I have come to the conclusion after doing the research is that the best thing for me to do is to file for my Social Security, even though it is pretty low. I have to come terms that I am pretty much unemployable these days (as I type this using only my right hand - my left arm and hand is pretty useless these days).

So here is how we have figured it out - I went to my local SS office yesterday to confirm what I have read online at the SS website. I can file for my own benefits now, and switch to Spousal Benefits when my husband retires in December 2025. I am also going to to file for Disability at the same time, as recommended by the lady at the window because it can take up to 6 to 8 months.

I spent most of the day pulling together the documents and information needed. Jeezus, I have all the years of my wrist surgeries, x-rays, MRI's EMG's, joint injections, etc, etc. The point is, I have to accept that my metalsmithing career is probably over, I can no longer type using both hands, nor sit for 8 hours a day...My body is worn out at this point. If I get approved for disability, I would get something like $1482/month. My husband has a very good job right now, and with 35+ years of working in IT, his SS payments will be quite a bit higher. When he retires I'll get bumped up to half of his payment as the Spousal Benefits, so when we combine the two it's pretty reasonable.

He's about to sign up for Medicare, and when he does I'll be bumped off the BCBS plan we have. I will be able to go and get back on an ObamaCare plan, possibly Medicaid because I have no income at this point.

Next week I have a bunch research to continue with, calls to make and appointments to set to make sure this all gets set up to plan. I feel relieved that there seems to be a path forward. I have PT to go to (again), another EMG scheduled, an appointment with my hand surgeon for a check-in, plus waiting for a referral to see another doctor to rule out Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and I'm also waiting to hear back from the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix to find out if they'll accept me as a patient. There is still no consensus on the reason I have lost function in my arm with chronic ulna/median nerve inflammation. It *may* be due to the arthritis in my neck but I am waiting to get any neck surgery until they are satisfied that it is not something else.

As Roseann Roseannadanna said, "It's always something!"