Dear MSSMR,
I am sorry that you are having such a time...Is it possible to go to the board to find out if you could be an exception to the rule (so to speak) and due to the circumstances, could you get get early retirement with benefits? It can't hurt to ask. The worst answer you could get is "No". In that case you are back to taking early retirement without benefits, or paying on credit for your care...I still think you should get another opinion, but if you are comfortable where you are, sometimes that is the important thing...Just whatever you do, don't let that insurance drop...It is almost impossible if not impossible to get insurance with your diagnosis. I hope you figure this out, it is hard to stop doing what you love...that is one of the worst parts of this disease, all the things you have to give up.
In My Thoughts,
Karen