Going on STD, so at least I don't have to worry about losing my job

I'm so glad for you. You can finally just concentrate on your pain and not have to spend so much time worrying about your job. The stress that was putting on you could not have been helping with your problem. Sounds like your doctor is finally on board with you.

As for your mother, this may be harsh, but screw her. My mom has been comparing what we are doing doing to help our kids get into college (SAT courses, ...) with what I had to do to get into college, and we both know it's a whole other world out there now. And that's just the tip. There are many things she's compared with what I'm doing/raising my kids/job/etc to what it was 40 years ago. Sometimes, they just have no clue and all you can do is nod politely and hang up.

Good luck!
Jan

I can see where your mom is coming from, but what she's not understanding is that you can't go on disability today, then off it tomorrow if the pain is better then, then back on it the next day when the pain comes back.  You're either on it or you're not.  And this is what it's there for.  I'm guessing you actually pay for your disability insurance, just like you pay for your health insurance, but even if you don't pay anything for it and it's just a benefit provided by your job, this is still what it's there for.

I am on SSDI due to depression and PTSD and I have days I feel perfectly fine.  In fact, I do some freelance writing on a limited basis, when I'm feeling well enough to do so (I can make a certain amount of money and still qualify for disability). 

But then I have times like I did a couple months ago where the depression is very severe.  I would have had to be off work for three or four months.  There's no way I could have worked at all while I was having ECT and with the fairly significant memory loss, I can only imagine how awful it would have been trying to go back to work.  I would have forgotten where things were kept, how to do things... geez, I never even thought about that before.  It would have been a nightmare.

So anyway, even though I have times I feel pretty good, there are too many times I would be unable to work to make it possible to hold down a job.

I hope the lexapro helps and I'm really glad your PCP seems so understanding and wants to help.  I know he's not a surgeon so there's only so much he can do, but it sounds like he is really trying to do as much as he can to help you while you try to find a surgeon that can help.

Dear Lora,

I think the STD will be good for both your mind and body, and is an important step in finding a solution to your problem. Now you'll be able get out from under the stress and worry concering losing your livlihood. From what I can see about you, the good days won't be wasted and you'll be able to work on action ietms to move forward. I'm sorry your mom didn't come across in a way you would have found more comforting, but I'm sure she meant well and really cares. Since the company set up the rules,  all you have to do is play the game and win!

Best Wishes to a Great Outcome!
Kat

 I'm glad to hear a positive outcome for you! 

I would not give the STD a second thought. It sounds like your PCP has a plan and I would continue to follow his advice.
Your mom will be okay when you are okay.

Now THAT is some excellent news... not as excellent as having found a resolution to your pain, but at least now you can relax a bit instead of letting the stress of the uncertainty with the job make the situatoin worse.

Now you and your doctors can focus on finding a true resolution... and you can take some deep breaths and focus on your health.  I'm glad your PCP worked through this with you, Lora.  So happy that you got one good break here...


tori

I am so glad that you were put on STD, now you can concentrate on finding someone who will help you take care of your pain, and I am sorry that your mom doesn't understand, some parents don't believe that depression is a disease I suffer from major depression PTSD also I wish you the best and hopefully you can relax a little

Patty

 Lora,
I just want to express how sorry I am that you have to go through this! I don't really have any words of wisdom (as you are the educated one that usually offers those) but I will keep you in my prayers.

Steph

This is the Best solution for you at present!  Hopefully they will find the issue!  As an RN, MSN...I know Chronic Pain can be very debilitating and over time can affect emotions, be debilitating, cause depression, loss of job, I could go on and on...Do what is Best for YOU!  Thoughts & Prayers are with you!

As someone who HAS lost a job from using "excessive amounts of sick time" I do NOT feel it's overkill!  I'm also VERY happy you're able to get on STD!!  Hang in there!