Kelly - re your question on SSD - my son's ENT did write a letter for the SSD, and anyone concerned, indicating he was completely disabled and would be for at least a year. Paul was out of a job, no health insurance, severely depressed and we went thru hours of interviews with SSD. They still denied his disability but they also said we could get an attorney and and re-apply. My son was so tired and discouraged that he just didn't want to have any more to do with them. With SSD, you really have to be aggressively persistent and make sure to keep on top of them, checking everything they say or do with names and dates. I hear now that there are attorneys that will represent you and don't charge you until you get the disability $. Don't know how this works, but it might be something to look into. I sure hope everything works out for Mark and you and that you can find a better, more knowledgeable and compassionate doctor. My son got thru the experience and doing just great now! So can Mark and you!