Good News/Bad News

So yesterday I saw a new doctor at this low cost clinic in SC. I was a little skeptical at first. I mean, I hate to stereotype, but sometimes when you hear the words "free" or "low-cost," you automatically think that you aren't gonna get the proper care.

Anyway, after paying my $30, I was introduced to a young internal medicine specialist (no rheumys there). She totally listened to what I had to say and agreed that we should tackle one illness at a time (I've got some other stuff going on, too). She understood that I am a recovering addict (she even congratulated me on my 12+ years of sobriety) and worked WITH me and not AGAINST me when it came to pain meds. She got me on a program where I can get free (not low cost, but FREE!) Lyrica. She also did some bloodwork because lupus has stull not been ruled out (along with RA and MS). I left the clinic feeling very hopeful and happy that someone took me seriously. I just hope the Lyrica works!

So, on my way home, I stopped by my parent's house to pick up some of my mail that was sent there. I noticed a thick envelope from the Social Security Office concerning my application for Disability. I wasn't shocked at all that I was declined (Isn't everyone their first time?). But, for some reason, I just started to cry. I felt horrible that I was leeching off of my parents and getting them to pay for 95% of everything for me. I was also afraid of what my mom would say when I told her that I had been declined. When she saw me crying and asked what was wrong, I told her between sobs. I was shocked when she just hugged me and said, "We knew the first one wouldn't be approved. It's OK." I couldn't believe that she wasn't freaking out!

Anyway, I intend to reapply. Also, the Mental Health Clinic I go to has someone there who can help me-before I go to a lawyer and have him/her take half of my money IF I I ever get approved.

So, that was my good/bad day yesterday. At least Kelly Clarkson's new album, "All I Ever Wanted" was released, LOL. I recommend that everyone go buy it (there's a standard edition and a deluxe edition with DVD clips, etc.) LOL-don't you love how I promote her album in my post? Yes? No? Well, I really do think listening to her cures fibro.

Thanks for listening...er, READING this babbling post.

Hey Kelly, I'm new here and read your thread. I'm so glad you've found a doctor that is willing to stay with you and help you. The more this doctor stays with you and understands your physical makeup, she could help you with SSD. I know you feel bad about having your parents help you, but I'm sure they are happy to do so. Your their child, they love you. Thank God for them, don't lose heart Kelly, and I want to congratulate you on your many years of sobriety. My mom, and two x-husbands had a drinking problem and only my mom has come through for many many years. Keep up the good work, I'm sure your parents, friends and family are so proud of you. Yeay Kelly Clarkson!

Many hugs {{{{{ }}}}}  Holly

dear Kelly,

I jst wanted say thank you for the post today, you may have got the best news today but at least you had your mom with shared all the things that made them tolarble for right now. She loved you lots.

Karen

hi there Kelly,

Glad you found a good doc. at the clinic!!  That's a relief!!  But I'm sorry you're struggling with SSDI.  Seems a shame that we are discriminated against so much for a program that WE have already paid into.  I think they try to make it difficult, intensionally so that everyone doesn't try to get  it.  But I DO think that when it comes to Fibro they just don't get it.. like the rest of the world.  The usual... but you don't look sick routine.  I think fibromites are discriminated against by the medical community so SSDI doesn't feel that its legitimate.

I plan to file for SSDI when my unemployment runs out.  I know I can't handle working fulltime anymore.  I filed back in 2000, but was denied.  I went on to work and work VERY hard full time and beyond.. at least 60 hours a week for the pasted two years (until Nov. 08) when I became too ill to continue with that job.  Now I know, even the most "simple" job would be impossible for me to suceed in.  I know I'll get turned down AGAIN, but I'll have to just keep trying till I get it.  Anyway, back in 2000, I was told that I could continue to work part time and was considered 30% disabled.  I was told by a lawyer give it up till I was over 50 yrs old.  Well, I'm 51 now and I'm not doing any better than I was when I applied before.  Hopefully I'll have better luck this time.

I'm glad your mom is so supportive!!  That's awesome!!  Give her a hug for me!!

Take care,

First of all, thanks so much to everyone for their support and advice. Oh, and Alice, everyone makes fun of me for loving Kelly Clarkson like I do, but I will never be able to explain what that voice does to me. She's not some singer who needs to have computers make her sound "good." (Sings "Womanizer" LOL )

Anyway, I have more good news. I go to the state mental health department for therapy & some of my meds. Today my counselor hooked me up with a woman there whose job is to help people get approved for disability. That's all she does, and she helped me fill out my appeal. I still am not sure if I'll get disability this time, but if I do, I don't have to pay her like I would a lawyer. But, if I have to file a 3rd time, I already have a lawyer lined up, and I'm gonna write to my state congressman, too. I won't give up. These "people" who make the final decision about disability should walk a day in my shoes, and then get back to me. This isn't just a fight, this is war.

Kelly, I'm glad you found someone to help you try to get disability.  I've thought about trying for mine but I'm getting so close to my regular social security it probably wouldn't do me any good.

 

You are actually stronger than you give yourself credit for.  Look back over your life and think about what you've over come.  I admire you for that strength and I think everything is going to turn out good for you.  Don't ever give up.

 

God Bless!

Shannon

Kelly I'm glad you found a great doc and all the help with the SSD. I'm about to start that journey myself with SSD. A lawyer friend of ours said it would take about 10 months to even get the first rejection and then he would handle it for me but I can get my DIL to help for nothing. I think writing congressmen is a great idea. I have more going on than just fibro so I hope it is easier for me to get it.

 

luv and hugs

Marlee