Back in 97 at age 39 and after a year and a half on the job (Med Billing)I started to suffer carpal tunnel symptoms as well as neck and shoulder pain. It was later determined I had mild CTS and Degenerative Disc Disease of the neck. I have suffered from these ailments ever since and my symptoms have gotten worse through the years. I have had MRIs and EMGs in the past, and recently another EMG but even now they still show the same, mild CTS, etc. I have constant neck pain along with headaches and have a hard time getting comfortable at night to sleep. I have tried just about every pillow out there with no relief. Both my arms constantly ache from the top all the way down. Worse on my right. It is an effort just trying to do everyday things because my arms hurt so much. My previous doctor and massage therapist all think the problems I am having are coming from the neck and that is why the EMG only shows mild cts. I also saw a chiropractor a couple times and he also agrees with this. I haven't had a recent MRI because I am not working and can't afford it. I have insurance through my husband but the deductible and copays are too high. I stopped going to the doctor and chiro because of this. About 4 months ago I started having elbow and forearm pain and was told I have tendinitis. I saw a specialist and he tried to tell me that the tendinitis was caused by my CTS and if I have surgery he can pretty much guarantee that after surgery I will have my hands back 100%. I know this is BS. He offered to give me a cortisone shot which I refused and sent me home with an arm brace. I think the arm brace was the only productive part of the visit because I now wear that thing 24/7 as well as at night with my wrist brace. I am so tired of being in pain and tired of doctors that rush you in and out and don't do anything for you, I can't even get them to prescribe anything for the pain. I am so depressed all of the time because I am in pain and can't do the things that I want or need to do without somebody having to help me. I tell my husband all of the time to just take me out back and put me out of my misery lol! Seriously though, I just don't know how I can go back to work like this and at my age I doubt anyone would want to hire me. I was mostly a stay at home wife and mother and only worked around four years so I don't know what exactly I would qualify for so any help here would be appreciated... thanks!

You have to call SSI and set up an appointment and then your doctor will send in your medical information for them to determine.
You might as well ask your doc if he thinks you have a chance with your medical history.
Also once you apply do not let any of the appeals lapse. I would try to get it first time around without a lawyer and then if you are denied get a lawyer.

Thanks.. yeah I have been putting off calling them for a long time now because I know what I'll have to go through just to try and qualify.

It would be helpful to find some other people who filed for disability successfully with similar symptoms. The SSA does not want to give you any money. Even if you are awarded disability, it may be very little because you have not paid them much. They take money out of your paychecks. All that aside, file. You have nothing to lose by doing so.

You are in constant pain. Extra money would be great, but so would a good night's sleep. I'm sorry that you've had dismal results with doctors. They are paid to see 3-5 patients per hour. (That's my guess. I've been through the doctor gauntlet.) No, they don't have much time for you. A written list of symptoms and specifically how they affect you, that you can leave with the doctor would be helpful. Don't be afraid to tell the doctor, "I cannot stand the pain! It's getting worse and worse. I am impaired in everything I do." If you have to pay to spend time with the doctor, make it worth your while and make a statement.
Simone