disability

June 24, 2003

Thanks, she was diagnosed at 23 and is now 37 I believe, she's a miracle. Had 2

strokes within a week of each other about a month ago which has affected her

speech, but she doesn't give up on life, she lives everyday to the fullest.

My " aunt " (mother of this girl) as I said sent in the same paperwork each time,

didn't use an atty, and the doctor at the U of M also used the same letter, only

changing the date. Unfortunately, it takes time, even when someone doesn't have

time. Again, the govt is screwed up, all they worry about is their expensive

parties and yachts and vacations, most don't give a damn about someone who is

sick or suffering till it happens to them or someone real close to them, then

most concentrate on that and still forget about the rest of us out here.

And you are right, the govt just figures we're so sick and tired of it all we

will drop the case... most that are faking would, which is again why we have to

fight so damn hard, even those with terminal problems... the govt looks at the

documents and says nope, they'll get better, no need to help them. When they

finally do approve it they don't give you enough to live on if you're her age

(23) b/c she had been in college and had very little work exp, or like me who

did have work exp but at 32 when this happened I still didn't have a lot of

credits, but thankfully enough to get some monthly income. I could go on and on

about how crappy the govt takes care of disabled people, you have to be homeless

then you're still out of luck.

Connie

Re: Disability

> Connie'

> Thank's for the information. The government just

> figure's you will finally give-up if they hassle you

> enough.I hope your friend is doing okay? I also have a

> real good friend who's son just found out not long

> ago that he has terminal cancer,they put in for

> dissability and they told him it would take 30 to 120

> day's and the man is terminal and has no insurance and

> income.They are fighting to get it sooner.

> Thank's

>

--

__________________________________________________________

Sign-up for your own FREE Personalized E-mail at Mail.com

http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup

CareerBuilder.com has over 400,000 jobs. Be smarter about your job search

http://corp.mail.com/careers

June 30, 2003

Thanks Marti,

I live in Wisconsin. First things first though. Have

got to apply for disability. My husband doesn't

acknowledge or believe the pain and because he has

never heard of PA believes that I just don't want to

work. I am still quite capable of design work most of

the time but am concerned about the near future. PA

has a tendency to progress rapidly unlike the

government and it may take quite a while to get

approved. Without insurance I would have to go without

treatment and that just isn't an option. It's good to

know that I can still work part-time because jobs will

still be coming in and I don't want to have to turn

them down.

Once I am on disability I'll be able to connect to

other related sources I'm sure. This whole think is

such a long process.

Thanks for answering

Mickey

June 30, 2003

---n't

> acknowledge or believe the pain and because he has

> never heard of PA believes that I just don't want to

> work.

Hi Mickey,

Will your husband read some of our posts? Will he read info on PA?

You said a mouthful in one short sentence-PA progresses rapidly while

the government does not. Do you have a supportive Doc for disability?

That really helps to get it. Also maybe your husband would listen to

the Doc.

I wish you good luck!

Marti

July 1, 2003

--Hi Mickey,

That denial can be a hard one. One of my good friends confronted me

and said Can you honestly say your arthritis is getting worse or do

you just think it is (x-rays,etc show it is getting worse but NObody

likes to hear that) I have a good friend with RA, fibro and

bipolar. She has to stay completely away from many of our meds or

she goes into a manic phase-esp the prednisone does that to her.

Good Luck at the Doc!

Marti

July 2, 2003

Marti,

I don't understand why a friend or spouse would

question it. Do they have little respect for you to

think you are making it up for attention or sympathy?

That is truly an insult.

Good news, after my third dose of MTX I actually sat

on the floor CROSS LEGGED and played with my

grandbaby. First time in a year and a half. Did too

much through the day though because I felt better and

paid dearly for it by supper time. Oh well, it was fun

to move around. I have to be careful not to go nuts on

days I feel better. I've never been one to sit around

because I have ADHD and it's like being in a straight

jacket when I can't walk.

Mickey

July 2, 2003

-Hi Mickey,

Don't know why people are the way they are. Sometimes I think it is

just too painful for them to deal with the truth. My friend thinks

there might be some guilt involved,esp with family. She says if they

admit how sick we are then they feel responsible for helping. I

think some people like to think these illnesses would never happen to

them. They find a reason to blame the sick person for their illness

so they can continue thinking they are safe from it all.

Glad to hear the good news about the MTX, I hear you on trying not

to overdo it on the good days too!

Marti

July 3, 2003

Hi Mickey,

It sounds like your husband has had a tough life. I didn't realize

that people might fear death from our illnesses until a young friend

blurted it out one day. I was surprised but took the opportunity to

explain that we don't die we just live a harder life. It really

relieved her mind. Sorry your husband has gotten so distant. Hope

things turn around soon.

Best Wishes,

Marti

July 30, 2003

Welcome back, Marge! Sounds like a fun trip. I'm so happy to hear that

you had a good time.

Sorry about your insurance trouble. I hope it's nothing.

Good luck on the 8th with your interview!

[ ] disability

> Hi all, I'm home from my 10 days in New Jersey....great time with a

stop over in the Poconos. My interview for disability will be August

8th...I'm trying to have all my documentation in order...they said it

will probably be 5 months until I hear the results re approval or

not...since I have a small amount in my savings account, I will not be

eligible for short term assistance...I have to call my insurance

company, for some reason they denied my last visit to the rheummy (after

paying for 3 years of visits). I hope it doesn;t have anything to do

with my switching to cobra...shouldn't...but...can't figure out why it

would be different....any suggestions anyone has for me would be

appreciated related to the interview...my best friend is going with me

and I have 2 letters from past co-workers documenting change in my

ability to carry out everyday work tasks....will must close hands aren't

working too well and I am back spacing to correct constantly...it is 1

a.m. and i hope to get some sleep in the near future....warm milk

time....hope you are well...missed you over the alst 10 days...but the

fishing was grfeat...had to put away my fly rod...cou.ldn't cast it..oh

well one more thing for uncle arthur.....marge

August 19, 2003

> I know many people who were denied disability the

first attempt and had to see attorneys. <

Yeah...I had heard that from a lot of people so I expected it...no surprise

there!

> As far as housekeeping, I hear what you are saying. <

But she said I was not to do ANYTHING that caused pain...so what am I supposed

to do? Everything hurts from a mild ache to terrible spasms. It is not my nature

to just sit around. WC got me on video doing housework and my benefits were

stopped. Will disability send someone out to spy on me also? I go bowling with

my friends...I look funny as I don't bend or twist, but I have fun...even though

I know I will pay for it later.

So does life completely stop for those on disability?

I am also attempting to become self-employed with dog evaluations & training,

and photography...later opening up a boarding kennel...how will that affect

things?

I just can't see me giving up on life.

August 19, 2003

> I have to really pace myself with cleaning. <

That is what I have been doing...no major cleaning at all, just a little each

day.

But the lawyer said to do nothing that causes pain. I just don't see how that is

possible. I have already gained 50 hateful pounds from not being as active as I

used to be, and that is while being on a low fat & sugar diet! It is going to

kill me to put on more weight.

August 19, 2003

I've always heard it takes an attorney to help anyone get

their SS disability. For those of you on SSD, how much

did you have to end up paying to an attorney for help to

get it?

joe

August 19, 2003

> Well Joe Ihad a company called Allsup Inc. they were excellent Joe. They

have a 95% success rate. They do everything for you...

Carol -

Hang onto that for now. I'm doing research on the revision surgery and

hope that I might get some relief via that route. If I do, I will still be

able

to stay at my job. Thanks for being willing to check.

joe

August 20, 2003

> For those of you on SSD, how much did you have to end up paying to an attorney

for help to get it?

I'm not on it yet, but my lawyer is taking 25% with a $5400 max cap from my

first check...when and if I get it.

Vivian H.

August 20, 2003

There is a limit $4,000.00 or 25%, but not over $4,000.00 Michigan's rate. Chris

Re: Re: Disability

> For those of you on SSD, how much did you have to end up paying to an

attorney for help to get it?

I'm not on it yet, but my lawyer is taking 25% with a $5400 max cap from my

first check...when and if I get it.

Vivian H.

October 30, 2003

In a message dated 10/30/2003 5:07:17 AM Pacific Standard Time, mellowcargo2003@... writes:

I received a "partially favorable decision" from SSA. The appeals judge ruled in my favor for getting disability going back to Aug. 2001. However SSA will take 60 days to evaluate that decision then either approve, deny or require more information from me. The waiting game goes on..............Bob

i need some help..i am working p/t..barely making it...where do i start?? help please...ssi?? disability??

Peace, Sielicki

October 30, 2003

Hi . Go to theSocial Security office and get some information. There are two types of disability, depending on your financial status, family etc. The supplemental depends on financial hardship, etc. while the other part depends on your past earnings and how much you've paid in.

www.ssa.gov/disability/

www.nosscr.org/faqind.html

The first link is to the government site and the second is a "frequently asked questions" site that may be helpful. You can apply on your own and then if turned down see an attorney or get an attorney right off the bat. The initial decision doesn't take too long, but should it go against you the appeal can drag out for a long time. The attorneys are bound by law that they can only charge 25% of whatever your initial payment from ssi is. You can easily find attorneys who work on the basis that you only pay if you win. Do your homework and get doctors to write letters on your behalf, etc. should you decide to try to go apply on your own behalf. Good luck. -dz-

i need some help..i am working p/t..barely making it...where do i start?? help please...ssi?? disability?? Peace, Sielicki

October 31, 2003

Dear Al:

I was 33 years old when I was diagnosed and became disabled I also had

a broken back. However, I went in with no lawyer, I have 3 bachelors and a

masters and speak two languages, that was also stacked against me. I took all

the prescription medication that I am supposed to take a day at the allotted

time (I am on valium for anti anxiety, Oxycontin for pain, neorontin, predisone,

MTX etc.......and I could barely speak. The judge asked if this is what I was

like on a regular day and I said yes. I got my check 3 months later. I don't

know what meds you are on but the problem or what type of job you did or do

that matters.

November 1, 2003

Ally,

I went on SS disability when I was 30. I was approved right away and didn't

have to go before a judge so I can't offer you any first hand experience.

Here are some articles that may help:

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS & Disability

http://www.ssdisability.net/arthritis.html

Preparing for a Disability Hearing

http://www.lawhelp.org/program/766/RTF1.cfm?pagename=Preparing%20for%20a%20D

isability%20Hearing

Preparing For Your Day In Court

http://arthritis.about.com/library/weekly/aa111898.htm

Good luck,

a

> Hello Everyone,

>

> Sorry it has been so long since I have posted. Please know that I

> always read your posts and I think about this group all of the time

> sometimes I'm just a little quiet. My disability hearing is

> scheduled for Monday and I need advice. I am so nervous. I have a

> lot stacked against me as I am 26 yrs old (no judge wants to label

> someone this young disabled--according to my attorney) and my blood

> tests do not show a positive RF. Is there anything that can and

> should be said during the hearing. I really don't feel very prepared

> for it....my attorney hasn't told me a lot about what to expect. Any

> advice would be greatly appreciated.

>

> Thanks-Ally

>

November 1, 2003

Good luck, Ally!

I can't give you any advice from personal experience, but I see that

others are trying to help guide you.

Do keep in mind that a significant percentage of people with RA are

never RF-positive (up to 30%, depending on the source of the

information).

Please let us know how it goes.

[ ] Disability