Forced to return to work.

After four years on LTD, I am being forced to return to work. They figured out a way to cancel it and so they did. I have psoratic arthritis as well. Some days the pain is just out of this world. I finally got a sympathetic rheumy, and the arthritis was finally diagnosed. I was finally put on savella and it worked as long as I kept my dose low, flares were kept to a minimum. I still suffered with arthritis, but it was heaven to finally be somewhat pain free. ( the savella and arthritis med together are a bad combo)

I was ticking along, enjoying life when I found out that the "trial work" period they suggested in "another occupation" that was "okay" was being monitored. I only was able to work five hours a week before having to quit after a month. I had tried to do light cleaning for seniors.

They taped everything I did that month, and then held all of the evidence for two years. Last week they notified me of their decision. They sent me to a "doctor" they paid for who said I was "fine", and instead of having fibro and arthritis. I am mentally ill, and "faking" my pain as was proven by the "work" I did years ago.

The awful news is that because of this, I am now no longer to afford the medication that radically improved my life. Yet, I am expected to return to a full time job of the same caliber as the one I did prior to leaving for LTD. I was forced to go on my leave because of my cognitive issues and pain made performance and attendance poor. I was about to be fired, so thought I'd take a graceful exit.

I have no idea what I will do. I've gained a ton of weight from all of the different meds, so none of my old "work" outfits fit. I can not even begin to think of how I am going to function in this situation. It will be an unbearable hell riddled with pain and embarrassment, as the arthritis makes me incapable of walking with NO warning. I would have "episodes" at work years ago that I would blame on "sports injuries". Now it's too bad to just "make up" an excuse.

As for SSDI dont even get me started. If you're under 50 you could sever your arm with a chain saw in front of an administrative law judge, and they'd still say you can duct tape it up and run a copy machine.

So frustrated, I really wish more attention was given to this horrible disease. The perception that it's all in our head reeks of 1950s era medical wisdom.

I would get a lawyer ASAP. I'm 47 and was rewarded with SSDI this past October. I made sure all of my doctors issued paperwork and my lawyer doubled checked on the paperwork received by Social Security. It took 17 months to get my hearing and 3 more months after that for it to start because of the holiday seasons.

So sorry to hear this has happened to you.
I'm with Sherrine & furiated at "the" system where there are way too many people on it that can work so when someone that really needs it gets the boot it just sucks!
I hope you find a good attorney and are able to fare well attempting to go back to work.
My thoughts & prayers are with you.

I am not in the U.S. but needed a Lawyer to assist with my disability claim. It has to be kept in mind that if you are sick for any reason and you return to a job even though you are still sick, you risk termination when you can't perform your duties. I was off work for several months after a severe flare up of head pain. I thought I had hit a nerve. I went back to work but still with pain. I did last out for a couple years. My Employer knew I was not well. The second time it happened I just could not return to work. I hoped to get medical help. There is no cure for what we have.

I was told by the Lawyer that Insurance companies often watch for your movements. It didn't matter that they did, I could not do much. You went back to a trial job and found out that you were monitored. Not really surprising. You may have show some abilities when you did the work. You really need a Lawyer and your Doctor's support and opinion when going back to work on a trial basis. We have invisible disabilities and it is easy to be questioned about the validity of our illnesses. Sometimes we push ourselves beyond our limits and often pay a price.

I do hope things turn out better for you.

Loring

Osteoarthritis in Multiple Joints, Fibromyalgia, Neuralgia, Chronic Daily Headaches, I.B., Hard of Hearing...

Sure hope this works out ok for you...

They should understand that we can function part of the time and others not as well..in 2015 this disease should be better understood..

Hi txcola
Now I have clearer picture. There were several items not stated in original post and I have not met you before.
What you are saying is horrible, what a world.
Lawyer up. Centers for Independent
Living often have good connections to lawyers that understand and believe in us and the principle.
Blessings