APPROVED/Disability,SSI,Medicaid

Hi All,

     I just wanted to post this to maybe encourage those of you who are trying to get disability.  I got word this morning that I have been approved.  It took me exactly one year.  I got denied 2 times and appealed.  I didn't get a lawyer.  I contacted my senator and congressman.  They helped me tremendously.  It is a daunting process to say the least.  My doctor also helped me by writing a detailed letter about my condition.  My pastor of 23 years also wrote a letter on my behalf. 

      I think you all will understand when I say it is the happiest and the saddest day of my life.  It's such a financial relief.  I just  never dreamed of giving up my nursing career at 35!  It's all in God's hands,  He knows where He's leading my life!

                                                                                                         Never give up.  God Bless,   Judi

Lynnwood,
I would love to help anyone and everyone that I possibly can. I am in the state of Mississippi. I e-mailed my senator (Trent Lott) and my congressman (Gene Taylor). I was amazed at how promptly they replied. I already had in hand a letter from my doc and my pastor that I shared with the congress and senator's office. I emailed them pictures of myself. (noting swelling, joint deformities, etc) Every time I had a doctor's appointment, labs, med change I sent them copies and they would forward it to the disability team. In my e mails to the congress/senator I told them details about my disease and decline. I used very strong, yet respectful language. I told them how disappointed I was in the process and that it's a shame that just because Lupus doesn't have a superstar's face attached to it many people (including the division of disability) were ignorant to the profoundly disabling effects it has. I fully intend to make appointments to speak face to face to both Mr. Taylor and Mr. Lott. I told them in my original e-mail that it is sad that the "average American" has no power with our own government. I shouldn't have to be a superstar to educate people about the horrors of this underfunded, under researched disease!
Anyway, I'm rambling. I would love to help anybody in anyway I possibly can. Please feel free to ask any questions. Please forgive brain fog! Judi

Is it not completely amazing how God always puts someone in our path with the right words at the right moment?! I really want to use my experiences to help people in any way I can. I fully intend to make an appointment to have a face to face discussion with both the senator and the congressman that assisted me about the whole process and what a nightmare it is. I know my one little voice can't make a huge difference, but you never know.

Thank you for your listening ears and encouraging words! God Bless You, Judi

Judi,
Congratulations! I have been in the process for over a year; quite frustrating. I have a lawyer, but your idea and the information you provided to your representatives are what I am going to do next. So, you have already helped someone! I'm so happy for you and glad that this will ease your mind.

xoxo emmie

Hi Judy, I'm glad to hear about your success. It was sure a huge help for me. I have to be disabled and on SS for 2 years though before I can get the medical benefits. Fortunately I still get military medical insurance. Which I will have for basically the rest of my life. So when i get that it will be my secondary ins. It's still a struggle because v.a. doesn'r pay everything. But a few 100 extra dollars a month at least makes me feel like a human being again. I can actually spend a dollar once and awhile on myself and not feel guilty.
I'm thrilled for you. Now you can start concentrating on getting to feel better!
love
carol