Cognitive Issues

[Jubilent]

How many people have quit work due to cognitive issues? Were you able to get disability? I am still working full-time but it is taking it's toll on me and I do not feel like I am doing a very good job anymore!

[mjan]

First of all, I am sorry you are struggling. It's hard to know what to do, work or go for disability.

I had an ever growing signs/symptoms from MS and other medical issues that all seemed to collide. BUT I had been makng mistakes at work for years, mostly memory and "blanking out." Thought I was having seizures.

I was having problems with my legs, mostly spasticity getting worse. I was on short term disability from work, unsure if I could return due to the spaciness/memory issues/fatigue too. Then as it looked like I would be out over 3 months, they automically moved me to long term disability and SSDI was applied for. Many companies contract with a company called Allsup who goes after the records and builds a case for SSDI. It ONLY took 4 months!! I was expecting 15 months at the least.

Just know that when you do get your SSDI awarded THAT amt is deducted from your long term insurance benefit.
Its not a lot of money..trust me.

Take good care, let us know how you're doing ok?

Hugs, Jan

[Lorimo1]

In the same boat

I am undiagnosed and wondering the same question. If I could solve the fatigue and thinking problem I would be OK. I am a fundraiser and I do a lot of public speaking. The other day I said during a tour of our Aquarium.... "the next tank has a spectacular collection of onions." I got lots of funny looks!!!! I am avoiding complex projects, can't really think my way through the budget (which I have always been a whiz at), and cant' seem to see the big picture which causes me not to tell the right people about things. I'm sure there is a rumor going around about my deteriorating performance - but I'm not sure what if anything I should do about it.

[justacowgirl]

I can't imagine not working. I work in a less mentally demanding field now and am happy. I make squat for $$ comparatively but enjoy my day.

I think there can be options out there if you think creatively about your skills.

j

[Lendi]

I worked at a college with student loans. When I realized that I was mixing up numbers (as in switching them around)

I interviewed and was hired at another job. Messing up numbers is just not the thing with the gov. involved. No-one at my interview for the new job told me I'd be working with numbers again. I did my best but between learning new computer programs and dealing with the number issues I just gave up. Again, I had to be really accurate or the company could be penalized.

That was in the fall of 2005. I applied and was awarded SSDI (the first go round but it was stated the cause was weak legs) in Nov. of 09.