My Mother is 50 years old, and has several health conditions- can she work or not?

Question

My Mom is like 50. She has a few medical concerns, like the following:

1. Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome
2. Type II Diabetes
3. Back problems
4. Degenerative disc disease
5. Depression

And a few others, as well.

She is in a quandary right now. She is applying for SSDI- but being a paralegal, I have tried to explain to her how difficult it is to get approval.

She really needs an income terribly bad. What can she do?

Could she work part time?

What about potential employers- should she tell them up front about her medical conditions?

We live in a state (GA) that is a "free to hire, free to fire" state.

Answer 1

She might be able to get disability. She can work as much as she is able to . It is up to what she can tolerate.

Most diabetics work. Carpal tunnel just requires wrist supports. Back support for her back.

Working will help get rid of the depression. Having her hormone levels tested would be a smart idea. Estrogen and Thyroid. Low hormone levels can cause depression and low Thyroid hormones can make you sick.

Diabetes is controllable. My husband has it and works.

I would share only what I am ask in reference to a new employers. She will probably feel better working..

Answer 2

With bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome it's highly unlikely she'd be able to find a job where this condition wouldn't be aggravated. Has she considered having surgery to correct this condition?

If she has her doctor sign her SSDI application papers she should be able to get it - she might have to get an attorney involved but it would probably be worth it.

Answer 3

So far, not one thing so I see there should keep her from working as a paralegal. It's a desk job and not physically demanding. Yes the carpal tunnel is tough with typing, but they make braces and injections for it. The DJD (disk disease - which is the back pain) can be painful, but they have surgery, injections and pain medications for it.

Diabetes and depression keeping someone from working? Give me a break. It sounds more like she's got a case of L-A-Z-Y.

Answer 4

I hear on the news that sometimes it takes 3 years to get SSDI.But I am thinking,just my thoughts ,if she has applied for SSDI and works and they find out then they will take it back.Maybe someother goverment program can help in your state.Does she have a lot of bills? Are you able to help her any? Can she borrow off of her life insurance or somthing.

Answer 5

That would be up to her and her doctor.