New to it all

Although I've been dealing with symptoms for many years I have just been diagnosed last week This is all so confussing. My biggest questions are where to go for good resources, something like "the Idoits Guide to Chiari" work issues and insurence. And who puts the type these words boxes on sites for ppl who cant see anyhow? Oh btw I'm a firefighter so this vision and balance thingy really is messing me up. Thank you for any advice looking foward to getting to know ya'll and make this journey together. This page really needs aspell check for us with nystagmus and other vision problems.

Thanks for showing me the links. If anyone knows how to deal with employors advice would be useful. As I said I'm a firefighter and I think they're not going to let me play

anymore.Need to find out about long term disability if useful or unemployment

Hi Dragon,


I am still technically employed, though I haven't worked since June. My job has short- and long-term disability programs but they have been withholding payment until they "research" my condition. You should also start your Social Security Disability Insurance paperwork as soon as possible, even if you don't end up needing it. You can start the process online, and they will mail you the paperwork to fill out. I'm in the middle of that right now. From what I hear, everyone gets denied the first time around. Then you file for an appeal (also available online). Once you get a court date, you can hire an attorney to help you out at the trial. They will back pay you to the date you made the initial claim, if they approve you.

Good luck!
Katrina W.

I too have short and long term disability that I pay for. I'm waiting on the medical dept to deciede if they will let me stay at work in some way or another but I know that my firefithing days are over. Thanks for the info good luck.



7thhousedoula said:

Hi Dragon,


I am still technically employed, though I haven't worked since June. My job has short- and long-term disability programs but they have been withholding payment until they "research" my condition. You should also start your Social Security Disability Insurance paperwork as soon as possible, even if you don't end up needing it. You can start the process online, and they will mail you the paperwork to fill out. I'm in the middle of that right now. From what I hear, everyone gets denied the first time around. Then you file for an appeal (also available online). Once you get a court date, you can hire an attorney to help you out at the trial. They will back pay you to the date you made the initial claim, if they approve you.

Good luck!
Katrina W.