My migraines are triggered by growth in my pituitary gland in my brain. Part-time work is all I'm able to do. I still jewelry online and coupons to save money. On August 5th, 2020, I was diagnosed with Narcolepsy. I just live from day to day the best I can.

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Tracy Hannigan, MOstMed, ACE-HC Moderator
SshyladyB, It sounds like you have an awful lot going on, and I hope your jewelry sales gives you joy! Do you have anyone who can help you with your application? You might find some of the resources here helpful. One article I found here on this subject is about applying for disability <a href='https://migraine.com/migraine-basics/chronic-migraines-and-applying-for-social-security-disability' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/migraine-basics/chronic-migraines-and-applying-for-social-security-disability/</a>. There are a lot of other related articles as well. You may also find it helpful to know that there is a new Narcolepsy community here at <a href='https://narcolepsy.sleep-disorders.net/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://narcolepsy.sleep-disorders.net/</a> where a community of people living with narcolepsy share their experiences and suggestions for coping. Thank you for being here with us, and please use this site as a resource to help you on your journey. Warmly, Tracy (Migraine.com Team Member)
MelanieM Community Admin
SShyladyB- thanks so much for sharing your story with us! I also have a Narcolepsy diagnosis, so I can relate to migraines and narcolepsy very much! I wanted to let you know we have a sister community, <a href='https://narcolepsy.sleep-disorders.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://narcolepsy.sleep-disorders.net</a> , I think it could be a real resource for you! I hope that you will continue to come here for support, we would love to hear from you! Sending you strength- Melanie (team member)
kateymac Member
I hope you do manage to apply. You deserve disability if your illness prevents gainful employment. That’s why it’s there. As far as rejection goes: just know that you likely WILL be turned down the first time. I think that’s automatic. It didn’t even seem like they read my first attempt, as their reasons weren’t related to my application. Always appeal if you are refused. Contradict, directly, their reasons for refusing you. One more thing: Be very specific about how this impairs you - I need help to get groceries, the pain makes it hard to shower, or to clean the house, cook a meal, etc. Ear sensitivity makes it hard to be at meetings due to the volume,... Specific, detailed examples. Write all over the back; no need to accept those tiny lines for such important information. Dictate to a friend if writing is too exhausting or painful. Do it in a few sittings if you need to. They don’t make it easy. I did get accepted on my second try. I hope this isn’t too much. Be well; as well as able. - Kate
savta45 Member
Hi SShyladyB, I’ve got to say, after reading your story, I think you are very brave! You have a great attitude, despite some very difficult things going on with your body! Must tell you, I applied for & was given Full Disability, on my 1st try. I am not 100% sure of why this happened, because I had heard all sorts of negative things regarding getting Disability for migraines also. I think that what MIGHT have helped was that I worked in the same place for many years & also had the same doctor. Everything I had tried, all the treatments, medications, adjustments to my work station, etc, were all very well documented, for years. The reason that I was filing was that, even though my union has a protection in it, where even if you run out of sick leave, you are immune from discipline, as long as you work a certain amount of hours per year. Well, it’s a catch 22, because I was sick too often to make that minimum my final year there. I knew that disciplinary action was going to be the result, with my being fired as the ultimate outcome. I was NOT going to end my career like that, not after 40 years, and through no fault of my own! So, bottom line: Apply! My goodness! You have a tumor on your pituitary?! You have scans, etc, which prove this? Should be a slam dunk to get Disability! (PS I’m hoping this is not malignant! Is it inoperable?) My VERY BEST WISHES, to you! Sending you sincere prayers for recovery & financial stability.