Laura
Well you are not alone in the "small mishap" department, I guess we all get a little clumsy... mine occurred the DAY the collar came off. Slipped and fell to the floor, crashed into our parrots cage and probably took several increments of his life away from sheer terror of having me fall into his cage. With or without collar, I guess we can still be clumsy. I hope that your adverse conditions have improved over the last few weeks and that you are regaining your feeling and mobility. Good idea to start the process on Social Security. I started my process at the 6 month mark also, even though we thought return to work would be possible, my 2nd surgery was delayed for 7-months due to blood clots, pulmonary embolism, and a staph infection in my knee, requiring surgery, rehab, and IV antibiotics for 2 months. Finally 10-months after surgery (at over 2-years of disability) it was approved. Not without a great amount of trevail, panic, depression and desperation. If I had to go through it again, I would have contacted an attorney much sooner, just for the support and reassurance that I really wasn't insane, the system is. They do get a chunk of the back benefits, but if you find the right one, they can really help you feel that the system is not out to get you. It seems that even with pounds and stacks of medical reports saying "disabled", "unable to return to work", "recovery unlikely", from my neurosurgeon, rheumatologist, orthopedist, chiropractor, therapist and their own doctor (psychiatrist)stating that I would definitely be disabled for at least another year, that the SSA seems to automatically reject until they take it to the Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge. In addition to the multiple neurosurgeries, I have severe rheumatoid arthritis which is keeping me disabled, I have also had multiple blood clots that have travelled to my lungs, so returning to a sitting job is an impossibility and have had multiple knee surgeries and may be facing joint replacement. The judge finally ruled in my favor, stating that with my professional experience, previous careers, education, etc., that there were NO jobs that I would be qualified to do with the restrictions that I have. Hopefully, the SSA will recognize the severity of your condition and "fast track" your application. You should figure that even after approval, they will probably challenge your condition at about the completion of the 2nd year of benefits... Also, you will not be eligible for Medicare until you have been receiving benefits for 2 years. I know, another thing to worry about, as if your recovery isn't enough. But go ahead and start the process, it takes its own time in going through the system and their are few points at which you can "hurry it up". Continue to take care of yourself, and keep posting as you are able to.