Question
Hi Barbara,

I was sitting in a computer chair about two weeks ago, and after getting up I had a burning pain from inside my right buttock to down and over the top of my right leg down to just above the knee. I was given Flexeril,(muscle relaxer), by my physician but it hasn't seemed to help much more than Ibuprofen.

The pain comes and goes and I'm thinking about seeing a chiropractor for x-rays and possible adjustment on Monday.

I am an over the road truck driver and I fear this may soon or eventually keep me from driving. If this is a degenerative condition and my doctors think I should not drive as an occupation, is there any way I can draw disability through any government agencies such as Social Security? I don't have disability through my employer as of now.

Could you possibly give me any further advice or state agency names to contact regarding how I might draw some type of disability income in case I become unable to drive and need to retrain in a new occupation?

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Mike E.

Answer
Mike,

I am not an expert on social security disability (SSDI), so I encourage you to speak with a social security attorney or consultant.  I know several people with EDS who have applied for SSDI, but from what I understand, the process is difficult and it often helps to have professional guidance to lead you through the process.

Social Security Disability
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/

In addition to SSDI, look into the department of vocational rehabilitation (DVR).  The DVR helps people with job retraining and accommodations to allow them to continue to work either with accommodations or in another career.  Each state has their own website for their DVR office.

Another resource is the Job Accommodation Network (JAN).  JAN helps people with accommodations to enable them to work.

Job Accommodation Network
http://www.dol.gov/odep/programs/job.htm

Disability insurance and mortgage disability are also available from private insurance companies.  If you are already diagnosed with EDS, it could be difficult or expensive to get a policy.  

Good luck.  Several years ago, I knew someone who was also a truck driver with EDS.  He got hurt on the job and went into the DVR program.  We've lost touch over the years, but the last time I heard from him, he was leaving the state to go to college.  

-Barb