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SSI battle continues - advice? Experiences?

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Lyme Disease
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Posted 1/20/2012 3:30 AM (GMT 0)
Oh boy - lately every day it's another technicality to deal with! Today I got a letter in the mail about my disability claim stating that they don't have enough information to make a decision, and have set me up with a doctor appointment for further evaluation.

I know it's basically their job to prove that I'm not disabled - and I'm pretty nervous about this appointment. Like most I don't do well with having people question me, being put on the spot and expected to prove that I'm sick. I've already come to terms with how emotional and stressful this is likely to be for me - I know it's just the way it works but it's still...sort of humiliating, and very insulting.

But as far as actually going through the evaluation, has anyone had to do this? Any idea what they're going to be looking at? This is just extremely awkward - I basically have to make an effort to be at my worst on this particular day....

 

Posted 1/20/2012 4:19 AM (GMT 0)
wow i couldnt imagine having to do that.....feeling once again i had to prove something to someone especially having to be RE validated on you not feeling well...that is really awkward...i mean do you make yourself seem more sick....or just tell them....lyme is invisible...and you look perfectly normal on the outside....im just sitting here pondering how would you prove to them or be validated....do you have any ideas?...this sounds tough
Posted 1/20/2012 4:26 AM (GMT 0)
I have never been through this. But if I were you I would focus completely on your physical/mental limitations, and limit conversation about the casue. Because, for them, it doesn't really matter WHY- all that matters is if you are actually disabled or not.
Posted 1/20/2012 4:51 AM (GMT 0)
I know - I'm so used to being grilled about the Lyme, being told that Lyme couldn't possibly cause all the symptoms I'm experiencing...I'm so used to feeling ridiculous things and just shrugging it off and thinking, "Well that's Lyme!" ...but now I have to prove that I'm weak? That I can only use my brain or my body for .5 seconds before I turn into a blubbering idiot or else fall to the floor? Mostly I'm just trying to figure out how on earth I'm going to manage to go in there and not cry or yell because this is so frustrating!

Funny - I spend every other day of my life pushing to appear healthy and normal, and now I have to just stop that all together. I'm not sure if I know how to just let myself be full-blown sick in front of another person! Should be an interesting experience!
Posted 1/20/2012 7:38 PM (GMT 0)
Oh I can only imagine. This might sound ridiculous, but maybe you want to do a practice run where you spend some time NOT hiding your symptoms, and listing out loud everything that is wrong...? Just so you know you can do it and you sound more confident in the appointment?
Posted 1/20/2012 8:37 PM (GMT 0)
This bugs me and I'm sorry you have to deal with it! It bugs me because a respectable person like you is put under the microscope while there is always some shady dude on Judge Judy--or the like--that is getting SSI for their back or some other ailment with what seems like little difficulty!

My stepdad is also in the SSI process for his stroke. Stroke, unlike Lyme, is well documented as a dibilitating disease so I think it will be easier for him.

I wish you all the best and wish I had some advice to offer. Just know we are thinking of you!
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