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Karen, I've had to look at similar options/problems, and I've already visited with doctor, lawyer, physical specialist etc.. Here are few items to consider, (As usual, see if you can find someone who knows more than me) 1. Long term disability insurance may or may not pay well. In my case, it will pay 60% of my 5 yr. highest salary ave, and this is with 2 policies I bought. It isn't enough for us to live on. 2. It takes 6 months after approval to get first check 3 The new ADA laws were written to protect folks who have problems, but want to continue to work. LEGALLY, you must be given the opportunity to continue your work, and your employer must make any reasonable adjustments to keep you working i.e., a speaker phone, elevator access, or move to downstairs, handicap restroom etc.. In REALITY, what I am finding is that I'm receiving odd letters of reprimand, being told of required meetings after they are over, having important papers "mailed" to me, but not receiving them et al adnausium My lawyer said, no it wasn't legal, but its as hard to prove as harassment or discrimination 4 The doctor will have to recommend you for disability, and then the insurance co will want you to see their people as well. I would suggest you call an attorney now, and try to keep the job or get proof you were unfairly targeted for release because of the pd. There should also be some free legal aid (in the US) from the ACLU, your state rehab commission, and probably others. The big thing is to move on it now, since even if everything works out OK, you will still have that 6 mo without pay. If anyone has any other ideas on coping with this situation, please contact me OFF list. I suspect I will need help in the near future as well Hope this helps bob