disability

[Guest guest]

I called the social security office in my town. They scheduled a phone

interview with me since I could not go into their office. On the phone

interview they only asked me a few questions. Then they sent me some paper

work to complete. That gets the ball rolling for you. The paper work can be

a little over whelming or it was for me. Just take you time and answer as

throughly as possible. Good Luck, Gail

[Guest guest]

Call the Social Security Administration and tell them to send you need

to apply for title II (ssdi) and ssi as well if you're eligible. They

send you forms.

Check out:

Disinissues-L

HYPERLINK

" http://www.cfids-me.org/disinissues/ " http://www.cfids-me.org/disinissue

s/

Social Security Disability

HYPERLINK " http://www.ssa.gov/disability/ " http://www.ssa.gov/disability/

Example of forms (but you have to attach paper and make it very

descriptive. They give you no room.

HYPERLINK

" http://www.ssa.gov/online/forms.html " http://www.ssa.gov/online/forms.ht

ml

SSA Handbook

HYPERLINK

" http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook-toc.html " http://www.ssa.go

v/OP_Home/handbook/handbook-toc.htmlHYPERLINK

" http://www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-16.pdf "

CFS Ruling

HYPERLINK

" http://www.ssas.com/ssr99-2.htm " http://www.ssas.com/ssr99-2.htm

Hope this helps. I knew very little when I applied and survived barely

on welfare while I waded through their bull. Now I survive barely on SSD

and SSI. LOL!

Don't bother with an attorney yet, you need to be your own attorney and

learn everything you can about applying. Use the resources for CFS. But,

if you are denied you can seek an experienced DISABILITY attorney who

takes a percentage of your backpay ONLY after you win.

Jen

HYPERLINK " mailto:heckyeah@... " heckyeah@...

-----Original Message-----

HI,

Regarding applying for disability, where do you even start? Is there

paperwork that you can ask for somewhere, or do you need to start with

an

attorney?

thanks in advance!

[Guest guest]

My experience applying for s.s. disability was in 1992, for chronic fatigue

syndrome(CFS) ( and depression).

At that time the typical course was that CFS was routinely turned down and

then won in an appeal.

I never had to go to a hearing. My paperwork was enough. When I had a

review a good number of years later, someone at soc. sec. office told me

that they accept or reject the claim based on the overall picture. So where

I had CFS, severe allergies, depression, anxiety, chemical sensitivities,

they took everything into account. Just one of the diagnoses didn't have to

be completely disabling if the combination of all was.

Good luck to all.

bluesky

> Call the Social Security Administration and tell them to send you need

> to apply for title II (ssdi) and ssi as well if you're eligible. They

> send you forms.

[Guest guest]

I'm sorry that you're struggling so, Alan. I can only imagine the sorts

of things that are running through your mind. I wish I had some easy

answers for you.

Though I have no experience with disability and work, this seems like a

very good site for some ideas:

http://www.disabilityclaims.com/

[ ] Disability

> Hi Everyone,

>

> Although this is a topic I have been avoiding for about 7 year's now,

> is there anyone out there who had to go on disability while working

> at a company with a long term disability policy? I know each policy

> has its own unique stipulations but I am interested to hear how you

> started the process and what you had to endure. You can e-mail me if

> you want to spare the group the details.

>

> I just know from my perspective it's getting increasingly more

> difficult to work. Pain and fatigue are really starting to take a

> toll on me mentally and physically. It's just such a difficult

> concept to comprehend. My fear has always been that if I " give in " to

> this disease it will be all over for me. I know this may sound

> dramatic but it's allowed me to continue working full time.

>

> I am trying to hang in there and keep going but I am starting to get

> this feeling that it's inevitable.

>

> Thanks in advance for anyone that can provide information.

>

> Love and hugs,

>

> Alan

[Guest guest]

Thank you . I really have no idea how to proceed because, as you

know, RA is so unpredictable. I always hope when things are

exceptionally bad that they will take a turn for the better. All I

know is that my health gets worse with each passing week. I feel that

once I start the ball rolling, so to speak, there is no turning back

although I know disabled people have returned to work. Also, being

the sole wage earner brings a fair amount of stress.

I appreciate the link and will read what they say. Thanks again!

Love and hugs,

Alan

> I'm sorry that you're struggling so, Alan. I can only imagine the

sorts

> of things that are running through your mind. I wish I had some easy

> answers for you.

>

> Though I have no experience with disability and work, this seems

like a

> very good site for some ideas:

>

> http://www.disabilityclaims.com/

>

>

>

>

>

> [ ] Disability

>

>

> > Hi Everyone,

> >

> > Although this is a topic I have been avoiding for about 7 year's

now,

> > is there anyone out there who had to go on disability while

working

> > at a company with a long term disability policy? I know each

policy

> > has its own unique stipulations but I am interested to hear how

you

> > started the process and what you had to endure. You can e-mail me

if

> > you want to spare the group the details.

> >

> > I just know from my perspective it's getting increasingly more

> > difficult to work. Pain and fatigue are really starting to take a

> > toll on me mentally and physically. It's just such a difficult

> > concept to comprehend. My fear has always been that if I " give

in " to

> > this disease it will be all over for me. I know this may sound

> > dramatic but it's allowed me to continue working full time.

> >

> > I am trying to hang in there and keep going but I am starting to

get

> > this feeling that it's inevitable.

> >

> > Thanks in advance for anyone that can provide information.

> >

> > Love and hugs,

> >

> > Alan

[Guest guest]

Alan, filing disability and getting it, does not mean " giving in to the

disease, " and will be all " over " for you! The oppisite is true! With

GETTING disability, this does not mean you will get it, then go home,

sit in the Lazy-Boy, grab the remote for the next 40 years ... and go to

pot!

Disability will give you a CHANCE to FIGHT the disease, if you take

advantage of the disability in that way!

You can strictly concentrate on keeping FIT, and working towards keeping

yourself the most you can be. And have time to research and seek the

best treatments that come out new, every day! In order to be able to

enjoy your family, and have precious ENERGY to interact with your kids

and wife, disability is most certainly the thing to do when you are

chronically ill!

I doubt someone like you would just get disability and then " give in " !

Think of the opportunities to focus on staying as well as you can, and

giving back to your family!

And with disability, you will still be contributing to the welfare of

the househole budget!

I hope you do get it. I hate to see you struggling so, with juggling

doctors, new medicines that knock the breath out of you... juggle work,

wife and kids, and HOBBIES you could be enjoying with your children!

And it will be a tremendous help to your wife by you being there to have

" hands on " with the kids!

Just THINK of the energy you can give to your children without the

struggle of the ride to work, and just enduring the day at work!

Please, do allow us all to read the DETAILS of your going through

getting the disability! There are so many of us who will benifit from

ALL the ins and outs of what you go through, when it comes our time to

file!

Susie

Alan wrote:

> Hi Everyone,

>

> Although this is a topic I have been avoiding for about 7 year's now,

> is there anyone out there who had to go on disability while working

> at a company with a long term disability policy? I know each policy

> has its own unique stipulations but I am interested to hear how you

> started the process and what you had to endure. You can e-mail me if

> you want to spare the group the details.

>

> I just know from my perspective it's getting increasingly more

> difficult to work. Pain and fatigue are really starting to take a

> toll on me mentally and physically. It's just such a difficult

> concept to comprehend. My fear has always been that if I " give in " to

> this disease it will be all over for me. I know this may sound

> dramatic but it's allowed me to continue working full time.

>

> I am trying to hang in there and keep going but I am starting to get

> this feeling that it's inevitable.

>

> Thanks in advance for anyone that can provide information.

>

> Love and hugs,

>

> Alan

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Susie,

Thank you so very much for your words of encouragement. You are

absolutely right in what you say. It's just a very difficult concept

when you have worked your entire adult life. Plus I really like my

job but if it comes to a quality of life decision I don't want to be

one that kills himself trying to hang on. I agree that there are

advantages like having the energy to devote more time to my family. I

really haven't been able to do that for some time now, only in short

spurts. I still hope that my meds will magically kick in and I will

be able to function better but I need to start preparing myself if

they don't. I also know that there may be numerous options available

instead of full time disabilty but I have always been one to prepare

for any and all possibilities.

Thanks again! I REALLY appreciate it.

Love and hugs,

Alan

>

> > Hi Everyone,

> >

> > Although this is a topic I have been avoiding for about 7 year's

now,

> > is there anyone out there who had to go on disability while

working

> > at a company with a long term disability policy? I know each

policy

> > has its own unique stipulations but I am interested to hear how

you

> > started the process and what you had to endure. You can e-mail me

if

> > you want to spare the group the details.

> >

> > I just know from my perspective it's getting increasingly more

> > difficult to work. Pain and fatigue are really starting to take a

> > toll on me mentally and physically. It's just such a difficult

> > concept to comprehend. My fear has always been that if I " give

in " to

> > this disease it will be all over for me. I know this may sound

> > dramatic but it's allowed me to continue working full time.

> >

> > I am trying to hang in there and keep going but I am starting to

get

> > this feeling that it's inevitable.

> >

> > Thanks in advance for anyone that can provide information.

> >

> > Love and hugs,

> >

> > Alan

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Susie:

I agree with your advice to Alan. Great post! It's

not giving up, you are so right, but simply

understanding that this is the right choice for you at

this time. Susie is right, Alan, you are not the type

to give in, that is not what you would be doing.

Don't think of it as a negative step in your life, but

more of a positive step in trying to get a handle on

your disease and your quality of life. No one will

think any differently about you - going for disability

takes a lot of strength and courage, and it may not be

an easy road to get it either. Whatever you decide,

know that we are all behind you 100%.

Kathe in CA

--- Elf <sheadley@...> wrote:

> Alan, filing disability and getting it, does not

> mean " giving in to the

> disease, " and will be all " over " for you! The

> oppisite is true! With

> GETTING disability, this does not mean you will get

> it, then go home,

> sit in the Lazy-Boy, grab the remote for the next 40

> years ... and go to

> pot!

> Disability will give you a CHANCE to FIGHT the

> disease, if you take

> advantage of the disability in that way!

> You can strictly concentrate on keeping FIT, and

> working towards keeping

> yourself the most you can be. And have time to

> research and seek the

> best treatments that come out new, every day! In

> order to be able to

> enjoy your family, and have precious ENERGY to

> interact with your kids

> and wife, disability is most certainly the thing to

> do when you are

> chronically ill!

> I doubt someone like you would just get disability

> and then " give in " !

> Think of the opportunities to focus on staying as

> well as you can, and

> giving back to your family!

> And with disability, you will still be contributing

> to the welfare of

> the househole budget!

> I hope you do get it. I hate to see you struggling

> so, with juggling

> doctors, new medicines that knock the breath out of

> you... juggle work,

> wife and kids, and HOBBIES you could be enjoying

> with your children!

> And it will be a tremendous help to your wife by you

> being there to have

> " hands on " with the kids!

> Just THINK of the energy you can give to your

> children without the

> struggle of the ride to work, and just enduring the

> day at work!

> Please, do allow us all to read the DETAILS of your

> going through

> getting the disability! There are so many of us who

> will benifit from

> ALL the ins and outs of what you go through, when it

> comes our time to

> file!

> Susie

>

> Alan wrote:

>

> > Hi Everyone,

> >

> > Although this is a topic I have been avoiding for

> about 7 year's now,

> > is there anyone out there who had to go on

> disability while working

> > at a company with a long term disability policy? I

> know each policy

> > has its own unique stipulations but I am

> interested to hear how you

> > started the process and what you had to endure.

> You can e-mail me if

> > you want to spare the group the details.

> >

> > I just know from my perspective it's getting

> increasingly more

> > difficult to work. Pain and fatigue are really

> starting to take a

> > toll on me mentally and physically. It's just such

> a difficult

> > concept to comprehend. My fear has always been

> that if I " give in " to

> > this disease it will be all over for me. I know

> this may sound

> > dramatic but it's allowed me to continue working

> full time.

> >

> > I am trying to hang in there and keep going but I

> am starting to get

> > this feeling that it's inevitable.

> >

> > Thanks in advance for anyone that can provide

> information.

> >

> > Love and hugs,

> >

> > Alan

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Dear Alan:

I was teaching for over 12 year Emotionally Handicapped Middle School

students (which is an oxymoron. I herniated two discs in my back when I was

34 and that is when they four out I also had RA. I loved my job (until I had

to sue to get Workers' comp. I also had a long term disability policy that I

had been paying for from the beginning. The only problem is that it did not

start paying me until I was out of work 6 months. The only good thing that I

did was that I applied for disability as soon as I learned I would be out of

work for at least a year, in fact before I even knew about the RA. I was

turned down 3 times and had to go through an administrative law judge, I had

no lawyer I was receiving workers comp and nor was I eligible for my

Disability insurance for 6 months. It was a very difficult six months. To

make a long story short I got the disability insurance first, then I got the

law suit and found out I had to pay the 39,000 back to disability insurance

(after paying the workers' comp lawyer 7,000 for doing nothing) I eventually

got disability 1 and 6 moths later and would have had a great retroactive

check but I had to pay back disability insurance for part of it since you

can't double dip. But all in all am glad I did it and virtually all by

myself. If you get denied (which you most probably will appeal within the

time limit and keep doing this until you go in front of the ALJ. They will

give it to you if you are persistent. Now I can even work part-time (make no

more than 700 a month but that supplements the 1,300 I make for myself and

the 686 that I make for my kids [it is the same if you have one or five) I

met the love of my life during this process and like most men he was like you

he endured the pain for 7 years of severe degenerative disc disease. He had

already had five operations and was in intense pain. I helped him apply and

he got it on four months in fact he got his frost check a month before I got

mine! If you need any more info please don't hesitate to email back.

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathe,

Thank you. Everyone has been so wonderful. I am grateful each and

every day to have such a sweet and caring family like I do. I am also

prepared for the battle that can potentially occur as a result of

this. Having all of you by my side will definitely give me the

strength I need though.

Love,

Alan

> >

> > > Hi Everyone,

> > >

> > > Although this is a topic I have been avoiding for

> > about 7 year's now,

> > > is there anyone out there who had to go on

> > disability while working

> > > at a company with a long term disability policy? I

> > know each policy

> > > has its own unique stipulations but I am

> > interested to hear how you

> > > started the process and what you had to endure.

> > You can e-mail me if

> > > you want to spare the group the details.

> > >

> > > I just know from my perspective it's getting

> > increasingly more

> > > difficult to work. Pain and fatigue are really

> > starting to take a

> > > toll on me mentally and physically. It's just such

> > a difficult

> > > concept to comprehend. My fear has always been

> > that if I " give in " to

> > > this disease it will be all over for me. I know

> > this may sound

> > > dramatic but it's allowed me to continue working

> > full time.

> > >

> > > I am trying to hang in there and keep going but I

> > am starting to get

> > > this feeling that it's inevitable.

> > >

> > > Thanks in advance for anyone that can provide

> > information.

> > >

> > > Love and hugs,

> > >

> > > Alan

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

alan, dr capezio helped me complete the forms for my social security

disability pay. when i applied for the ltd through my company, i found that

they have pretty much covered themselves and counted my ssd in my ltd. the

difference was $50 i would get from my company and of coarse the benefits.

they denied my claim. sent me to their own dr's who said i could work. (ok,

maybe that day) but i fought and appealed and ended up losing. i still have

my ssd (thank god) and i have been able to pick up a part time gig to help me

keep my sanity(feeling of worth, or however you want to look at it) it took

me about 2 years to get this far. i am due to start on medicare next month.

not looking forward to losing more $ to pay medicare premiums($60/mo, then i

think it'll be $81/mo for me to have health benefits for workers with

disabilities) it will save me over $150 a month in prescription fees since

medicare does not cover drugs. i also found it hard to find a supplement to

medicare since i am not 65. they would have wanted $260/mo for premiums. this

is why i decided to go with the state aid. even though it will not help me

with dr's. (none of the good ones take it) but the drug program is good $1

generic $3 brand name. in patient hospital stays are $3 per day!! i don't

want to make you panic, just trying to give you the info i have found. good

luck in your decision. i know it is a hard one to make. kathy in il if you

need anything, let me know.

[Guest guest]

Dear Kathy: Where do you live? I can't believe that you only pay $3.00 per

Rx and 1$ for generics. My medicines cost me about 400$ per month. What is

the name of your plan?

I spend so much on meds I have nothing left for me.

Sincerely, Colletti

Anjillah@...

[Guest guest]

unfortunatly it is the il state dept of public aid. thats why i don't think

i'll be able to use the dr portion. no one will take it anymore. our state

ran out of funds last july and they are not getting paid. i asked them why

should i pay $81 a month when i get it now for free. well right now i have a

$237 spend down that i have to meet each month before it kicks in. with the

health benefits for workers with disability plans, you pay a premium, and no

spend down applies. i might have to change pharmacies too. but they use the

big ones like walgreens and osco. Without insurance the drugs i buy are over

$250 a month, but with the program it'll be $15!!! kathy in il

[Guest guest]

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Alan)))))))))))))))))))))))))))

What a tough decision you're facing. I think Tess said it best, about

managing your disease. I'm still learning to do this too. Like you,

there are certain things I've hesitated in doing because I feel I'm

" giving in " to the disease " but I'm learning that if it makes my life

easier/happier than it's worth it. And if it will give you more quality

time with your children then that's all the more reason to consider it

seriously.

Please know that you're always in my thoughts and prayers, and I have

confidence you'll make the right choice.

Love you,

Carol

[ ] Disability

Hi Everyone,

Although this is a topic I have been avoiding for about 7 year's now,

is there anyone out there who had to go on disability while working

at a company with a long term disability policy? I know each policy

has its own unique stipulations but I am interested to hear how you

started the process and what you had to endure. You can e-mail me if

you want to spare the group the details.

I just know from my perspective it's getting increasingly more

difficult to work. Pain and fatigue are really starting to take a

toll on me mentally and physically. It's just such a difficult

concept to comprehend. My fear has always been that if I " give in " to

this disease it will be all over for me. I know this may sound

dramatic but it's allowed me to continue working full time.

I am trying to hang in there and keep going but I am starting to get

this feeling that it's inevitable.

Thanks in advance for anyone that can provide information.

Love and hugs,

Alan

[Guest guest]

Thank you for being so candid about the process you had to endure. I

am so glad that your persistence paid off. At my company you go on

short term disability first and then long term.

If I decide to go this route I plan on contacting an attorney as soon

as I get a letter from my Rheumy saying I am disabled. I am still on

the fense though and may see how I feel. I still have a bit of hope

that I will start feeling better.

I am also glad you were able to find love during this ordeal. That's

wonderful.

Thanks again!

Alan

> Dear Alan:

> I was teaching for over 12 year Emotionally Handicapped

Middle School

> students (which is an oxymoron. I herniated two discs in my back

when I was

> 34 and that is when they four out I also had RA. I loved my job

(until I had

> to sue to get Workers' comp. I also had a long term disability

policy that I

> had been paying for from the beginning. The only problem is that it

did not

> start paying me until I was out of work 6 months. The only good

thing that I

> did was that I applied for disability as soon as I learned I would

be out of

> work for at least a year, in fact before I even knew about the RA.

I was

> turned down 3 times and had to go through an administrative law

judge, I had

> no lawyer I was receiving workers comp and nor was I eligible for

my

> Disability insurance for 6 months. It was a very difficult six

months. To

> make a long story short I got the disability insurance first, then

I got the

> law suit and found out I had to pay the 39,000 back to disability

insurance

> (after paying the workers' comp lawyer 7,000 for doing nothing) I

eventually

> got disability 1 and 6 moths later and would have had a great

retroactive

> check but I had to pay back disability insurance for part of it

since you

> can't double dip. But all in all am glad I did it and virtually all

by

> myself. If you get denied (which you most probably will appeal

within the

> time limit and keep doing this until you go in front of the ALJ.

They will

> give it to you if you are persistent. Now I can even work part-time

(make no

> more than 700 a month but that supplements the 1,300 I make for

myself and

> the 686 that I make for my kids [it is the same if you have one or

five) I

> met the love of my life during this process and like most men he

was like you

> he endured the pain for 7 years of severe degenerative disc

disease. He had

> already had five operations and was in intense pain. I helped him

apply and

> he got it on four months in fact he got his frost check a month

before I got

> mine! If you need any more info please don't hesitate to email back.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathy,

No, you are not making me panic. It's good to hear what people went

through and I don't expect any of this to be a breeze. I assumed that

would be helpful.

I am glad that things are working out for you. Take care and thanks

again.

Love and hugs,

Alan

> alan, dr capezio helped me complete the forms for my social

security

> disability pay. when i applied for the ltd through my company, i

found that

> they have pretty much covered themselves and counted my ssd in my

ltd. the

> difference was $50 i would get from my company and of coarse the

benefits.

> they denied my claim. sent me to their own dr's who said i could

work. (ok,

> maybe that day) but i fought and appealed and ended up losing. i

still have

> my ssd (thank god) and i have been able to pick up a part time gig

to help me

> keep my sanity(feeling of worth, or however you want to look at it)

it took

> me about 2 years to get this far. i am due to start on medicare

next month.

> not looking forward to losing more $ to pay medicare premiums

($60/mo, then i

> think it'll be $81/mo for me to have health benefits for workers

with

> disabilities) it will save me over $150 a month in prescription

fees since

> medicare does not cover drugs. i also found it hard to find a

supplement to

> medicare since i am not 65. they would have wanted $260/mo for

premiums. this

> is why i decided to go with the state aid. even though it will not

help me

> with dr's. (none of the good ones take it) but the drug program is

good $1

> generic $3 brand name. in patient hospital stays are $3 per day!! i

don't

> want to make you panic, just trying to give you the info i have

found. good

> luck in your decision. i know it is a hard one to make. kathy in

il if you

> need anything, let me know.

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol,

Thank you so very much for the words of encouragement and support. It

means a lot to me.

Love you,

Alan

> ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Alan)))))))))))))))))))))))))))

>

> What a tough decision you're facing. I think Tess said it best,

about

> managing your disease. I'm still learning to do this too. Like

you,

> there are certain things I've hesitated in doing because I feel I'm

> " giving in " to the disease " but I'm learning that if it makes my

life

> easier/happier than it's worth it. And if it will give you more

quality

> time with your children then that's all the more reason to consider

it

> seriously.

>

> Please know that you're always in my thoughts and prayers, and I

have

> confidence you'll make the right choice.

>

> Love you,

> Carol

>

> [ ] Disability

>

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

> Although this is a topic I have been avoiding for about 7 year's

now,

> is there anyone out there who had to go on disability while working

> at a company with a long term disability policy? I know each policy

> has its own unique stipulations but I am interested to hear how you

> started the process and what you had to endure. You can e-mail me

if

> you want to spare the group the details.

>

> I just know from my perspective it's getting increasingly more

> difficult to work. Pain and fatigue are really starting to take a

> toll on me mentally and physically. It's just such a difficult

> concept to comprehend. My fear has always been that if I " give in "

to

> this disease it will be all over for me. I know this may sound

> dramatic but it's allowed me to continue working full time.

>

> I am trying to hang in there and keep going but I am starting to

get

> this feeling that it's inevitable.

>

> Thanks in advance for anyone that can provide information.

>

> Love and hugs,

>

> Alan

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

not a problem alan. i hope things go well for you. make sure to take breaks

when filling out all those forms and make copies of everything!!!! kathy in

il

[Guest guest]

Alan,

Susie, Tess and the gang have said it quite well. Being on disability

allows you to rest when you need to and concentrate on doing things to make

you feel better. I hope if you need to go on disability, there are no

roadblocks. I also hope you are able to work as long as you feel you can.

Your body will definitely know when you've had enough.

a

> Hi Everyone,

>

> Although this is a topic I have been avoiding for about 7 year's now,

> is there anyone out there who had to go on disability while working

> at a company with a long term disability policy? I know each policy

> has its own unique stipulations but I am interested to hear how you

> started the process and what you had to endure. You can e-mail me if

> you want to spare the group the details.

>

> I just know from my perspective it's getting increasingly more

> difficult to work. Pain and fatigue are really starting to take a

> toll on me mentally and physically. It's just such a difficult

> concept to comprehend. My fear has always been that if I " give in " to

> this disease it will be all over for me. I know this may sound

> dramatic but it's allowed me to continue working full time.

>

> I am trying to hang in there and keep going but I am starting to get

> this feeling that it's inevitable.

>

> Thanks in advance for anyone that can provide information.

>

> Love and hugs,

>

> Alan

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

This generated a lot of interesting discussion, Al. I hope you found

some comfort in the views, experiences, and suggestions of others.

I think the unpredictability of these diseases is one of the most

difficult aspects. It's hard to plan even social events. Full-time work

is so much more difficult.

I also believe that, generally, a man is unfairly burdened with the

expectation that he will be the " breadwinner " no matter what his wife's

work situation is. And it's 2003!

Please keep in mind that your illness is not your fault. And, if it

comes to the point where you are no longer able to work, there is

absolutely no shame in that. Disability laws and benefits exist to help

in just such a case.

[ ] Re: Disability

> Thank you . I really have no idea how to proceed because, as you

> know, RA is so unpredictable. I always hope when things are

> exceptionally bad that they will take a turn for the better. All I

> know is that my health gets worse with each passing week. I feel that

> once I start the ball rolling, so to speak, there is no turning back

> although I know disabled people have returned to work. Also, being

> the sole wage earner brings a fair amount of stress.

>

> I appreciate the link and will read what they say. Thanks again!

>

> Love and hugs,

>

> Alan

[Guest guest]

Thanks Kathy!

I really appreciate your advice.

Love and hugs,

Alan

> not a problem alan. i hope things go well for you. make sure to

take breaks

> when filling out all those forms and make copies of everything!!!!

kathy in

> il

[Guest guest]

Hi a,

I agree and am thankful for the wonderful words of advice and

encouragement. I definitely will continue listening to my body and

hope I take a turn for the better. I know the added stress caused by

all of this is that last thing I need.

Thanks for replying.

Love and hugs,

Alan

> Alan,

> Susie, Tess and the gang have said it quite well. Being on

disability

> allows you to rest when you need to and concentrate on doing things

to make

> you feel better. I hope if you need to go on disability, there are

no

> roadblocks. I also hope you are able to work as long as you feel

you can.

> Your body will definitely know when you've had enough.

> a

>

>

>

>

> > Hi Everyone,

> >

> > Although this is a topic I have been avoiding for about 7 year's

now,

> > is there anyone out there who had to go on disability while

working

> > at a company with a long term disability policy? I know each

policy

> > has its own unique stipulations but I am interested to hear how

you

> > started the process and what you had to endure. You can e-mail me

if

> > you want to spare the group the details.

> >

> > I just know from my perspective it's getting increasingly more

> > difficult to work. Pain and fatigue are really starting to take a

> > toll on me mentally and physically. It's just such a difficult

> > concept to comprehend. My fear has always been that if I " give

in " to

> > this disease it will be all over for me. I know this may sound

> > dramatic but it's allowed me to continue working full time.

> >

> > I am trying to hang in there and keep going but I am starting to

get

> > this feeling that it's inevitable.

> >

> > Thanks in advance for anyone that can provide information.

> >

> > Love and hugs,

> >

> > Alan

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I have and continue to find comfort in all the responses. I totally

agree about the unpredictability of this. Just when I seem to think I

should have my doctor begin the paperwork I start asking myself if

it's really that bad. If I can still think clearly is that enough?

Is having to get up every thirty minutes or so due to pain and having

hands that hurt and go numb enough? It's so frustrating at times. I

guess only I can answer that. Okay, enough whining.

I know there is no shame in being disabled and none of this is my

fault. Believe it or not, I haven't even been lured into the machismo

man is the breadwinner thing. It just happens to be my situation at

the moment.

Thanks again for everything . Take care.

Love and hugs,

Alan

> This generated a lot of interesting discussion, Al. I hope you found

> some comfort in the views, experiences, and suggestions of others.

>

> I think the unpredictability of these diseases is one of the most

> difficult aspects. It's hard to plan even social events. Full-time

work

> is so much more difficult.

>

> I also believe that, generally, a man is unfairly burdened with the

> expectation that he will be the " breadwinner " no matter what his

wife's

> work situation is. And it's 2003!

>

> Please keep in mind that your illness is not your fault. And, if it

> comes to the point where you are no longer able to work, there is

> absolutely no shame in that. Disability laws and benefits exist to

help

> in just such a case.

>

>

>

>

>

> [ ] Re: Disability

>

>

> > Thank you . I really have no idea how to proceed because, as

you

> > know, RA is so unpredictable. I always hope when things are

> > exceptionally bad that they will take a turn for the better. All I

> > know is that my health gets worse with each passing week. I feel

that

> > once I start the ball rolling, so to speak, there is no turning

back

> > although I know disabled people have returned to work. Also, being

> > the sole wage earner brings a fair amount of stress.

> >

> > I appreciate the link and will read what they say. Thanks again!

> >

> > Love and hugs,

> >

> > Alan

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the second on the list. When I call

out to from now on, both of you can assume that

I'm flirting with you.

, I've never applied for disability before, but from

what I've read on back boards, it's not an easy thing to

do. They intentionally make it difficult and the one

resounding suggestion that I've heard quite a bit is to

retain an attorney to help you in your fight. It cuts down

on the hassle and the time it takes.

joe

Re:

> Hi Everyone,

> I am new to this board and iv'e only posted once.I

> would like to ask a question. I am not being nosey but

> could one of you tell me how long it took to get your

> dissability? Mine fight has been since 2001.

> Thx.

>

[Guest guest]

,

A Very close friend of the family has brain cancer, I've mentioned her before.

She was turned down for disability twice, she won the 3rd time and the info sent

into them was the exact same papers all 3 times... clearly stating Brain Cancer

and all the medical mumbo jumbo. That's how screwed up the govt is.

Connie

> > Joe,

> Thank's for the information. As i stated I don't

> think i'll loose this time when we go in front of the

> law judge for my attorney will handle it. I still find

> it hard to believe that they can deny someone that has

> had extensive back surgery,buldging disc's at level's

> c-3,4,5,6 plus taking kadian,morphine,tramadol,three

> different type's of nerve medicine,norflex,but they

> do. Plus I have taken trigger point',nerve

> block's,steroid's and extensive to no avail,bit I am

> still trying.I do get depressed a lot being i'm 43

> yrs. old my husband is retired at a young age and we

> could be doing lot of thing's together that we

> missed. But he hang's in there with me. my goal is to

> get back on my feet and be able to do thing's with my

> 2 youngest at home and my 3 adorable grandbaby's,but

> if I don't i will do what I can and still enjoy it for

> there are a lot more people worse off than I am. Sorry

> this is so long but I just wanna tell you all what's

> going on with me and I would appreciate ant thought's

> on treatment if anyone would would have any

> Thank's

>

--

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