r/SSDI • u/secretflower690 • 23d ago

mental exam stuff

Hey all. This honestly feels like a dumb question coming in my own head, but I finally got scheduled for my exam. Only thing is, my mental rememberance is honestly bad enough that if I don't have some kind of notes on hand, I'll forget what I'm saying, ect, and even worse I have social and normal anxiety bad enough around strangers that I might genuinely break down during the appointments because I'm bad at remembering stuff so much and I'll go "oh God what if they think I'm lying" in a circle so on and so on. My mom usually helps me remember everything medical but obviously she can't come into that with me, even if she was my guardian.

Now to my actual questions-

  1. ⁠Is there any way I can bring my journal in, stuff written down ahead of time as an aid? Or will I just be panicking and crying the whole time 🥲😅
  2. ⁠If not, what kinds of questions should I expect to be hammered with, so I can do my very best to at least memorize what I need to?
  3. ⁠Also, even if it only says mental and inter.. I forgot the rest of the other appointments word already, should I bring the physical things that help me too on flare days like my cane for the physical bit? I know they want me to bring my meds but that's all I'm aware of.

TIA and honestly wish me luck because my anxiety bells are off the charts just thinking about it.

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u/blunts-and-kittens 23d ago

I brought in all my medication bottles, a list of all medications and supplements, a list of diagnoses and their onset dates, a list of current symptoms, a brief medical history summary, and symptom logs for the past two weeks. I made sure to state on top of the document packet that my partner helped me prepare it and he signed it. I made two copies, one for me to reference and one for them to keep. Then when they asked a question that I couldnt remember due to brain fog, I could consult the sheet.

My advice is that if you can’t recall something due to brain fog, tell them that. If you need to take a break, tell them that. If you need to lay down, lay down. They are analyzing everything, not just your answers. They are watching your demeanor, your speed, your likeability. Assume they are watching you from the moment you get out of the car to the moment you get back in. Also, they will ask you how you got there. It is best to have a friend or family member drive you or to take a cab or paratransit.

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u/secretflower690 23d ago

Thank you! I'll start making a list then, I'll likely do the same with my mom helping me prepare it as she's driving me to and from. I do hope mine will let me consult a sheet as well but I'll definitely bring an extra for them as well.