Hi All, writing because I had a very successful VNS surgery after suffering for 7 years (30-37) with this disease. Tried everything. Flew everywhere. I can't tell you how great life is. I have limited hearing in my bad ear about 15% but will take it to have a life I never knew imagined. Some on here had issues with social security disability. My father worked for them for 12 years. It is hard because they keep denying you up to 3x but when you win, the pay is back pay from when you filed. (ex..filing in July 2014..when I win, which is a done case for me, I will receive all the back pay from July 2014...but have to go through all their hearings) There are great lawyers out there that helped with this disease. I have another medical issue that with the Meniere's is making my process run fast...and will receive benefits. Just know, do the research, there are successful attorneys that are very familiar in dealing with Meniere's. You will need a lot of documentation, records, why you did/didn't try other procedures. The VNS scares so many but 3 day hospital stay and having no episodes for me is what I chose after all the "tries" that I did on this site and with Meniere's specialists. Also after VNS you might, sometimes, lose some hearing and/or misunderstanding of 2 out of 5 words. Didn't bother me because with 15% hearing does it really matter? No hearing aid will help which doesn't bother me. I do everything I used to do, eat, pleasure before Meniere's. Just know you can research Meniere's attorneys that have won the disability case. Giving you hope because mine will close soon. Keep moving forward and know there is a life after this disease.
Just curious why you would be seeking disability for Meniere' s if the VNS was successful. I have read others doing the same thing. I'm assuming if the VNS gives you your life back you would no longer be considered disabled.
Because I have lost my hearing and in my career it is essential. And no hearing aid will help bring it back because it is not a matter of sound, but understanding the words people say. Also, because I still have the ringing/tinnitus/fullness I have shown that even though the attacks won't occur, the hearing issues end of things are permanent. Best of luck..
How's the hearing in the unoperated ear? Hard to believe someone could be considered disabled with hearing loss in only one ear. I had a VNS in 1994. I've been completely deaf in that ear for a number of years now and since becoming bilateral, can't hear anything without an aid in the non VNS ear. You say you are living a life you never could have imagined, so things must be pretty great for you. Disabled? Unbelievable.
I second 3 of the 4 points you've made, & greatly encourage Nic to find a job, any job, before applying for disability, however a system of measurement has yet been discovered to calculate the attributing percentage a career has on ones psyche. Percentage is a mathematical concept. Without a mathematical system of measurement, percentages are unable to be accurately calculated. Particularly when concerning something as intangible as the human psyche. Measurement is the life blood of science. Sciences that have yet achieved a system of measurement cannot claim themselves to be mature subjects. Moreover, the statement "one's job makes up some 70% of the psyche" asserts the entire spectrum of life experiences remaining, coupled with brain chemistry & genetics, account for a mere 30% of the totality of the subconscious & conscious mind. 70% is an extraordinary claim. Quantified & calculated precisely, apparently, without a system of measurement. A claim I would heavily disagree with.
Admin Post A reminder: this is not a forum to bash others for their choices. Everyone fights a different battle in their own way. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it. Ray