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Disability???

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 7/1/2009 7:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hi guys,

I was just diagnosed with almost certainty that my UC (have had for 5 years) has now turned to Chrohns and honestly as of this year, past 6 months, I have been admitted and hospitalized 2x's and I have never fully recovered from my flare after this last time. I am honestly hating this process as I'm sure many of you are as well. But I am starting to wonder, given it is really impeding my ability to work or hold down a job...do any of you qualify for disability? I live in Florida, have any of you, especially Floridians gone through this process? I really don't have family and such to fall back on in times of monetary crisis and it bugs me to no end to have to think that I might have to actually do this but it is an option that my sister had encouraged me to look into as things are getting worse and affecting my functionality.

Anything you guys know would be helpful. I really don't want to apply but I kinda think I should...I dunno, it feels like giving up or something and saying that it's forever and I truly believe that I will get better...like everyday I hope for better, not just in months or something long like that. I have to get past the stigma of feeling like it is giving up or something because I know it's not...it's just recognizing where I am at.
Posted 7/1/2009 11:07 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry I can't help you, but I heard it is really hard to get as you need to be near death to qualify.
Posted 7/1/2009 12:08 PM (GMT 0)
It really depends on your complete situation. I have had Crohns for many years and was able to work full time. about a year ago I got much sicker and had my 3rd resection, which resulted in short gut syndrome. So now I'm on daily TPN to make up for all the nutrients I lose through my ileostomy. I am generally fatiqued because of the Crohns and nutirition issues.

I applied for SS Disability in January and was approved in April. I'm told I'm one of the lucky ones; nearly 60% are turned down the first time and must fight it.

There's a lot of paperwork involved. Having the support of your doctors is very helpful, for it is also their recommendations that carry weight on the decision. My GI was very helpful in the process because he felt I was unable to work anymore. When you originally submit your application, send as much of your hospital records as you can - anything that will support what you have been going through.

If you don't get approved the first time -- don't give up!. File your appeal right away. And if you really feel your case is solid, hire an attorney and get in front of a judge. 

Good luck!

Laurie

Posted 7/1/2009 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
My dad is like BostonCrohnie up above, one of the lucky ones. We are Canadian though so I know there must be differences, but he DID get a disability qualify. He can't work anymore really, hasn't for about 10 years, is on TPN, has the ostomy's and all that 'good' stuff. Walking for too long a distance of course gets hard when you have NO guts and aren't supposed to eat and all that. I think there was a bit of fighting involved indeed to get the status, but it worked and he got it. Lots of paperwork, yes, be prepared for that, and I do think he definate needed his doctors on his side too, have them help, or even ask them how to get involve in starting. Good luck though.
Posted 7/1/2009 10:37 PM (GMT 0)
If you do a search, there have been some really good threads in the past about this. Good luck:)
Posted 7/2/2009 7:15 PM (GMT 0)
you need to know that if you are not approved the first time, it is about a 2 year battle to get before a judge to be heard. The best advice is to never start over, continue with the origial filing, because it affects your back pay.
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