I went through what you are going through last year....I live in Texas. I was finally awarded when I went in front of the ALJ. There was not a doctor present. There was only my attorney, the judge and some kind of employment specialist man. The hearing in my case lasted about a half hour. Just answer the questions the judge asks truthfully and let your medical history say the rest. Just as plainly as you have described below....speak the same way. I had my hearing in November of last year and found out that I was approved 2 days before Christmas! It then took about 2 months to start recieving payments(and the lump sum). I also am 37.....that is another thing they look at. Remember, it's how your pain and issues prevent you from keeping employment. In my case I explained my medical issues to the judge....then after we talked, she turned to the "employment specialist man" and asked "could she keep employment if she misses 3 to 4 days of work per month"? He said "no". That was it! Simple as that. I wish you the best of luck! Linda
> Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2007 19:09:07 -0500
> From: tracy.joslin@adhesions.org
> To: adhesions@dns.obgyn.net
> Subject: Advice - Disability Hearing
>
> Sender: Colosrgsvtgirl@msn.com (Sindi)
> Subject: Advice - Disability Hearing
>
> I finally (after 2 years) have a hearing scheduled for Disability on
> December 13th. I'm really scared because I have no idea what will
> happen or what to expect. Any advice from anybody who has been through
> this process? I do have an attorney and getting to this point, I'm sure
> you all know has been a really long uphill battle. I'm 37 and have had
> many stomach surgeries. 1st one when I was 18 for a taratoma on my
> overy then appendectomy, then a partial hysterectomy, then the removal
> of my remaining ovary and lysis of adhesions.