I have severe anxiety and I was told by psychiatrist that in his experience it would be highly unlikely that I would be approved for disability. I've had this disorder for over a decade, and as a result I'm unable to venture outside of my house without experiencing mentally debilitating panic, I have even fainted on four occasions. I have been unable to get work(obviously), neither can I participate in any kind of activities such as going to family events outside of my home, take part in any kinds of hobbies outside of the home, or form/maintain relationships outside of my home. Until I received medication for this disorder about a year ago, I would even have panic attacks in my own home nearly daily, and doing things like taking a shower felt life threatening. With my medication, I am capable of short walks or car rides outside of my house, perhaps 15 minutes or so, I also generally feel safe inside my own home almost all the time. I was shocked to hear you say that someone like me might be approved for disability.

I have a dr appointment in two weeks. I had weight loss surgery in 2012 .. was diagnosed with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus a few years before. Diagnosed with degenerative disc disease before surgery. Now is is up and down my spine. The autoimmune diseases are inactive but I have osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and osteopenia, respectively- from the neck down. I cannot take the only medication that would help because of the surgery. I cannot even take ibuprofen for my joints. My right forearm is the worst - also deal with numbness in my right hand and arm. My wrist and thumb sprain easily and often. I cannot stand for more than 15-20 minutes before I have to start bending over to relieve my upper back issues .. this progresses until I have to lay down with my spine curved and my arms above my head … same with sitting. everything bothers my lower back and makes it catch and grind. My biggest issue is work. I haven’t worked since 12/18 I fell in the bathtub 10/19 and there when things really started to go town hill. I live with my sister and do work in kind. I worked my butt off in their farm every day 7 days a week along with all errands and shopping. I kept myself strong but was/am in pain every day. I tried to keep up on my typing and 10 key skills but my pinky locks up, my arm hand gets numb and after about an hour I have to start bending over to relieve my back. If I cannot lay down a burning starts in my upper back and wraps around to the front and can make me nauseous and sick if I don’t lay down. I guess my issue is, this has all gotten worse while not getting a paycheck - but I know all SS cares about is how you are at work. What employer is hogging to let me bend over and/or lay down constantly. Please help.

What are your thoughts on telehealth or video CE's? The SSA contacted me and left a voicemail asking if i would prefer face to face or a telehealth exam. I called back and left message that i was returning their call. You came to mind instantly! What would be some pros/cons of a telehealth?