Career Impact of SD

I am a 39 year old female who has suffered with ADSD for 17 years. I took Botoxium Toxin Injections for 2 years. From 1998 when I was finally diagnosed until February of 2001. I have now had Dr. Berkes' Surgery for my voice condition as of June 12th. I am at home recovering from the operation as doing well.

SD impacted my career back years ago. However, I kept trying to work and hold down a job. In 1994 I was on sick leave and started the process of SS Disability, however, I did not go through with it, cause my voice came back for a few months and I needed the money so I went back to work with my tail tucked in like a little puppy dog. I continued to struggle to work until early 1998 and at that time I just couldn't hold out anymore. My medical problems out weighted my career. I was an Admin. Exec. Secretary for 12 years and had finally gotten to a comfortable level of income all to have to give it all up. However, it was a time in my life that I had no chose and I did what I had to do. There is nothing wrong with being disabled and drawing a check when you need too. I fought for my disability for 3 years. I went through two attorneys. I finally found an Attorney out of Chicago who is wonderful. He got me my SS disability in only 3 months. However, I did not get any back pay. But it was great to finally be recognized as a person with a medical problem and not someone who had this all made up in her head or Crazy. I am still on SS due to my illnesses and I thank God everyday for all that he has done for me and others like me.

I am glad you have got to your first appointment. Yes it really is a long process unless you have a good Attorney on your case. It took me over 2 years. But when I finally got my Attorney he had mine for me within 3 months. Thank God.

Like Cynthia said, be careful with this type of doctor. They tend to make their own assumptions. I even went to the expense of having a lot of psychological testing done on behalf of my effort to prove I was unable to work and hold a job. Not that I was crazy or anything it showed a lot of things that was going on in my life.

You hang in there chick. You are doing the right thing. I too thaought seriously about cashing in my career with Citibank prior to having surgery, but felt that a prolonged disability would be fought so I chickened out and opted to wallow around in misery. But last Sept (12) I had the surgery and am a happy camper. I freely talk on the phone-don't think twice about answering it! I went through a divorce-which to this day I think was at least partially due to the adverse effects on ones disposition that is effected by SD. Although I am not dating yet, it is not for lack of trying. I am not the least afraid of talking to women I don't know. The dating game is OK. A year ago the thought would have put me in a panic.

Hang in there. You will be gifted with your voice returning and have see that the future holds great things for you!

Vaya con dios chica!

I've been away from the BB, and just read your post. When I was first forced to leave my job (when my clients could not longer understand what I was saying) my company facilitated the necessary paperwork for me to apply for short-term disability. After three months, it shifted into long term disability, which was State Disability, available for one year only in California. During the year, my case worker called from time-to-time to check up on me. She could tell from the sound of my crippled voice that I could not do my "telesales" job. By the way, this was not a job like those solicitors who call you at 7 PM when you're having dinner. I was selling high-end banking software to large financial corporations in the U.S. Twice during the year my doctors had to fill out forms validating my condition.

The year ended June 1, 01 and my claim has kicked into UNUM, which is an insurance company that handles long-term disability when State disability runs out. This insurance is available for five years. In order to get this, Dr. Berke and Dr. Blumin had to fill out up-to-date information, documenting my April 9 visit. The amount that you receive is based on your income over the last three to five years, if I remember correctly. It is enough to cover my basic expenses.