My aneurysm burst on 10/10/13. After the clipping, I went back to work on 1/2/14. I thought I was doing very well. I started being nauseated every morning before leaving the house for work each morning knowing what I was about to face. A typical day involved at least one visit to the ladies room with tears in my eyes. I was a customer service rep for a distribution company and I thrived for years doing my job. I went from enjoying talking to to the customers to stumbling over my words or loosing them altogether. The head pain never left and got worse as the day progressed. My eyes had trouble focusing. I got so nervous when it got loud with commotion. My head was so heavy and dizzy. Even after PT, which helped me tremendously, I still have balance problems. I just could not take it anymore and quit. Of course, now I have no insurance.
I mailed the paper work for disability off yesterday and today I called the Dept. of Vocational Rehabilitation. I have to go back to work but not in the capacity I had before. I am praying they can help me. I read on this site somewhere that a survivor got help from them.
Please pray for me that this decision is the right one.
cindy, this just isn't right. I'm not a lawyer. One person did write to her congresswoman and got some action. I don't understand the system. It is basically about health insurance. I am waiting to get a disapproval letter myself and then I will be out of sick time. ,with 0 incomes and can cobra my health insurance for 700 a month..i feel discouraged about the system...
You have been through quite an ordeal. I am happy for you that the surgery was successful.
Did your doctor sign a Medical Release form saying that it was OK for you to go back to work? I am certainly not an expert on the subject, but this is very important.
Your doctor should be the main person that says whether or not you can work and in what capacity.
Isn't a ruptured brain aneurysm extremely serious? And you are having balance issues along with several other problems.
Did the HR department of your company know WHY you quit? This is key.
Does you doctor know THAT you quit and WHY you quit?
Don't want to overwhelm you with my questions but you need financial help, good information and need to be supported.
Yes, he sent the release form saying I could go back on 1/2/14 with no restrictions. My family and I thought it was confusing. I worked for about six weeks then quit. I do still have balance issues but it is getting better. My boss does know why I quit but the doctor doesn't know yet, but he will soon. I am also going to try vocational rehab to help me find a job that is more suitable for me for now. I would rather work than be on disability. Thanks so much for your reply. I continue to pray.
Hey, Cindy. I am so sorry you are going through all of this. I/we understand where you are coming from. When I was given a cognitive test by my disability company, I scored pretty good. It revealed some residual damage to the frontal lobe center of my brain. Of course, the test is absolutely nothing like real life. In real life, we can’t sit in a comfortable, quiet room with no distractions at all.
I also experience many of the side effects you mentioned. They are so frustrating! I stumble for words quite often when asked even a simple question. I do better with my family than with strangers. The head pain is very distracting and increased activity around me makes it very difficult to focus on anything.
I know this information is not helpful in filing a claim, but…just wanted you to know; you are not alone. =)
The first step, as you know is filing for disability with social security. It is very important to have the support of your physician. You have to provide any/all information about why you can’t work. Everything must be noted in your medical records for when SS requests a copy.
I have filed and been denied 2 times already. I am waiting now, for a hearing. Most people tell me, these steps are to be expected: denial, denial, hearing…I am hopeful, but waiting. If I can think of anything, I will keep you informed. Teresa =)
Gosh everyone. I have an appt on Monday next week with the SS Doctor for SS disability I almost feel guilty about applying for it; in spite of what I have been through. It sounds like; from what everyone is saying I will be denied. I was denied disability with a private carrier because I have three aneurysms; two were treated with a single pipeline Feb. 18th; so I am in a quandary. I think I am going to have to show up at my office or lose medical insurance:( SS doesn't sound very promising...
Hi, Christine. Did you mean to say, you were denied “health insurance” because you have 3 aneurysms instead of “disability”? Major bummer either way.
I personally have not known anyone who was not denied upon first request, not to say it doesn’t happen. Did you read the disability post from the individual who contacted her congresswoman? That could really be a good avenue for you to pursue. Like I said, if anyone should be eligible, seems like you would. You really shouldn’t feel even a tiny twinge of guilt about applying. I am sure you have earned the benefit during your career, easily. People like you are the reason the system is in place. Denials often just weed out alot of people who really aren’t eligible in the first place. See what your doc says on Monday. Be as meticulous and thorough as you can; with the reasons you are unable to work.
Teresa =)
Hey Teresa, I actually was denied disability insurance. I teach at a state college; hence state employee for the past two years (before that I practiced for 25 years as an NP and left over a year of sick time when I switch jobs...grrr) anyhow I am lucky to be alive. State employees cannot collect state disability and the college never told me that or that I had to apply and purchase private disability insurance.....until my diagnosis. I have been out since Feb. 14th and they want me back the second week of April to teach for the last month. It seems like a small price to pay; then I could be off from June to mid August to recoup some more; I just don't know if I can handle the pace. I am shocked that there is no medical insurance with SSD. I would have to cobra insurance at 660. a month. I would be able to get retirement ss in sept but at a low rate since i will be 62 and it isn't full retirement age. they have you coming and going! I agree; everyone is denied first. Probably for the reason I will push myself!