Q: I am in my mid-60s and unemployed now because of a disability. In 2000, I had cancer of the larynx, which was caused by smoking, and I lost my vocal cords. I overcame that with two years of learning to speak "hands-free" and was employed by a computer services company. I worked in the area of Medicaid contracts. A year ago, I had a stroke, and a few of my lumbar discs collapsed. I had the discs fused and still have some mobility. My employer said, "Come back to work or quit," so I left. I was assured that my disability would continue based on physician assessments. Last week, my insurance carrier said I had to give their company my Social Security disability. The SS clerk I spoke to could not tell me whether the insurance company could do this. How do I find out the answer to this if SS doesn't know? I have every intention of becoming active and would like to do public speaking for anti-smoking organizations and also talk about living with two disabilities. I also have written an article for my employer about working while having cancer.

A: First, you are an amazing example of how a positive, can-do attitude can improve one's life no matter what the circumstances. Combined with your strong work ethic, you would be a great addition to any charity. Contact the American Cancer Society and the high schools and colleges in your area to offer yourself as a speaker against smoking. Smoking is high among teens, and the schools and organizations should welcome and appreciate your offer. The benefit of meeting a person who has suffered the effects of smoking is far more meaningful than reading statistics or seeing a film on it in a health class. Also, because of copyright laws, check to see whether you have use of the article you wrote for your company.

Second, contact a lawyer who concentrates in Social Security disability claims. Your insurance company's request seems highly unusual. Disability insurance is a complicated area, and only an experienced attorney will be able to help you. Because of your condition and your wonderful attitude, the lawyer may agree to represent you pro bono (for free). If not, contact the Legal Aid Society to obtain representation.

Passivity Makes No Sense When Things Can Be Corrected

Q: For more than 15 years, I spent eight to 10 hours a day on the phone as a sales rep. I repeatedly asked for a headset, but my supervisor always said it was too expensive. I purchased my own, but it was not compatible with the phone system. I ended up talking all those hours every day for all those years with the phone cradled between my ear and my left shoulder while I talked, wrote down information, and worked on the computer simultaneously. I have been dealing with cervical problems, had nerve surgery, and have developed reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, also known as complex regional pain syndrome, which is lifelong, debilitating and painful. Workers' compensation insurance will not accept responsibility for the RSD condition. How do I deal with the massive workers' compensation system to get my claim accepted?

A: Take charge of your life. Discuss your condition with a specialist in RSD, and obtain a medical report that is without uncertainty. Hire a workers' compensation lawyer, and have that lawyer represent you — as you should have done many years ago, when you developed the condition. Accepting your supervisor's refusal to buy a headset because of the expense was ludicrous when only you knew the kind of pain you were experiencing.

Please send your questions to: Lindsey Novak, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045. E-mail her at [email protected], or visit her Web site at www.LindseyNovak.com. She answers all e-mails. To find out more about Lindsey Novak and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.