Update and questions about disability

[Guest guest]

Let's see, last time I talked to you guys I posted what my chiro had

sent my doctor to see if you guys could make heads or tails of it.

After responses from here and searching on the internet, I actually

deciphered most of what she wrote. There are still one or two

abbreviations I haven't a clue about still, but I've pretty much

given up on figuring the rest out. Also I believe I had told you

guys about the job I started. Well, that didn't go so well. It was

a 3 week project through the temp service I signed up for. The first

week I started on a Tuesday. The job was suppose to be sitting down

typing, but wasn't anything like that. Instead I had to do lots of

copying and running back and forth in the office and basically a go

to person. After the first day, my back was killing me and I was in

a lot of pain! The next morning I could barely get out of bed so I

nervously called in. Although the temp service seemed disappointed

(this is the first time I've ever called in like that), the workplace

seemed ok with it. I figured I better clue them in the next day,

which I did. I explained to the workplace about my back problems and

what aggrivated my back, which is usually standing or sitting for

long periods of time, and they were real nice about it. I got

through last week, then there was this week. Monday was ok, even

though my back was still hurting, it wasn't at it's worst. Then

Tuesday came...the first half of the day was ok, but from 12pm to

5pm, they had me typing. Which wouldn't normally bother me except

they had me typing on a typewriter that was set up so I had to sit

with my knees about a foot and a half away from the desk the

typewriter was sitting on so I had to lean forward and stretch my

back upward to see what I was typing. Now I'm a pretty good typer

but they had me typing purchase orders on carbon copies so that I

couldn't just make a mistake and hit the correction key, I had to

make sure it was right the first time. Anyway, by the time I was

finished, it was almost 5pm and my back was hurting so bad that my

hands begin to shake, and they actually shook enough to accidently

make my fingers hit keys I wasn't suppose to...even in the middle of

spacing over. So, I just hoped that a trip home and a heating pad

and Advil would do the trick (which never does help but I was

hoping). Well, it didn't. I woke up this morning and couldn't bend

down to put my pants or shoes on. So after a long time of debating

and crying, I called the temp service. As soon as I told them that

my back was hurting, they told me that they had to pull me off the

job and also pull me out of the call list because they couldn't risk

a worker's comp situation and them having to pay for it...which I

understand I guess. So after crying for hours and talking with my

husband, he convinced me to swallow my pride and put away my fears

and try for disability.

So now I have so many questions. I've heard so many people including

my doctor say that it's next to impossible to get disability. And my

husband even mentioned that his dad (who is on disability) said that

if my doctor doesn't have it written in my record that I can't work,

then they won't give me disability. Now I don't believe my doctor

has that in my record because we've never talked about it. I mean I

know he has the documents saying that I have scoliosis and spinal

stenosis and he has the papers my chiro faxed over, but he's never

actually sat me down and suggested that I don't work or asked me if I

could work.

Can I just go to my doctor and ask his to put that in my record? How

does it work and where do I go from here? Is there things I need to

make sure I have in place BEFORE I go apply for disability? I can't

exactly afford to go to a specialist...if I could the first thing I'd

do is get some of my pain medicine that I've been without. Any

suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated once again.

Thanks,

Robin

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I had no problem whatsoever getting SSI/SSD. They sent me to see one of their

doctors and two weeks after that I got a letter that I was approved for SSD. I

just had my first review and was re-approved.

I have had three spinal surgeries and am in need of another, but am not a

candidate because of severe scar tissue. The neuro-surgeon said that I would be

paralyzed if I had the surgery because they can't see for the scar tissue and it

would be like a needle in a haystack. I also have a form of peripheral

neuropathy from the spinal surgeries that is killing the nerves in my legs and I

will eventually become paralyzed anyway. At this point I am in severe pain 24/7

and am on Oxycontin and OxyIR for breakthrough pain. I walk with a cane and

sometimes a walker, but am not able to walk over 50 feet. Nor am I able to cook

any meals. I am doing good to make a sandwich for myself. As far as ADL, I

shower with a shower chair and have to sit to shave. Forget about the bathtub. I

would never be able to get out. I am also not able to sit but over a few

minutes. I spend 90 percent of the time lying down. I think the reason that I

was approved is because I cannot function at home, much less at a job. They sent

me the long review papers for my review plus several papers that dealt with my

pain and pain control.

I hope this helps.

Best Of Regards,

Authors Webpage:

[Guest guest]

Geez . I'm so sorry about everything you've been through. It

makes me feel like I really don't have a reason to complain with all

the problems you are having.

I can see why you didn't have any problems getting disability. I

think my case will be different because I didn't have an accident of

any kind. It's just a problems that I just found out I had that's

gotten worse over the years. I can't really go back to one specific

date and say that on this date, I had back pain. I know it's

probably been about 10 years that I've had a sore back and it's just

gotten worse and worse.

Needless to say, you were lucky in that respect that you had no

problems getting disability but not lucky for the reasoning behind it.

I've learned ways of still doing housework. Like when I do the

dishes I let them soak for a long period of time before I even

attempt to wash them, and I only usually do about a 1/2 a sink worth,

then rest for about 20 minutes then get back to it until they're all

done. It takes a while but it gets the job done. And like with

clothes, I simply put them in a small basket and take it to my bed

then grab some hangers out the closet and sit on my bed and put them

on hangers and fold what I need to fold then when I'm finished thats

when I get up and hang them up and put them away, then rest again.

Like I said it takes a while but it gets the job done...LOL. So I

guess I'm not completely useless...LOL

Thanks for replying and if you like, you can read the other replies I

made to learn a little more about my situation.

Robin

> Hello,

>

> I had no problem whatsoever getting SSI/SSD. They sent me to see

one of their doctors and two weeks after that I got a letter that I

was approved for SSD. I just had my first review and was re-approved.

>

> I have had three spinal surgeries and am in need of another, but am

not a candidate because of severe scar tissue. The neuro-surgeon said

that I would be paralyzed if I had the surgery because they can't see

for the scar tissue and it would be like a needle in a haystack. I

also have a form of peripheral neuropathy from the spinal surgeries

that is killing the nerves in my legs and I will eventually become

paralyzed anyway. At this point I am in severe pain 24/7 and am on

Oxycontin and OxyIR for breakthrough pain. I walk with a cane and

sometimes a walker, but am not able to walk over 50 feet. Nor am I

able to cook any meals. I am doing good to make a sandwich for

myself. As far as ADL, I shower with a shower chair and have to sit

to shave. Forget about the bathtub. I would never be able to get out.

I am also not able to sit but over a few minutes. I spend 90 percent

of the time lying down. I think the reason that I was approved is

because I cannot function at home, much less at a job. They sent me

the long review papers for my review plus several papers that dealt

with my pain and pain control.

>

> I hope this helps.

>

> Best Of Regards,

>

>

> Authors Webpage:

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hello Robin,

There is no reason why you shouldn't apply for disability. Remember, it is not

some government entitlement program, it is insurance and you pain money into it.

You sound disabled enough to me to definitely get it.

Remember when you fill out your paper work to tell about your worst day.

Everyone has good days, even me, but you need to tell them about your worst day.

How bad your pain is, what medications you take and list any side effects from

it that could potentially keep you from working, i.e., dizziness, drowsiness,

etc. If you are only able to do the dishes after they sit for thirty minutes,

etc., make sure and document that on your paperwork.

What state do you live in? I live in New York and get food stamps now with

Medicaid and before I had SSD. I guess states differ, but it is a shame if you

cannot go to a physician or get medication. What a pitiful state our medical

system is in.

There are programs from drug companies that will send you free medication if you

meet their requirements and there are also some that will send out free pain

medication. Many send the medication to the physicians office. I get Cipro free

because of a patient indigent program. Check out:

http://www.NeedyMeds.com and hopefully you will qualify for some of the

medication and programs.

I hope this helps and best of luck,

Authors Webpage:

http://www.AuthorsDen.com/Huber

Huber@...

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thanks. You know I never thought about it that way...like insurance

that I have paid into. I guess I always saw disability as a gift

from the government that you go on trial for to prove you need really

it.

I'm assuming when you said to make sure I put the specifics on the

paperwork, you're talking about the paperwork for applying for

disability...is that right? If so, does it have to exactly match

what's in my records at my doctors office? And don't worry, I will

definately put down every detail.

I live in South Carolina. I tried applying for food stamps but was

turned down because my husband made $100 over the limit. I also

asked about Medicaid but was told since I didn't have any children,

that I do not qualify for Medicaid. I asked if they knew of anything

else I can do and their only suggestion was get a job...LOL...good

one isn't it.

" What a pitiful state our medical system is in " ...tell me about it.

I think a lot of government programs are like that. I used to work

at DSS years ago, and was always baffled how I had to bum a ride to

work and my clients who had been on stamps for years were driving up

in Mercedes with the loud stereo's, lavishly done nails and hair, and

expensive looking clothes...not to mention the jewelry. So I know

first hand there are a lot of programs out there made for the poeple

who really need help but it's not truly given to the one's in need.

Thanks so much for the information on the patient indigent program.

I looked on the website and couldn't find the medicine my doctor has

currently prescribed for me (Vicoprofen), but I didn't give up

there. I Google searched to find the name of the company that makes

Vicoprofen and found out is was Knoll Pharmacuetical. I crossed

searched that and found that they do offer some of their meds through

the indigent program but not the one I take. I still didn't give up

though...I found their email address, phone number and fax as well.

I did email them and told them my situation and asked if they offered

Vicoprofen through their indigent program. I haven't gotten anything

back yet, but I just sent it. I figure I'll give the a week or so,

and if I don't hear anything from them through email, I'll call the

800# I found. Thanks for the info. I really had no clue there were

programs out there like that.

I'm saving this site to my favorites regardless just to read through

thoroughly when I have more time to go through the entire site.

Thanks again,

Robin

> Hello Robin,

>

> There is no reason why you shouldn't apply for disability.

Remember, it is not some government entitlement program, it is

insurance and you pain money into it. You sound disabled enough to me

to definitely get it.

>

> Remember when you fill out your paper work to tell about your worst

day. Everyone has good days, even me, but you need to tell them about

your worst day. How bad your pain is, what medications you take and

list any side effects from it that could potentially keep you from

working, i.e., dizziness, drowsiness, etc. If you are only able to do

the dishes after they sit for thirty minutes, etc., make sure and

document that on your paperwork.

>

> What state do you live in? I live in New York and get food stamps

now with Medicaid and before I had SSD. I guess states differ, but it

is a shame if you cannot go to a physician or get medication. What a

pitiful state our medical system is in.

>

> There are programs from drug companies that will send you free

medication if you meet their requirements and there are also some

that will send out free pain medication. Many send the medication to

the physicians office. I get Cipro free because of a patient indigent

program. Check out:

> http://www.NeedyMeds.com and hopefully you will qualify for some

of the medication and programs.

>

> I hope this helps and best of luck,

>

>

>

> Authors Webpage:

> http://www.AuthorsDen.com/Huber

>

> Huber@e...

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hello Robin,

Yes, SSI pays for the doctor they send you to and all of the tests if they need

any. The doctor they sent me to had them do a chest x-ray on me. I have bad

scoliosis also. I also did my interview for disability via telephone. That was

easiest for me and no problem for them, so you might consider that if it is

difficult for you to ride in a car, like it is for me, and to walk very far,

like it is for me.

I know people have had many problems with SSI being rude, etc, but I have talked

to them many times and have had nothing but nice, very courteous people.

I will keep you in my prayers if that is okay.

Best wishes for a positive outcome for you.

Blessings,

Authors Webpage:

http://www.AuthorsDen.com/Huber

Huber@...

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the response . You know before the posts today, I

had no clue that you could apply for disability over the phone. That

is going to make it so much easier. As far as specifically what I

can tolerate, I can ride in a car but I have to be somewhat

reclined. I can not sit straight up, that's how it's easy for me to

sit at my computer, because I have an office chair that reclines back

and it doesn't hurt as bad sitting like that. Another good thing

about being able to apply over the phone is that me and my husband

only have one car between us now, so I would normally have to wait

until he has a day off on a weekday before I could go up there. So

that is another good reason for applying over the phone.

I guess in the back of my mind I was wondering what the attitudes

would be like toward me when I went in to apply for disability. I

guess I am worried that they'll look at my age and see how I look

normal on the outside and just assume that I don't need help and am

not in pain. But like I heard here earlier, pain has no age limit,

which is so true.

I'm just so happy I found this site. You guys are so informative

here and I have learned SO much! You all have set my mind at ease

about going through all this, although I'm sure I'll have more

questions along and along.

Oh, and please do keep me in your prayers...I can use all the help I

can get.

Thanks again,

Robin

> Hello Robin,

>

> Yes, SSI pays for the doctor they send you to and all of the tests

if they need any. The doctor they sent me to had them do a chest x-

ray on me. I have bad scoliosis also. I also did my interview for

disability via telephone. That was easiest for me and no problem for

them, so you might consider that if it is difficult for you to ride

in a car, like it is for me, and to walk very far, like it is for me.

>

> I know people have had many problems with SSI being rude, etc, but

I have talked to them many times and have had nothing but nice, very

courteous people.

>

> I will keep you in my prayers if that is okay.

>

> Best wishes for a positive outcome for you.

>

> Blessings,

>

>

>

> Authors Webpage:

> http://www.AuthorsDen.com/Huber

>

> Huber@e...

>

>

[Guest guest]

Sorry for jumping in here...

< If Disability is based on how much you make, do you know

what SSI is based on? >

I know that one is based on work credits for the past 5 (?) years, and the other

is based on total household income.

< Sorry for all the questions. I just am worried if I don't do the research

myself and learn all about it, I might get shafted in some way >

Never apologize for asking questions...unless you ask the same thing over and

over and ignore the advise given to you. LOL

And getting knowlege thru research is smart thinking!

< The only thing I'm wondering about now is when to use a lawyer. >

I got mine after my first denial...and seems like the majority does that.

Viv in GA

[Guest guest]

> I had no clue that you could apply for disability over the phone. <

What I did was call SS and requested a disability application be mailed to me,

that way I could go over the questions carefully and look thru my paperwork as

to what happened when. They mail a lot of applications out and you just mail it

back after you fill it out, with any available documentation (doctor reports,

radiology reports, etc). Just make sure you make copies of EVERYTHING Aand NEVER

give out the originals. Later, when you get a lawyer, your copies will save the

lawyer an awful lot in time and money, and they will make copies of your

originals while you wait.

Viv in GA