I was just notified from Social Security that they've denied my appeal for social security benefits for disability. I was let go from my job in April because of repeated hospitalizations and missed work from my asthma. I am so upset right now I can hardly stand it. I have hardly any muscle strength left due to side effects from the meds they have me on. My kid has to fix my hair for me. I can't open things any more. I can't do housework. I can't walk up stairs. I can't go outside because of allergies. I can't go shopping for any length of time because I can't breath good enough. I can't even take a bath unless someone is home because I might fall. We can't go anywhere. I hurt all the time - but I'm not disabled enough for benefits? I worked for 27 years and now can't get benefits?

That sound not right to me! Get lawyer and fight it for you. My brother soon will get SSDI because he did get lawyer to fight it. It can take long time.

sound like you need hug

((((((((((((((hug)))))))))))))

stigers

Thanks Stigers. Will get a lawyer. Was just hoping we wouldn't have to go that step. Have been told it could take up to 10 more months Has already been almost a year. Had to wait 5 months before we could file initiially, then it took 3 months to get a decision, then another couople of months for a re-decison.

I'm sorry to hear it, roadrunner, you deserve better than that! Perhaps a lawyer would be the best way to go -- don't give up!

(((((((((((roadrunner)))))))))))

also make sure you get doctor fill out form that you will never able go back to work and reason health problem etc. Then give to lawyer and SSA.

Oh hon,
I know just where you're coming from. I'm on my second year of appealing my denial of disability benefits. I have yet another series of Dr. appointments and tests coming up next week.

I have severe arthritis and my bones have degenerated, fused and collapsed. I can't open jars or cans, I can't lift a laundry basket, my daughter has to tie my shoes ( on the days I can actually get swollen feet into them) and zip my pants alot of the time. I can't do much grocery shopping if it means standing in a long line, the grocery store has picked me up after I've passed out so many times now that they meet me with a wheelchair now when they see me coming.

The meds cause my immune system to collapse, so the least cold or flu does me in.

Like you, I've worked since 1975, paid into the social programs and don't qualify for the benefits. I'm considered fit to work. I was told by two case workers that arthritis is not crippling.

I know just how frustrated, angry, hurt and degraded you are feeling right now and I wish I could give you a great big hug and a piece of chocolate cake right now.

That just isn't right
I hope you get it solved... I know how frustrated you must be

(((((((RR)))))))

You need an advocate. Sometimes they are free of charge--don't get a lawyer, waste of time, and if you do win, they take a good sum of money. If you have to pay an advocate, they're cheaper. Though there are free ones that are very good. I'm trying to think of the name of the place I went to, social security actually pays them to advocate for you--hey, call social security and ask them for free resources for advocates. If you get the right person, they can direct you.

Check out any disability services in your area, something similiar to Michigan Rehabilitation Services, they may be able to help you get the disability or can put you in contact with some counselors who can. Ask them if they know someone who advocates for free.

Here's a link about it, may find the one for your state. http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/rsa/index.html

There may also be some free advocates listed.

The counselors there may be able to help you get your disability.

Also, you need to have your docs, all of them, write a letter stating why they believe you can't work, how bad your symptoms are, etc.

There may be more I can do to help; I've got a friend who's a social worker, she may be able to help in some way.

It's all in how things are written, and how many folks you have in your corner to back you. I once had to have 3 people send letters to disability re: my continuation, right after I had a nervous breakdown the last time. Social Security denied me, but someone told me to get letters from docs, friends and family stating my inability to work or go to school at the time. Since I wasn't seeing a doc, I had to rely on my pastor and some friends to write the letters on my behalf. I did, of course, get the disability-like you, there's no way I could have worked.

Ask your pastor for help; he may know someone to direct you to. You gotta fight, unfortunately, for what you are supposed to get. Weird system--those who worked for any length of time are denied far more often than those who never worked. Longer you have worked and the more money you put into the system, it seems the more difficult it is for you to collect disability from the state. Too darned bad you couldn't collect from your job.

**************Also find places that advocate for those with mental disabilities. I can't remember for the life of me the name of the agency that helped me, but it fell under mental retardation.

Go to message boards for disabilities that are in your state, there have to be some listed on Google or other search engines, there's some for Michigan. Contact everyone and anyone you can to get some free services. Social security doesn't pay much, you're going to need every penny yourself to help get you through.

Arthritis IS NOT crippling? oo, this is so angering. Since when? Of course, it depends on the type of arthritis, sounds like you have osteo(whatever the rest of the word is) that is very crippling. Listen, follow the advice I gave to RR, please. Get everyone in your corner to help you recieve the benefits you need. Go to message boards for disabilities that are located in your state, etc. Don't depend on the system to help you, unfortunately it's an awful lot of work, but you've got to find places on your own that will benefit you.

Rehabilitation services (officially called vocational rehabilitation-look for the link in your state) do give tests, etc. to help prove your disability, don't count them out. Follow the link I gave RR, and find your state.

*******************

Both of you, contact CAP in your state, it's the center for Independant Living. Ask them for free advocacy and explain your situations. Ask for numbers and lists of anyone that may be of service to you.

ah, bingo:The Client Assistance Program (CAP) provides information and advocacy, without charge, to people with disabilities who are receiving, or want to receive, services under the Rehabilitation Act. CAP is operated by Michigan Protection & Advocacy Services, which receives money from the Michigan Department of Career Development to provide these services. CAP will assist you with services provided by the Michigan Department of Career Development and/or Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Consumer Choice
Programs, Michigan Commission for the Blind, Centers for Independent Living, and Supported Employment and Transition Programs."

Cap sounds like the first place you should go. Don't let them give you the runaround, either. Be tough, if it sounds like they don't want to help you. Act like a sales person--you are selling your disability, and this 'sale' will end up making your life somewhat easier. Don't let anyone push you around, keep asking questions for resources, etc. Remember-they deal with lots of folks on a daily basis, some are pretty slimey trying to get something for nothing. Sometimes you may be labeled, but if your disability shows, it will be much easier on you.

Centers of the Blind may be able to help, too. Don't put them off just because they don't represent your particular disability; most folks in these fields are compassionate and will help you find resources which, hopefully, will be of service to you.
****************************************
NEW edit

http://www.jan.wvu.edu/SBSES/VOCREHAB.HTM direct link to the state's services. Contact them all, beginning with CAP.

(((((((((((((( roadrunner )))))))))))))))

i hope everything works out for ya rr

Wow Roadrunner.. I have had asthma since I was 5 (35 now). I missed 64 days of kindergarden being in and out of the hospital. I never knew these meds could have such side effects. I'm curious, if you don't mind me asking, what meds do you take? I used to take Marax (when I was lil tike), Seravent, AsthmaCort and now in the past couple years only use Advair and sometimes Singular to help with my allergies.

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Roadrunner)))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Take care hon I know how rough asthma can be

i have asthma as well, but not bad, i have an inhaler and use it every now and then, it is exercise induced, but i can controll it usually

I never bought into that excercise gimmick, anyway. See how bad it is for you?



((((((((((((((((((asthma sufferers and anyone else that needs a hug)))))))))))))))

Advair the 500/50 dose
Singulair 20mg
Spiriva It's a new one for emphysema
Albuterol
Flonase
Allegra
Allergy shots
Aciphex twice a day for reflux which worsens the asthma
and the ever dreaded PREDNISONE which causes most of the side effects.
then they've got me on other meds for other stuff and meds for the side effects.
My doc says my med list alone outta qualify me for disability, LOL.

{{RR}}

Oh I forgot the Albuterol for emergency attacks... I tried Flonase and it didn't work for my allergies. Nasacort is my savior and I can't live without it, even after my sinus surgeries.

Yeah I'd think you qualify for disability. My father has serious asthma problems and I do believe he had to get a lawyer for disability. I wish you luck and I hope you can get this straighted out asap.

Yeah, the albuterol isn't even for emergencies anymore - using it 4-6 times a day just to keep on breathing.

That's how mine started.

(((((((((( RR ))))))))))

I hope you get this straightened out, that's not fair at all.

On the upside, it sounds like Anne's given some great advice. I sincerely hope you can find someone to help.

((((((roadrunner))))))) beep beep

I just sas'd everyone in this thread. I appreciate all the support, hugs, and advice. I also fed animals.

i can't use albuterol, i am allergic to it, it actually makes me worse. Took a couple of emergency room visits to figure that one out

How long have you been taking Prednisone? I've been taking it off and on for three years, it does work wonders for me at first then stops being effective. I hate the side effects and long term problems it can cause, but sometimes a two month regime of the stuff is the only way I can function and be a "semi-normal" mother for my kids. Sure hope you can get off the stuff.

Oh that is so unfair, i don't know how your country operates but i know in australia they do a similar thing and it sucks when hoest people have worked for so many years and they can't work anymore the government turns there back on them..
All i can say is i wish you all the best and goodluck hope you kick butt

I had been off and on it for asthma at times but I went on it the day before Thanksgiving last year and haven't been off it since. Haven't been able to wean off of it. The lowest dose I've been on is 30 mg and that's what I'm on now - have been on that dose since March except for a couple of times when I've been on higher doses. When I go up and wean back down I get the really awful joint pain. I have all of these myopathies, neuropathies, and joint problems caused from the prednisone, but they can't do anything about it because I have to breathe. They've got me on meds to help it - but the meds other cause other problems. Sigh. One of those put me in the hospital with a low white blood cell count and they had to change it. Put me into a severe septicemia.

OMG!!!!

My Doctor refuses to let me takePrdisone for more than 10 weeks because of the side effects. After awhile it just becomes inneffective.

I've got an allergist, a pulmonologist, an internist, a hematologist, and my PCP all involved. They're either gonna cure me or kill me. If the dose comes down any lower I don't breathe too good. I'm kind of stuck like transplant patients or Crohn's patient's.

You need to request a reconsideration. They will likely deny you again, then you can request an appeal through the administrative law judge.

You may have to go through the process a few times before they accept you. They are real stingy with that disability

My letter said I could request a hearing through the admin law judge so I guess I up to that point now. Have you done this? Sounds like you've had experience too.

(((((Roadrunner))))) You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.......... Cheri

Just re-read my letter. My #$%@##$%%% pulmonologist didn't send in the information requested by social security. Can you believe that. He's only probably the most important doctor as far as documentation goes. GGGRRRRR. Guess who's gonna get a piece of my mind next time I see him. All the other docs sent in the information requested. And I can't afford to lose many pieces of my mind, if ya know what I mean.......

lol! Ya, those pieces sure add up, don't they?

Perhaps he can still send the documentation necessary to them.

Maybe this is a good thing, RR-you don't have to jump through so many hoops to get it. I pray all will be well.

((HUGS))

What an awful mess! It really does stink that those who pay into the system can never use it

pulmonologist

Awww--- RR--hope something happens for you soon---the system STINKS!!

(((HUGS)))

I appreciate all the advice and feedback. I've sas'd all the sas links I could find - and Cat I've fed your animals.

((((((((( RR ))))))))))

Hmm ... you could take a piece of my mind to give to him instead so you can keep yours.

I've got a couple "bad, angry" pieces floating around in there you could sure use on him.

On the bright side, maybe that's the thing that kept you from getting it and if they can get the info from him you'll be able to get into it.

Keep your chin up.

Thanks Jenn - might take you up on that..........

I've got a few pieces floating around which don't seem necessary, too--if you want 'em, you've got them. However, if after I send them and I begin drooling at the mouth or barking like a cat, I will request them back, as they will be needed.

Oh RR, you know I feel so bad for you. I have no personal experience with disability claims but know that they turn practically everyone down the first time. That eliminates a lot of people who just give up. I know they even do this to amputees. Sickening isnt it.?You have to reapply a couple of times before they finally realize you arent going to give up that easy. than you will probably get results.A lawyer or some other form of help that they recognize as knowing the ropes etc will usually get your disability benefits rolling quite fast.
Praying for you .

Thank you frenchy. Appreciate it.

Ow... I have no personal expirience in these things, but I hope you'll be erh... accepted...

(((((((((((((((rr)))))))))))

TY banner.

welcome

Good thing there's this forum.

So true. Everyone here is helpful and very nice to listen and let me vent.

YES

{{{{RR}}}} just popping in again.....I also have no personal experience with any of this but I can imagine what it must be like - the frustration of all of this on top of the pain

Thanks Mandy. Very frustrating for sure. They act like the system is there for you - but is sure is hard to access when you need it. Been paying into it for 27 years. It's kind of funnny - all day long I hear commercials on TV from lawyers about this problem.......never noticed it before.