As website owner, I personally welcome you to our website. You have already seen and read how informative and understanding our wonderful people are. We are all just family, bonded together because of a Myositis disease.

I've read the postings from you and the messages you receive. I want to add just another thought. You wife may be having the after effects of Sept. 11 because you work for AA. It is understandable why she is worried and stressed. With Myositis, stress can set off several unwanted problems.

Just be patient with her, loving and caring for her; but not letting your own worries be noticeable to your wife. A wife has to feel secure, comfortable and know tne future isn't to be afraid of. Since 9/11 many people's stress has been a heavy load to carry on the shoulders along with Myositis. Some can't handle this double load.

(I assume you have a cell phone w unlimited minutes so you can call her every chance you have. That contact and assurance is badly needed.)

Stan, know that you are among friends and we are here to help you however we can.

This will be a short note as it is midnight in Texas. I have to drive to Dallas before to our Dallas/Oklahoma Myositis Support Group meeting - a 193 mile round trip. A Neurologist is scheduled to speak after we complete lunch. We have over 35 who have made reservations for the luncheon at Steak & Ale Resturant where we have our meetings.

To answer your question; after reading all the posts, I would think that the SSA would deal one-on-one with your wife to see if she's incapable of doing any work. The process isn't hard ordinarily, but your wife is so young and very little medical history involving the disease, the SSA will be harder to deal with.

I wish you luck. Take deep breaths, try to stay in control of your thoughts and emotions and know that you have to be in control of your wife's receiving the proper medications.

Patience, Stan, patients and keep your cool.