New Diagnosis

[Patricia Lewis <radon@xxxxxxx>]

For those new to the list, and not so new:  there is no question that the 
future means disability and limitations.  Go for the Social Security Disability 
as soon as possible.  Secure the financial end (such as it is) to ease that 
burden.  Swallow the pride.  You can still work (check the rules and 
limitations) in whatever capacity you feel up to.  There may be all kinds of 
volunteer efforts that can make one feel useful if the paying job is not at 
hand.  In our case, knowing that we have SS-disability and union-disability 
makes everything just awhole lot easier - because that is just about all we 
have (being self-employed, seasonally is not reliable - but I wouldn't want it 
any other way).  See, our business really relies on my husband's expertise too. 
 He can't do much of the physical labor, but he can point and direct and 
oversee the work that needs to be done.

I do know the odds are that I will or may outlive my spouse (PWP) and that I'll 
be this 'work-world' displaced person.  Our goal is to secure a home and 
minimum of expenses so that I can continue to live in an economically depressed 
area and still survive on a minimum wage economy.  Our goal is to allow my 
husband to continue to live in our home where he is the most comfortable.  We 
feel pretty darn fortunate to have the VA, SSD, & pension, 1 dog, and no 
children to put through college - and a business to keep us busy and feel 
useful.

I still chuckle when my husband gets the form from Social Security that says he 
needs to restate that he isn't able to work.  When they find the "cure" I will 
be happy to write that in big fat letters all over that form.  No one chooses 
to be disabled.

Go for the Social Security Disability and don't look back!  That's just my 
opinion and if I'm wrong, oh well, ignore me... ~pat

----------------------------------------------------------------------
To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:listserv@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn