First, to all, my disability payments automatically changed to social security payments when I hit 65. To @A MyMSTeam Member - I worked as a paralegal helping people get disability for about 4 years until I decided I was more disabled than a lot of them, applied, and won, same month. I won because I knew how the attorneys won because I gathered all the required material. Beware: DO NOT go in there happy or positive minded. I am the same way, but when I was sent to the disability psychologist I made a point to “let it all out” - no happy face, no being strong, no being positive, just for that appointment let the full impact of permanent, slowly progressive, MS disease meant to my future plans and how it changed my life. And I kept a mental picture of my cousin bed bound in a nursing home at age 50, and dying at age 53, and accepting that COULD be me. (In my real daily life I believe I will be okay and survive MS cause I eat very healthy, rest the minute I am tired, and move when I can, meditate and pray to my Saviour Jesus.). I worked hard for 30 years enduring the pain and fatigue of MS, and I knew it was time to stop if I didn’t want to end up a total invalid. I convinced the doctor I was too emotionally unstable to keep any schedule, along with the pain of siting more than 30 minutes. My only skill was office work and I could no longer sit up without severe neck pain. Disability office must know you have lost the skills to do what you are trained to do.. THAT is important. Also, have written records from different specialists. I knew that was the way to go from our clients’ success or failure. I had family doctor, physical therapist, psychologist, sleep clinic doctor, neurologist, and allergist. I documented proof of major Delayed Sleep Disorder that was ruining my health having to be at work at 9 am. Now I can sleep til noon if I don’t get to sleep til 4 am. Records, records, records. Pain clinic, also. I applied with 3 different morbidities and list of all meds. I had given up and let them know it! No makeup, casual clothes, talk slow, th8nk slow, walk slow - we all have bad days, so let your body reflect your WORST day. People do not believe our bad days because we stay home in bed on our bad days! Play their game if you want to win! Oh, also, I had each doctor write a letter to the judge and gave them to the judge with all the forms completed. American citizens should be receiving government benefits, not the ones who didn’t pay into the system for 30 years!

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A MyMSTea...

I totally relate to your question! I’ve been accused of being too happy also—lol. My suggestion? Bring someone with you—ideally that person who sees you struggle the most. My hubby keeps it real when I say I’m doing “fine.”

I was accepted immediately. But definitely don’t go in at your wonderful best self. Whomever interviews you sees so much disability that they forget that if you smile or laugh you can also be struggling greatly. Let them see the MS. Wishing you much luck and as my Neuro says, it is always the happiest, friendliest people who get it. I am a big people person too. When being interviewed you don’t have to show that side of you. Best of luck!

Thats me too I Smile all the time even in My Worst Pain, my back surgeon said I was the best patient he ever had😂I cant let my personality determine my well being: that is what keeps my Stress level down🙏🏾💕So be your Self and take someone with you; it is a Shame the crap we must go thru to get Help❤️

Yes definitely! It’s not as if we’re taking off any clothes or anything. LOL. So he’s allowed to be right there in the room. Most neuros encourage you having your care partner there. Good luck my happy friend!