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Posted 7/14/2009 5:20 AM (GMT 0)
What is your experience with getting disability?  I understand almost everyone gets turned down initially and has to appeal.  I have seronegative RA and am unable to work as RN but I have pushed myself to work 1 day a week.  I know I can't do it much longer so I am looking at applying. Any advice is appreciated.  Also, my Rheumy said they don't write letters for disability, just send copies of records. Is that usual?
Posted 7/14/2009 3:24 PM (GMT 0)
hsmom24boys-

I am in the process of applying for disability right now.  I am on the first request.  The Dr is right, they respond to the SS request for records only- they don't even get to make an opinion on whether they think you qualify or not.

You are supposed to go to the local Social Security Office, or their website (google SSDI) and make contact.  You can fill out all of the paperwork online, but I found it less confusing to simply call the local office, make an appointment and answer questions in person.

All of your information, how the arthritis has changed your ability to function, your dr's records, and other information goes to a dr who then decides if you qualify or not. 

I hope it goes well for you.

Posted 9/16/2009 4:49 PM (GMT 0)
I finished filing online yesterday. It is an amazingly long form!  Took me a days to fill it out a little at a time because I would get too tired and have to quit.  Anyway, I sent it off on faith that the Lord will know what is best and will either see it through or show me another way.  I actually recieved a call from a man at the SS office this morning who asked me some questions and said he was working on it!  I don't know whether that is great news or not but I was suprised to hear from someone so soon.

Posted 9/20/2009 9:19 PM (GMT 0)

Hello everyone!

 Got online trying to find a chat room for people like me and there isn't hardly anything!! I would like to introduce myself. My name Is Sheila and from Ohio. Came down with RA when I was 19. First signs were stiff/swollen hands. They treated me for Corple(sp) and it just progressed. Doc gave me muscle relaxers to help treat it which didn't help. It  got to a point I was taking 16 800 mg Motrin to work (now I have serious stomach issues, who'd figure!) a day! It travelled to my knees then my feet over the 2 years. One weekend after working so hard through that week, I locked myself in my room and couldn't move I hurt so bad. My family then took me to the Hospital, there I was diagnosed and treated for arthritis. A BIG shot of steroid and Toradol. I went out dancing that night....

That is when I had to start seeing a Rheumatologist. My RA count was 1220(ish), very severe. He put me on steroids and I felt so much better but weight gain came with it, etc.

about 12 years ago, I was in a wheelchair and it took me 6 years to get my Social Security. My age hurt my case.

 I am right now on Retuxan treatments and seeking a secondary. Been on Enbrel, Orincia, Methotrexate, Remicade, etc. I have had surgery done on both feet and have bad joint damage. Right elbow is gone, left kneee has nerve damage and hands are horrible. I have it all over but yah know, ppl tell me I should get use to the in between treatment pain and of course, these ppl don't have a clue what Pain really is. That is where I am as we speak. Been so depressed the last week, its unreal. I have my GOD but having communication with others with the same disease would rock.

There is just so much that comes along with it and you never get used to anything. It is so hard sometimes......

Sheila from Ohio

Posted 9/22/2009 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
I want to post this reply because, although it may seem discouraging, I hope it will give you the strength to continue with your disability claim. I have RA and FM and it took me three years to qualify for disablity. I was turned down three times, which I understand is the average procedure. I moved from CA to OK and when I arrived in OK I finally went before the Disability Judge for my last appeal. I had a lawyer from Binder and Binder. (Use them as they don't charge until you are awarded your settlement). However, keep all your own records and get letters yourself from your doctors, therapists, etc. The Judge was wonderful and, although there was a board of experts sitting by to give evidence about other jobs I could do, he informed them that he didn't need their opinion. I had a supportive letter from my therapist explaining how the disease had changed my life and my ability to hold down any type of work because of the severe flares I had. She explained how depressed I was because of this loss of control of my life and the Judge read that letter and granted me disability immediately with a year's back pay. One thing I do have to say is, I had a very high paying career and my disability check is $900 a month. So, if I didn't have a husband and a family supporting me both financially and emotionally, I never could survive on my disability check alone. Something is not right with a system where you work most of your life and contribute to your Social Security in the event that you become disabled and then you have to fight 'tooth and nail' to get approved for an amount that is impossible to live on if you are single and self-supporting. However, it is still something and you are entitled to claim what you worked for. So, hang in there, keep detailed records, see all your doctors on a regular basis and hire a lawyer to help you.

Good luck to you and anyone else out there fighting for their rights.
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