Anyone on disability that can still...

I am on disability. It wasn't hard for me to fill answer those questions. I had so many medical issues that Keep me from doing my daily activity. If you have a hard time vacuuming, let them know. My husband and kids help me with the house work. My husband had to step up to the plate and take over. He took over the bills, my mind couln't do all that anymore. The social security check comes in his name. I have long term insurance also. It's hard to keep after getting your social security. They classify your disability different then the state. I just had to start all over with paper work on the long term disability for reevaluation. Every six months they are writing my Dr's. It a hassle, but I dont mind because they are just doing there jobs. Hoping they wont have to pay you. It's very important to you that your DR's are aware of your condition. That might sound funny what I just said, but most of the time they don't realize how bad you really are. I make sure I am in the same room when he is filling out the paper work. I have to correct my DR's so many times because they forget that I have 3 level fusion and can't lift more then 5 lbs. Things like that make a difference. I look at the paperwork first before I send it off. Don't feel guilty filling out the paperwork, just answer it honestly.

I completely understand the pity party because we all hit those valleys where it's hard to move forward with a positive attitude or optimism.

Workwise, I'm at the other end of the spectrum right now. Not only am I working the job I've done the past 26 years, but in April I took on a part-time clerical job at the hospital as a health unit coordinator. A year ago I was hobbling around, couldn't walk even a few steps without pain, and thought I was on the verge of disability.

After finding this forum and heeding the advice of many experienced fibro patients, I turned things around as far as being able to manage my pain and daily activities. I still do very little housework (I never vacuum and avoid dishes and laundry because of the pain it causes) -- yet, even though I can't do those things, I have found things that I CAN do.

Sometimes when we're in the right mindset we surprise ourselves with what we actually can accomplish, but other times -- no matter how hard we try -- we can't convince our brain to do stuff if our body is rebelling. I guess it's just a matter of listening to what it's telling us.

So, if yours is telling you to keep fighting for the disability, then keep plugging away. Hopefully others who have had to travel that road can give you more tips to help you through the application/appeal process. Best wishes!

I would love to know how to go on permanent disability. It's not only the fibro, there's
arthritis, sciatica, scoliosis, surgery on both knees (they want to replace them...no way!!),
my insides are tacked in place, every female surgery known to man (play on words),
lipoma tumors taking over my wrists and growing on the back of my knee and
now the dang ticker issue is back. I was doing fine for about 5 years but the stress level at
work is going through the roof and I know something isn't right in there. Of course, there's
the problem with actually having to pay a doctor. The heart specialist I was going to was
wonderful, but his wife who ran the office charged me $1,000 for my last visit as it was over
a year since I'd been there. Gotta be something out there to help us? I do my 40
hours a week but am now having problems with the sleep since the heart problems started,
so I'm averaging 2-4 hours a night and going to work dragged out.

I am current on disability and able to do all those things you described:bathe, grocery shop, drive, etc. And like you, I just get really tired and usually achy if I push too hard. I felt a little guilty at first, but I have come to the realization that, even though I can still do those things most days, I'm still not able to do them like most people can. For example, I can't grocery shop and vacuum, and cook dinner all in the same day without paying dearly. A normal wife/mom would be able to do all that and much much more (And usually does!).

Don't feel guilty. You have every right to get a little help.

~Natasha

My neuro md told me I can only do about 4 hours worth of work daily, that is house work. He said there is no way you can work all day and take care of yourself and your family. He said having fibro is like you just being in a bad car wreck. I have to go back and see him this week. I contacted a lawyer, because I just got turned down twice from SS, and once with long term.
kl

WhyFibro,
wow, you had a lawyer and was still denied? Just like I said they want you to be almost dead before they give you what you paid into too. Doesn't make sense to me. A big rip off if you ask me. Why pay into it if I can't get it if I need it.
kl

Klambert,

Thank you for posting this today! I'm applying for SS as well and my advocate told me today that they won't do an on the record decision as there's not enough evidence. WHAT? Like you said, you have to be on your death bed. I could NOT deal with stress right now. I would be flipping out on everyone and etc. There are days where I think wow, I almost feel better then BOOM! I get, hell no you're not. I have Med Ins and I need to see an eye doctor for my diabetes and a gastro has I've been having stomach problems plus need to get a pelvic ultrasound done. Not to mention, I think I need another CT Scan to check my lymph nodes because I'm getting afraid I may have lymphoma which I had seen a hemotologist before about it and I never followed up with a repeat CT Scan and I've been having a lot of problems with my nodes. ALL of which I need time and MONEY. And on top of all that, I have my Fibro and Cubital Tunnel to deal with! Like WTH are we suppose to do? Yea I can do chores but 1 thing a day if I'm lucky! I take my son to Sesame Place and I am out of commision for like 3 days just from being tired and walking and standing all day. If I do one chore I'm exhausted. I do just about everything because I don't get much support from my spouse, so it's all left on me. So needless to say, my house isn't the cleanest and it aggravates me so bad. I mean do they feel because we don't have someone actually taking care of us that we don't have issues. Yes I can get a shower but I'm afraid every time I get in there that I'm going to fall because my legs hurt so much. Etc...Etc...I'm feeling the same way right now as you do! Have many days like this. My depression just keeps getting worse and worse. I went out last week and had to be drunk to enjoy myself. And, OMG I couldn't move for 2 days. Like what, are we just suppose to go to work and forget about our children and us trying to have somewhat of a life. Especially with the way the world is right now, who the heck would hire us and even if they did, we would be fired for absentism or not being able to do our jobs because we can't focus. That's my biggest issue, any repetitive work and trying to focus. Not to mention, I'm suppose to risk my life driving when I can't concentrate which is an everyday occurance or speak to someone when I can't get the words out. Like yea right, like a boss would deal with that because you can't speak professionally. Sorry for this longggggg response but I am just feeling the same way right now.