process for disability

  I haven't been on here  in quite some time.  I have just been living with the way I feel and get rest when I know a flare is coming on. Stress, well that's hard to harness.  I work part time, but even that's becoming hard to do. I can't get things done around my house, I just work come home make dinner and crash.    The rheumie took me off vicodin and put me on a timed release generic oxycotin. which I don't want to be on, but I have to try something.  I have been on 90 mg. of cymbalta for months now and with no luck. 

    I have been told by close friends and my husband to start looking into disability.   I like my job, but life is to short and I miss out on a lot of fun because of working and needing to rest weekends. and evenings. And now we have two new grand babies 2 mos. & 3 mos. old. And I want to enjoy them before I can't anymore.

  I live in PA and was wondering if it's hard to get on it? and what is the process if anyone knows.    I would be greatful for any help.  As I said, I enjoy my job, but just can't seem to keep up anymore.   They have been so good about getting in when I can and then I am able to stay into the afternoon more, I seem to be able to get a bit of energy as the day goes on, but then when I get home, I have to not do anything but make dinner.   It's just my husband and I at home now.  but I am also in menopause.  

    I have not had luck with rheumies at all  They made me feel like this is nothing and I should be able to function without much problem.   They aren't in my body.   Our area isn't too knowledgable in auto immune diseases.  My GP also said that to me too.

any input would be appreciated.

Deb

I fought disability, too, but in the end had no choice...  One thing that I learned was that you must be persistent!  It can be a difficult battle, though maybe it is easier now than when I applied years ago.  Be prepared to possibly be turned down at first.  I was told at the time that it's almost automatic   Supposedly it's to weed out those who don't really qualify.  It is disheartening, but believe in your right to the assistance... It took me years to really accept that.  I was turned down the first time and was sent even more paperwork to fill in.  Then they said no again, and I hired a lawyer.  There are reputable ones out there who only get paid when you actually get the disability.  They are limited by law (here, anyway, but should be everywhere since it's federal) and can only collect a certain percentage from the lump sum you normally get once accepted. (It comes monthly after that.) I never made it to court; once you get to that appeal point, a federal judge reviews your case and often approves you at that stage.  That's what happened in my case.  And, I found out in the judge's ruling that even the doctors SS sent me to had said that I was totally disabled.  Like I was told, sometimes it's an automatic turn down to see if you're serious!  I don't get much a month, but I am so grateful for it... It was hard to take at first, but at least I can usually pay bills. Sorry this got so long, but I just want to encourage you to stay with it I'll be thinking about you

Barry aka Shash13   (I am female; was firstborn and got family name!)

Thank you all I do appreciate your advice.

I didn't mention all that I have.  which may be less then some of you. Arthritis, COPD,(never smoked, nor my husband) asthma and fibro.  I keep thinking,/ hoping there is something to give me back some energy.  I try to keep the stress low, but it's hard.  I am in charge at work, I am the only one in my dept..   And my helper who is 81 just retired. 

The rheumie just took me off vicodin and put me on oxycotin. 10 mg three times a day.   Helps some, but my breathing isn't as good as it had been, not saying much, but  we'll see if there is bronchitis.

I can't stop working right now though, we need another vehicle,  PTL our house will be paid for in two months, that helps.  Once the car is paid, I am not going to work anymore.

When my husband died I was on COBRA for nearly two years and then needed to find health insurance.  No one would insure me with four chronic illnesses so I filed for disability.  I didn't have the problems getting disability that other here have mentioned and I don't know why.  I interviewed with them, filled out the paper work, and saw their doctors.  That's the only contact I had with them because, actually, I didn't consider myself "disabled".  Eight months later I opened my bank statement and two years worth of disability payments had been deposited!  No one even contacted me.  I guess I was considered disabled from the day my husband died.  And, no money was held back either. 

I would just suggest that you be totally truthful...don't try stretching the truth.  They can spot that a mile away!  I hope you can get it the first time, too.

Sherrine