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GI told me I would be a candidate for disability

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 8/21/2013 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all..

I just heard this from my doctor. I'm in a bad flare right now, have not been at work in a week due to multiple labs, CT scan, urine, rushed colonoscopy etc. This time all tests and biopsies pointed to active inflammation and proctitis in the lower bowel/rectum/sigmoid.

I am on the verge of being let go. They are letting me work from home for now, but they already talked to me about expectations, responsibilities etc. I've only been there 3 months. That's the problem, I've never been able to hold anything down for longer than a few months before I go into a major flare and am forced to quit before I get fired.

I have essentially been ill since I was 15 with a C diff infection which I am convinced triggered this whole thing. Then a UC dx then finally Crohn's. I was 17 and had to quit my part time job. I had to be taught by home bound tutors and attended about 45 days of school for each of my junior and senior year of HS. College was more of the same, bad attendance but luckily I am a self learner and pretty smart so I always got good grades. I tried to be a tutor but called in at least once a week due to symptoms. I worked as a teller this time last year part time and that sent me into a flare where I was hospitalized for a week and I eventually quit so I could focus on graduating.

I finally graduate Magna cum laude and land a job but here I am in the same boat...again. I am on all types of meds but I literally never feel well during some portion of every day due to symptoms. This is all very frustrating because I feel what was the point of college? I am seriously considering this with the doctor's recommendation and wonder if other have been in the same boat? I'm only 23 so I really haven't paid into SS but how could I with all these set backs? I know I must get a lawyer and they can have all my records from 15 on. Is this even worth a shot? Have any of you been forced to fall from full time to part time work? I am exploring that option in the meantime. I just know that at this point in my life and disease a 45 hour work week is hurting not helping.

Sorry to rant..I'm just very fed up.
Posted 8/21/2013 7:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Kix,
If you are in the United States, you might be eligible for SSI. SSD is based on your work history, but because you are so young, you don't have a lot built up in Social security. It might be a reasonable option and it may help you get Medicaid. My concern though, is that you may end out very depressed with no employment and no focus other than your illness. I don't know what your degree is in, but if you can come up with some type of work where you can be self-employed, or work from home at your own pace, it may be preferable. So my thought is if you go for disablilty, use it while you are trying to stabilize the Crohn's and work on a long term plan for employment in the meantime. Sorry you are having such a rough time!
Posted 8/21/2013 10:07 PM (GMT 0)
Gumby I appreciate your reply. I am in the US. My degree is in psychology and I would love to pursue my master's but that's not a good option for me at this time. I'm really only concerned about having enough money to cover my student loans. I really don't want Medicaid, I can go back on my mom's insurance till im 26. I do worry about seeping into a depression-that's why sometimes I think part-time work is the answer.

I just don't know what to do...I landed a pretty good job for someone my age, I just truly believe in my heart it's too much. I shouldn't have to dread the long day ahead and the what-ifs right? God I am in such a predicament. They have agreed to let me work from home the rest of the week, I will probably attempt to go back Monday but I really don't want to...
Posted 8/21/2013 10:33 PM (GMT 0)
You would only qualify for Supplemental Security Income [SSI] from Social Security as you have not earned enough work credits to qualify for Social Security Disability Income [SSDI]. The amount one earns per month from SSI depends on which state you live in as some states award additional monies to those who qualify for SSI. SSI ranges from $600 - 800 per month. Your benefit may be reduced if you are given free rent.


Not much to live on.....
Posted 8/22/2013 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
I applied this year but was denied since I have not worked enough. I am also 23.
Posted 8/22/2013 12:31 AM (GMT 0)
thanks bananagirl-ru working right now? how do you manage?
Posted 8/22/2013 12:39 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Kix,

I am also 23 and, although not for as long as you have, know what it's like to be down about this. It's really frightening. I'm a teacher, and don't have the availability to run to the bathroom as frequently as I needed to in my last two flares and it has put me down to the point where I don't want to do it anymore to avoid the stress/embarrassment. I agree with gumby though. You're definitely going to go stir crazy not working or doing anything. Look into online programs for your masters. I took a few online classes and found they always kept me busy and it's easy to do from home. Once you have your masters, you may be able to do private practice and open your own gig to work around a schedule for you! I know it's far fetched but a plan always helps me. If you haven't already, if start keeping a journal about your habits. Try to track patterns to help you prepare for the days you're working or away from home. Don't let it get you down. If you need anything, I'm here and in your shoes also! Don't hesitate to reach out.

Michelle
Posted 8/22/2013 2:06 AM (GMT 0)
kix, I have been applying for jobs again since I have been feeling better. the interviewers keep asking about my long gap in employment history and all I say is that I have a disease that has made it difficult to work. I don't go into what it is. they kind of look at me weird since I am so young and "look" fine- that's the pain about this disease. I look totally normal so I'm not sure if they believe me or think i'm just a lazy bum.
Posted 8/22/2013 8:25 PM (GMT 0)
thank you so much for your replies mfarnoli and bananagirl. I am starting to feel better but I get scared like when's the next time its gonna get bad y'kno? I'm still unsure which path to take, so I'm just going to explore some options. It's nice to know both of you are in the same boat as me. Young, and hardworking, still so much to prove career wise but battling this at the same too. You both are an inspiration, thank you for your advice. Banana-I know something will hit for you soon :)
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