Fusions.........

[lenny]

I was working in 98', playing nurse @ a jail and blew out 5/6,6/7. The pain prior to surgery was HORRIBLE. If I even coughed, I would die from the shooting pain down my left arm.

Back to work and of course, the summer of 2000 I blew out 4/5 big time and was unable to walk! Emergency surgery....and of course,

Back to work. I am still working but have now I have managed to ruptured 3/4! My left arm and shoulder are killing me....and as it appears I'm heading back for another surgery where they will remove the orginal locking plate for 5/6 6/7 and do a complete fusion 4 level....

Wonder if I will qualify for SSD post surgical Wonder if I will still be able to ride my Harley. And thank God I bought a home that is wheelchair accessable!!! lol lol lol

Wish me luck

[Harrison]

Lenny, gosh, what a history! And a four-level fusion!? When do you go in for surgery?

[iris]

As a nurse who has worked compulsively for 27+ years, despite what my body has been telling me, and has multiple cervical disc compressions, I wish you luck or whatever it takes! I am soon to have a left cervical foraminotomy and wonder if going back to nursing is really wise...time to stop taking care of everybody else?? I very much appreciate the sense of humor you show in the midst of such difficulties. Best wishes in the New Year!

[Audrey]

Bless your heart. What a good attitude you have. I hope that the government will allow you to draw your much deserved disability and that maybe you will be able to ride side saddle on a Harley. Take care and do not injure yourself. Lyraca has helped my depression and fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is caused by the beginning of spinal problems. Take care.

Audrey

[Lisibug]

Hi Lenny. I'm sorry you have 4 bad levels in your neck. I have had 4 levels operated on in my neck, one level fused and the other 3 have ADR. I received SSD after the surgery, but had been fighting for it for 1-1/2 years prior to surgery, when I was completely incapacitated. I'm now 9 months post-op and have really noticed a jump forward in my tolerance for being up and around the past month. At this point I still wouldn't be able to work, but I may heal enough to be able to one day - we'll see. SSD won't approve you just because you have a 4 level fusion. You will have to prove (and it's not easy) that you are truly unable to work. You may well heal and be fine. I have a friend with a 3 level cervical fusion and she is 100% fine. Hope that will be the case with you!

[ceejay]

The rule is you have to be unable to work for
12 months Sometimes it helps having an attorney
file the initial application as that will greatly increase your chance of being approved on the first try Appeals last I heard were taking 18 months or more Depends where yo9u live
\
Hope that helps