I'm just kind of watching and reading, I don't have alot of constructive advice because I know nothing about SSI or SSDI.... I am young too though, still in University (about to start Grad school as well) - so this thread really interests me, as you are kind of in my 'social class' most likely, and I have always wondered about the specifics of all of this. Although my back condition (scoliosis), qualifies for daily pain (!!)

but I do not think would ever qualify me for disability unless it gets much worse, due to the simple fact that I 'look healthy' (well unless I have been out my pain meds for a week then I don't look too healthy ) Anyway - just curious about all this. I actually had a question for you (Toe) because I was confused about one part - I probably just missed it in all the posts - are you planning on applying for disability due to your mental condition 'Depression' or for your back problems? I was just wondering because you stated you have both conditions. Or are you going to bring both of them up in regards to getting disability.

I am so curious about all this stuff, because my back is getting worse every day of my life, and I really wonder what would happen to me if the pain got to the point where I could not work (like much later in life I mean, scoliosis is painful, but (thank god) a slow progressing disease/condition. Your back just gets more and more malformed with age. And even surgery , I have heard, can only fix your curvature by a few degrees at best, and I have heard current surgery for my condition is more trouble than it's worth and can even result in more pain due to the pins and rods in your back.

I am really curious as to how the school reacts about this problem - as like I said I am also about to enter Graduate school - and will be trying for some type of assistantship (the dept. is VERY small - smallest in the Univ. due to the subject matter, and my grades qualify for asstship so I am thinking about it - for the money of course not the fun, I have heard how hard it can be on you - and it sounds like it was, for sure, on you - sorry to hear about all your problems right now.

My main problem in life is money - I really am in pain, which I did survive with up until about 3 years ago (I have had chronic lower back pain since at least 12-13 years old - Pretty bad when you beg your parents to not make you participate in sports in junior high school because it hurts your back so bad - I played sports anyway though

) But now I have found pain treatment through meds - not only is my quality of life better on meds but also I am dependent on the meds, which is of course a downside, one of the only ones in my opinion, of opioids. I also take Klonopin for severe panic disorder/frequent panic attacks and also to help with the spasms in my lower back and upper legs (sciatica pain resulting from scoliosis) - The KLonopin kills 3 birds with one stone.

But it is becoming increasingly tough for me to afford my meds - I am not like some people here that are older and more established, and may have savings, assets, mortgages, liquid assets, etc.

I am poor (have no savings - think you said the same, Toe? ) and live check to check VERY literally. So I spend an hour or two a day having to shuffle my money around from bank account to card to bills to groceries, constantly worrying about how to pay for my prescriptions each month. I have to sacrifice something every month, sometimes to the point of basically not leaving the house the entire month except to get groceries and dog food (so I can't spend any money ) just to afford meds. And when it comes time for new consult or doctor visit, ohhhh the poo really hits the fan. Then I gotta pay a bill late, or make arrangements with my CC companies (payment plants) etc, etc....... It is costing me every last red penny I have to afford my meds. But I do it , somehow, always. Sometimes have to w/d for week or two but that's life. Anyway I am way off subject.

Bascially the point I was trying to get across - is Toe, I am alot like you - same age, same place in life in alot of ways. If you need some support from someone who will really understand your shoes - then you can PM me and I will give you my email so we can chat. Lemme know if you'd like to.