Hi All

[Guest guest]

Hi my panc. pals,

I haven't been keeping up with the message board since my last

hospitalization as I've been 'out of it' on pain meds. My pancreas is

4 times the normal size so the thought of surgery to drain the 6.7cm

cyst is mute. My Dr. is pleased that I am maintaing my weight & have

actually gained some. No DUH!!! My stomach is so bloated I look like

I am at least 6 months pregnant!

Anyway, I finally got my letter from the SS office. Denied. I think

I had told y'all that my worker was being investigated....well her

supervisor took over my case and said even though my physical

problems do impair me it is not enough to qualify under their

standards. The letter went on to say that I can perform my duties as

a Chef in the kitchen. Bulls**t. I am on Vicodin ES every 2-3 hours.

Under good circumsatnces accidents happen in the kitchen. I don't

trust myself at home using my very sharp knives when I'm on

medication much less in a restaurant. My former boss has said he will

testify at my hearing as to my inability to work in a fast paced

restaurant.

Rest assured I'm going into my appeal with loaded guns....not

literally but with my entire medical history. I am lucky that my

biological mother has provided me with family history so my

alcoholism cannot be used as a factor against me. I was genetically

predisposed to this disease. Same with the depression. Possibly

predisposed to pancreatitis also. I hope to be getting that answer

from my bio father. He apparently has the same problem.

My outlook for my appeal is positive. My fear is this disease will

get the better of me b4 I am able to use my benefits. I've already

made a pact with my Dr. if this turns into pancreatic cancer or if I

have multi system failure. I fear I have become diabetic over the

past few weeks as I've had all of the classic signs.

I suppose things could be worse...I could be in jail right now for

a DWI last year. Instead, I am on house arrest till this Friday.

Thank God for small favors. Unbeknownst to the judge....I am stuck at

home 80% of the time....15% in the hospital & 5% to do necessary

things like picking up meds and seeing my Dr.

One question for those of you that have gone through the appeals

process.....is it wise to tell the judge just how much & how often I

take pain meds? My mother is afraid I'll have my drivers license

revoked or not renewed. Louisiana just passed a law against driving

under the influence of prescription meds. Believe it or not...that

carries a stiffer sentence than being drunk. Just a trace of

narcotics lands a conviction.

Hope everyone has been doing well. I pray everyday for each of you.

I'd like to ask a favor from those who do pray....a very near & dear

friend, Sister Jean is dying from multi-organ failure. She has

suffered with fibromyralgia for years and recently had colon surgery

for cancer in which 90% of her colon was removed. Everything has gone

downhill since and the Dr.'s are giving her 1-3 weeks. I appreciate

all who will say one extra prayer for her. She is an extrodinary lady

& I've gained much strength from her over the years. She helped me

deal with my daughter's death.

Sorry this has gotten so long. Hugs to Everyone!!!!