Yep, they were going to fire me because of my symptoms causing my poor work performance.

Luckily, I had mountainous paper trails. With five doctors sending in recommendations on my condition and my employer's threats to terminate me if I couldn't do my job, I got SSD on the first try.

I was 45 when I left the working world and started collecting my Social Security Disability. it was really, really hard to accept. My personal self esteem was so wrapped up in my work. I took what was effectively a 50% 'cut in pay'. *shrugs* At least, I've gotten great insurance from retiring on disability through my work's retirement plan.

Pros...now, I love it. Once I got over myself, and started looking outward instead of inward, I've been able to make other goals for my life. I've been able to change my priorities and am enjoying closer ties to my daughter.

Cons...reduction in pay. Took years to get used to that. For you, there may be the added issue of no insurance coverage. Medicare doesn't kick in until the 2nd year. Your SSD is based on your high three years income. I had a relatively high earning period for three years (now, wasn't that convenient?) prior to the MS taking me down the road of going to less stressful jobs in the company that resulted in lower pay.

Depending on your disabilities, you may be able to figure out a different career path.

BTW...is your company large enough to covered by the ADA...Americans with Disabilities Act? Check it out.

If you are not able to work, going on LTD is a difficult thing to get used to. I worked my whole life and it was very difficult, especially because I had recently achieved my BSN, and loved being a Nurse. It has taken a while, but I find that on "good" days, I can volunteer my time as I am able, and that helps. There is no sure fire way to adapt, but it is a learned response to the MS condition. LTD does not mean you are useless (even though it sometimes feels that way), it does however, give us the opportunity to focus on being the best we can be and help others who struggle also. I was "involuntarily, voluntarily terminated", after my short term disability ran out,(unable to work 12 hour shifts, made my manager initially advise me to take a leave of absence), but because of my Neurologist, was able to get LTD pretty quickly. Enlist your Neurologist's help, by talking to your doctor frankly, about your needs with regard to LTD.

@A MyMSTeam Member I have not experienced that problem. I'm sure they'll be excited to see me reach 62 when they can turn me over to regular Social Security.

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A MyMSTea...

I received social security disability, but my long term disability said I can work. I have Cigna, they really tortured my doctors I want to fight the rejection but don't lnow where to start

After working thru relapse after relapse I finally went on STD and now LTD. It was the best decision ever. Now there is no guilt if I am having a bad day and need to rest. I think not having the stress of working helped a lot