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Posted on Fri, Jun 11, 2010 : 8:08 p.m.

No word yet from Social Security on outcome of disability claim; pre-surgery visit set for June 22

By Thomas Bare

BLACKHAWKS WIN!!! BLACKHAWKS WIN!!! BLACKHAWKS WIN THE STANLEY CUP!!!

Yes, I am from Chicago. It has been a long time since we've won the Cup and the team deserves it. I hope everyone enjoys the party at the Madhouse on Madison and the parade. I wish I was there to take in the celebration.

Second of all, I want to say my thoughts and prayers go out to all the people that were hit by the tornado in Dundee. If was able, I would be out there helping out anyway I can, but I am under doctors orders against that kind of physical activity and with the condition I am in, that is out of the question.

Anyway here I am with another week of twists and turns in regards to the stressful situation that I am in.

Just to give everyone a couple updates about me: Everything has been submitted to the Social Security Administration regarding my disability claim. Knowing that I will be going in for back surgery on July 1 and after a talk with the determination department, I was told that my claim is being reviewed by a medical examiner’s board. Now I've been told that they don’t know when a decision will be made. This is really important to me because it could help me get into an apartment.

I am still getting the full support from Washtenaw County's Community Crisis Response Team and they will continue working with me. Reality is setting in more and more everyday in regard to my upcoming surgery.

The latest document I have received from the doctor's office said I have about a three hour pre-operation appointment to discuss everything that will be going on on June. The letter said I will be in a brace for a period of three months and will not be able to lift anything greater than a gallon of milk. Also due to the extensive care required for four weeks post-operation, I may have to have in-home healthcare assistance, or if need be I may have to go to a rehabilitation center for a while.

I know in my last post I said I was going to talk about what went on with my former employer but this was a little more important. I will be meeting with a University of Michigan tax law clinic representative to see what they can offer, so maybe I will have that story for you next week.

I am also hoping next week my headline will say “SSDI APPROVED AND I WILL BE GETTING INTO AN APARTMENT."

Until next week, enjoy your weekend.

Thomas Bare writes about being homeless in Washtenaw County. Contact him at tab72266@yahoo.com.