When The Caretaker Becomes Disabled

by Lori McCarthy
(Mansfield, OH)

Therapist For Elderly Disabled Becomes Disabled Herself!

Sadly, this has happened to me.
I'd like to share my story with you in hopes that someone like me might eventually benefit from it.

As if it weren't enough that I have suffered with a speech disorder called abductor spasmodic dysphonia for 24 long years as well as an anxiety disorder, now I also have developed Degenerative Disc Disease which has caused me chronic neck and back pain since July of 2007. Finally, this past December after suffering "tingling pain" which radiated from my neck clear down into my right arm and hand, I was diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy. Even though the tingly pains in my right arm have since subsided and I am off the pain-killers, I am now experiencing "twingy pains" in my lower back which sometimes radiate down to my ankle causing it to hurt and making it difficult for me to walk without a limp.

So just for the record, I know first-hand what a pain in the rear back problems can truly be, and yes it DOES HURT! Anyway, I believe that the wear and tear on my spine is primarily due to all the lifting that I have done over the past 20 years working as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in the nursing homes.

The neurosurgeon said that I am eventually going to have to have surgery to replace the discs between my 5th and 6th cervical vertebrae in my spine. At the time my back problems had just begun to surface but weren't severe enough to warrant an MRI or even x-rays yet. This is probably the next step that I will have to take.

Unfortunately,I don't seem to qualify for any type of disability benefits (short-term or long-term) through my employer since I only work part-time. I've also been told I can't qualify for any kind of worker's comp claim due to the fact that I cannot pinpoint any particular accident or injury on the job.

In addition, they suggested that I absolutely REFUSE to go back to working full-time just so I can receive any type of short- or long-term disability benefits! Are you kidding? Work full -time at a job which has probably been the main cause for all of my back and neck problems in the first place? Now don't get me wrong. I've enjoyed my job and it's definitely served its purpose over the years, but I just know that I won't be able to do it much longer. Something is definitely going to have to give.

The good news is that I've finally decided it's high time I start the process of applying for Social Security/disability benefits - at least I'll give it a try anyway, just to see if I can qualify. The information you've armed me with here today is sure to be a great help.

Also, I wish to thank you for the hope and inspiration you've given me to face my disabilities head on and the courage to finally do something about it. Even though it's easy for me to encourage other people with disabilities, it's quite a different animal when it comes to taking what I know and applying it in my own life.

Thanks again for sharing all your thoughtful insights into the Social Security/Disability application process and also for inspiring me to take the next step in my journey from therapist to writer.

Sincerely,

Lori McCarthy