You have definitely fought this long and hard. My prayers and well wishes are with you.

Once you are able to slow down and rest when you need to, exercise when you need to, and have less stress: I found that it lessens the pain too.

Good luck. I've heard great things from Allsup, I hope yours is a slam-dunk case!

-Donette

Aw Jeff, I know where you are. I was there 5 years ago. So many emotions you are dealing with. The stark reality that one can no longer continue working. One large hurdle is support from a spouse. It makes the transition a little easier. There will be a lot to deal with. Please feel free to PM me if you need to talk. I have been through every emotional stumbling block and finally got through it all and you can too. Hang in there it will be okay

Cindy

Been there, done that, 22 yrs. ago. Fortunately I worked for a good co., with good pay to base it from, also had carried long term disability insurance. Mine went through in about 4 months after application. A lot of adjustments to make for sure, and wife had to go to work. Good Luck with yours.
J.R.

Thank you everyone for your kind words, advice and encouragement but mostly thank you for your support. Driving alone in my truck from stop to stop I have been thinking of all of you and your posts and it has helped me to keep my mind off the pain. Your posts have also kept me from being depressed. Sue, you are so right regarding how our jobs are so much a part of who we are, as for me, I am proud of the work I do and have also tried to find the extra things to do to make my customers happy. Yes, I am already in mourning and a little bit emotional from time to time, hope I can make the adjustment and find my "new normal".

Valsmum...They wanted to do bloodwork to make sure my pain might be Remicade induced Lupus. If that were the case another Remicade infusion would not be a good idea. Thankfully the bloodwork came back OK.

I am sitting here getting my infusion right now and my wife is picking up my Lyrica and Nexium before my trip to Phoenix . Hope I didn't forget anything.

I have been reading your posts over and over again and will probably read them again soon...You guys ALL are the best and THANK YOU.

Jeff;
Hi I am wondering aobut you today?
How goes it?
I was also set to go to part time and quaqlify for disability; then the doctor says, if it is high blood pressure ministrokes, he can help me retrain my brain.. no MS. so it was a roller coaster.

I sure wish you the best.

Hi Lon

Sounds like you had a rough week too, glad no MS. How is your blood pressure now? Mini strokes does not sound good. We have the cold weather and snow but was able to snowblow the driveway early this afternoon and run a few errands. 40mg. of prednisone really helped to get through the day. The 36lbs of dog food made it in to the house too. Used to be a 40lb. bag now lost four pounds but paying the same price...next they will try to call it a "fun size".

I am not "happy" about the disability thing but I know how hard things have been. Loving my job makes if harder. I probably will have an attorney who handles these cases do it, so mistakes don't add up to delays.

Lon, I really hope your doctors can figure things out for you. I wish I had the words you always seem to have to help others. I guess all I can say is glad you are here for all of us.

Take Care

i think that last part is the important part. though it takes time, i think we do adjust to changes, move on, and find our "new normal" and go on to be happy there as well.