How the disability exam went yesterday...

First, thank you SO MUCH everyone for your positive thoughts yesterday as I went through my hour and 1/2 long exam! Your support was wonderful!
In PA state, I wish they had their own doctors lined up to examine me (as swayed to one side as they may be!) at least I would have a doctor! I have had a hard time finding a doctor to do the exam--no one wants to be buried in ongoing paperwork.
So I was finally referred to what he called himself a "Disability Doctor" and I said that I needed a disability exam and I had some paperwork. Pretty clear right? They said sure he does those sorts of things, come on in. I get an appointment 3 days before the paperwork is due (soonest I could get in) and get 1 and 1/2 hours of poked and prodded and having him tell me that I dont have fibro (!) instead I have been exposed to a toxin and have nerve damage and need to see a toxicologist (!?!) THEN, I slide the paperwork across his desk to him and say, "This is the form I told your receptionist about". Mind you, all he has to do on the form is check a couple @%^&# boxes and sign his name. Already my head is spinning b/c of everything he has said and done to me for sooo long but I kept telling myself it was worth it for this exact moment when I slid the paperwork to him! He takes one look at it and says, "I didnt know anything about this. Oh, I dont fill these out. I only do exams."
HUH? WHAT? What is the use of the exam or calling yourself a disability doctor if you arent willing to fill out the paperwork which is 90% of the battle?!? He said he would attach his notes, but that wouldnt do anything...
So I left paying a big copay I couldnt afford and now I have 3 days to scramble. Maybe I can extend the deadline.
Next time I will ask 1) do you do disability exams 2) will you fill out THEIR required forms and also 3) how quickly can I get the forms back.
I am also having a hard time finding doctors who do this, so I might have to go to an Independent Medical Examiner (IME) like you get in legal issues. They also do them, but something tells me they dont take regular health insurance--only cold hard cash.
As far as preparing for an exam, some of you suggested not taking meds that day. I would really not do that, you dont want to be out of it b/c you have to answer alot of questions and represent yourself well. B/c we can be fine one day and in excruciating pain the next, I would suggest being extra active for the few days before the exam. You want them to see you at your worst, without faking and you want it to be natural. They notice EVERYTHING (That I wore slip on clothing, that I squirmed in my seat, that I stretched my legs b/c I had cramps...)
I went home feeling like a deflated balloon. Maybe some of you can learn something from my struggles--ASK lots of questions over and over about the forms, I dont know how I wasnt clear...

 I live in SW PA and my son sees a Chriropractor who is a disability  specialist and does lots of exams and such for disability. You sure got "ripped" off. I feel bad for you. I thought SSD has their own Dr's they can send you to? Could you call SS office and ask them?

 

Maybe that should be question #4---Do you believe in fibromyalgia???

Id laugh if it wasnt too sore...ok a snicker.

Im sorry if I wasnt clear before, I have so many exams and paperwork right now! This disability exam was for welfare. I have many irons in the fire right now, its a little much---group long term disability insurance, SSD/ SSI, welfare...everybody wants me to prove something to them too! I just really dont want to lose my house over this! But no one wants to call a 37 "year young" ...disabled (that's what the quack called me--former not the later!). Well me either, wasnt what I planned mister but I am! Just cause you dont want to admit someone so young is disabled doesnt mean I am not! Doesnt mean I suddenly can work and pay all these medical bills!

He wants to be my number 13 doctor on my long list of doctors I have seen...he thinks he can cure me b/c he is sure I have been poisoned by toxins (not fibro) and need kelation. Ha! Another doctor with a big ego and an axe to grind against doctors #1 through 12. Give me a break!

Lost, I can't believe this!  I have social security disability.  I had a long interview, then was given papers to fill out describing what I can and cannot do.  I had to have all my medical records from my doctors sent to them and then they sent me to their own doctors to be checked by them.  Their doctors couldn't hold a candle to my doctors, by the way.

 

A few months later I received my disability!  I didn't have to pay anyone and you shouldn't have to either, if it is social security disability that you are going after.  I was 50 when I received it. 

 

I agree with Sue about reporting that doctor you saw yesterday.  That is ridiculous!  Golly, I hope you get someone to help you soon.  This is a terrible situation you are going through right now.

 

Sherrine

Hi,   I have heard it's hard to get on disability.   I have considered it a lot lately.  I have a hard time working, mostly getting up in the mornings to be there at a certain time.

   I also live in PA, Lancaster County.   Does a person have to be off work for a period of time for them to even consider them for SSD?  That would be tough because I don't see how people would live then.

  I am sorry your going through all this mess.  I was going to ask my GP about it.  I know he will help me if I do this.  Which it would be so much better for my health and sounds like for you too.  

   The PA at my doctors is doing research on Fibro. she said there has to be something that would help us.  She is so kind and is leaning towards using natural things too.  She said the meds are just masking things and she feels the two can work hand in hand together.     I have a great chiropractor who believes there is an iodine epidemic for thyroid disease and prostat disease in Lancaster county.  But I believe it's all over the US because the same things seem to be predomiant alll over.   I have been taking iodine tablets and using the Celtic sea salt. I take a pinch during the day and then drink water with it.  I want to get out for a couple of books to read, becasue I believe there is something to the salt and iodine thing.  Heck I have tried everything else what is it going to hurt?   The two books are Salt Your Way to Health and The Pleasures of Menopause.   I still belive this all has somethign to do with hormones too.  Mine is when I started to go into menopause.  And at 37 any woman can start going through the hormone process.   But I have hopes in this PA.  She said the men don't really want to bother with it and they say just give her this med or that med.  She believes there is something that can help us have more quality of life.    I would like to give my husband an intimate life again.  that's what hurts most.  He is understanding, but it still makes him feel like I am not attracted to him, which is far from the case.

   I do hope you have luck with things,   did you try the university of PA hospital?  get on their site and maybe there is a doctor there that would help you.   I do appreciate their knowledge there.

Debimum, why don't you just buy iodized salt?  Whenever I purchase salt I make sure it is iodized and I haven't had a problem.

 

Sherrine