disability

[Guest guest]

When does one know when to file for disability? I have only had RA for

5 yrs and had enough to say I'm finished with life and give up.My toes

are hammered,wrists are weak and hurt all the time along with fingers

and other various joints.My dr. says he don't think I'm bad enough yet

for disability and will not sign for it. What do I do?

[Guest guest]

I don’t have personal experience with this but I think a second

opinion would be in order. For one thing, I wonder if you have been treated

aggressively enough by your current doctor. Another doctor may be able to

prescribe something that will really help you, or may believe that you are

ready for disability. I hope you get effective treatment. God bless.

From:

Rheumatoid Arthritis

[mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis ] On Behalf Of Mike

Sent: Friday, October 31, 2008 11:47 AM

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Subject: disability

When does one know when to file for disability?

I have only had RA for

5 yrs and had enough to say I'm finished with life and give up.My toes

are hammered,wrists are weak and hurt all the time along with fingers

and other various joints.My dr. says he don't think I'm bad enough yet

for disability and will not sign for it. What do I do?

No virus

found in this incoming message.

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AM

[Guest guest]

>

> I am thinking about applying for Social Security Disability and

would like to

> hear from those who have applied and either were accepted or are still

> waiting for approval. I would like to hear how long it took you to

be approved and

> if you had to be out of work for at least 6 months before you

started the

> process. Also what is your history regarding Rheumatoid arthritis,

if you have had

> hip or knee replacements and if so how many. I was diagnosed with RA

when I

> was 17 years old, I am now 55 and I've had 4 hip replacements and 3

knee

> replacements and very soon will have a revision done on my left hip.

I've also had

> tendon transfers done on both hands. I would appreciate information

from anyone

> regarding the SSD or SSI process. Thank you so much, Don

>

I was approved for disability on my first try. I applied in April of

this year and was approved in August. I started receiving benefits in

October.

I have only had RA for 3 years. I have tremendous amount of pain. I

have had no surgeries. My suggestion is for you to get a book on

applying for social security disability. I did, and followed all of

the instructions and tips. Be extremely thorough. Get your medical

records from all your doctors. I applied in person (I was in the

middle of a bad flare at the time, so it helped). I also typed a 2

page letter explaining my life with this disease. How it has affected

me emotionally as well. I received a packet in the mail a short while

later with a lengthy list of questions. I answered that thoroughly,

sent all of my medical records, a list of all my medications, list of

my doctors' names and phone numbers, my 2 page letter and pictures of

my RA swelling, etc.

I think part of why I was approved the first time, was also part of my

job history. All of my jobs in the past 10 years involved a lot of

physical activity.

I wish you luck and you should apply as soon as you feel you can no

longer work, as it can take a very long time to get approved.

[Guest guest]

So are you working at the moment? He don,t understand our pain I work at the airport cleaning aircraft for Continental that job is very painful I can,t even get a lawyer to talk to me about disability cause I work fulltime. Find another doctor.

From: Mike <soon2er@...>Subject: disabilityRheumatoid Arthritis Date: Friday, October 31, 2008, 2:47 PM

When does one know when to file for disability? I have only had RA for 5 yrs and had enough to say I'm finished with life and give up.My toes are hammered,wrists are weak and hurt all the time along with fingers and other various joints.My dr. says he don't think I'm bad enough yet for disability and will not sign for it. What do I do?

[Guest guest]

Go to see a Rheumatologist. If you a PCP and he is treating you then you need to see a specialist in bone disease. You must take medication for RA and be on a regular routine seeing your doctor. If you are not regularly seeing an RD, start. If you are not on treatment medication, start. If you are medically supervised then you can get copies of your medical records. I was denied for disability twice before a lawyer got copies of my records, went to the law judge in my state and plead my case for me. If you cant work anymore or are in too much pain, you need to apply for SSDI. I dont know enough about your personal case to give anymore advice. You must either retire from your present job after presenting a note from your doctor that you can no longer work, collect social security which is equivalent to Disability without the lawyer. Yours, Deborah

On Fri, Oct 31, 2008 at 2:47 PM, Mike <soon2er@...> wrote:

When does one know when to file for disability? I have only had RA for

5 yrs and had enough to say I'm finished with life and give up.My toes

are hammered,wrists are weak and hurt all the time along with fingers

and other various joints.My dr. says he don't think I'm bad enough yet

for disability and will not sign for it. What do I do?

[Guest guest]

Thank you for the advise.I am seeing a Rheumy and being treated for about 4 yrs.The place I currently work is closing the doors and my wrists and feet are bad enough it looks like I could have a very difficult time find ing work that I have done in the past. I have had numerous people to tell me to go ahead and file but it is scary. I plan on doing it anyway though.

When does one know when to file for disability? I have only had RA for 5 yrs and had enough to say I'm finished with life and give up.My toes are hammered,wrists are weak and hurt all the time along with fingers and other various joints.My dr. says he don't think I'm bad enough yet for disability and will not sign for it. What do I do?

[Guest guest]

I have been getting effective treatment for a while now but still have joint pain and stiffness.I plan on filing now that I have talked to the HR man here at work. The place I work is closing the doors soon and laying me off next week.I believe it is good timing to go fo it.I'll never be able to do a job as I have had in the past,too much has changed physically and mentally.Thank you for you advice.

From: Harold Van Tuyl <hvantuyl@...>Subject: RE: disabilityRheumatoid Arthritis Date: Thursday, November 6, 2008, 2:08 PM

I don¢t have personal experience with this but I think a second opinion would be in order. For one thing, I wonder if you have been treated aggressively enough by your current doctor. Another doctor may be able to prescribe something that will really help you, or may believe that you are ready for disability. I hope you get effective treatment. God bless.

From: rheumatoid_arthriti sgroups (DOT) com [mailto:rheumatoid_ arthritis] On Behalf Of MikeSent: Friday, October 31, 2008 11:47 AMrheumatoid_arthriti sgroups (DOT) comSubject: [rheumatoid_ arthritis] disability

When does one know when to file for disability? I have only had RA for 5 yrs and had enough to say I'm finished with life and give up.My toes are hammered,wrists are weak and hurt all the time along with fingers and other various joints.My dr. says he don't think I'm bad enough yet for disability and will not sign for it. What do I do?

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - http://www.avg. comVersion: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.8.6/1769 - Release Date: 11/5/2008 7:17 AM

[Guest guest]

I was denied twice for SSDI. Now I am waiting for a hearing with a judje and I have retained an attorney. It's been 15 months since I requested a hearing. My attorney said the wait is up to 2 years.

Good luck,

Vicki

From: Mike Dooley <soon2er@...>Rheumatoid Arthritis Sent: Friday, November 7, 2008 12:22:40 PMSubject: Re: disability

Thank you for the advise.I am seeing a Rheumy and being treated for about 4 yrs.The place I currently work is closing the doors and my wrists and feet are bad enough it looks like I could have a very difficult time find ing work that I have done in the past. I have had numerous people to tell me to go ahead and file but it is scary. I plan on doing it anyway though.

When does one know when to file for disability? I have only had RA for 5 yrs and had enough to say I'm finished with life and give up.My toes are hammered,wrists are weak and hurt all the time along with fingers and other various joints.My dr. says he don't think I'm bad enough yet for disability and will not sign for it. What do I do?

[Guest guest]

Hold on to yourself. If you have been on the books with your RA medically supervised then you have the perfect case for disability. The award should be retroactive from the date of your diagnosis four years ago. The lawyer will get a cut but you will get a substantial award in a lump sum and then get a regular monthly check. The advantage with SSDI is all your medication and visits will be covered. What Medicare wont cover Medicaid will. I pay 1-4 dollars for meds, my remicade is free, you may also be eligible for fuel assistance and food stamps. If your spouse still works and you can be on his plan, it will not affect your disability award, but medical coverage is all inclusive when on disability. Good Luck. Deborah

On Sat, Nov 8, 2008 at 10:43 AM, Vicki Hoyt <dvhoyt@...> wrote:

I was denied twice for SSDI. Now I am waiting for a hearing with a judje and I have retained an attorney. It's been 15 months since I requested a hearing. My attorney said the wait is up to 2 years.

Good luck,

Vicki

From: Mike Dooley <soon2er@...>Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sent: Friday, November 7, 2008 12:22:40 PMSubject: Re: disability

Thank you for the advise.I am seeing a Rheumy and being treated for about 4 yrs.The place I currently work is closing the doors and my wrists and feet are bad enough it looks like I could have a very difficult time find ing work that I have done in the past. I have had numerous people to tell me to go ahead and file but it is scary. I plan on doing it anyway though.

When does one know when to file for disability? I have only had RA for 5 yrs and had enough to say I'm finished with life and give up.My toes are hammered,wrists are weak and hurt all the time along with fingers

and other various joints.My dr. says he don't think I'm bad enough yet for disability and will not sign for it. What do I do?

[Guest guest]

You can file anytime but get an attorney as soon as possible. I have been denied twice and I now have an attorney and I am waiting for a hearing date. I filed 23 months ago so it is a long process. I now have other medical problems besides RA.

Good luck,

Vicki

From: Mike <soon2er@...>Rheumatoid Arthritis Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2008 8:54:45 AMSubject: disability

My age is 46 and have hadRA for nearly 5 yrs. now. I have been to a Rheumatologist on a regular basis for 3-4 yrs now and been treated with methotrexate, plaquenil, cymbalta for depression and recently using Enbril.I am now losing my job because of the plant closing,but am losing my insurance.I can not perform as I used to because of my pain in my wrists,limited time on my feet,and some fingers.I will be paid by the company I worked for until the end of the year even though they are letting me go this week.When can I file for disability? I am very sure I will have a tough time finding a suitable job and sure it won't pay near enough to meet my expenses.Help! I just don't think I can handle any more.

[Guest guest]

>

> When does one know when to file for disability? I have only had RA

for

> 5 yrs and had enough to say I'm finished with life and give up.My

toes

> are hammered,wrists are weak and hurt all the time along with fingers

> and other various joints.My dr. says he don't think I'm bad enough

yet

> for disability and will not sign for it. What do I do?

>

Are you seeing a rheumatoligist or primary care doctor.

[Guest guest]

Please read the previous posts about disability that I have answered to the board. Additional questions? Please email me. DeborahOn Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 10:54 AM, Mike <soon2er@...> wrote:

My age is 46 and have hadRA for nearly 5 yrs. now. I have been to a

Rheumatologist on a regular basis for 3-4 yrs now and been treated

with methotrexate,plaquenil,cymbalta for depression and recently using

Enbril.I am now losing my job because of the plant closing,but am

losing my insurance.I can not perform as I used to because of my pain

in my wrists,limited time on my feet,and some fingers.I will be paid

by the company I worked for until the end of the year even though they

are letting me go this week.When can I file for disability? I am very

sure I will have a tough time finding a suitable job and sure it won't

pay near enough to meet my expenses.Help!I just don't think I can

handle any more.

[Guest guest]

Please read previous posts on this topic about disability. I have answered extensively through the board. Yours, DeborahOn Thu, Nov 6, 2008 at 4:35 PM, m_obsheatz <m_obsheatz@...> wrote:

>

> I am thinking about applying for Social Security Disability and

would like to

> hear from those who have applied and either were accepted or are still

> waiting for approval. I would like to hear how long it took you to

be approved and

> if you had to be out of work for at least 6 months before you

started the

> process. Also what is your history regarding Rheumatoid arthritis,

if you have had

> hip or knee replacements and if so how many. I was diagnosed with RA

when I

> was 17 years old, I am now 55 and I've had 4 hip replacements and 3

knee

> replacements and very soon will have a revision done on my left hip.

I've also had

> tendon transfers done on both hands. I would appreciate information

from anyone

> regarding the SSD or SSI process. Thank you so much, Don

>

I was approved for disability on my first try. I applied in April of

this year and was approved in August. I started receiving benefits in

October.

I have only had RA for 3 years. I have tremendous amount of pain. I

have had no surgeries. My suggestion is for you to get a book on

applying for social security disability. I did, and followed all of

the instructions and tips. Be extremely thorough. Get your medical

records from all your doctors. I applied in person (I was in the

middle of a bad flare at the time, so it helped). I also typed a 2

page letter explaining my life with this disease. How it has affected

me emotionally as well. I received a packet in the mail a short while

later with a lengthy list of questions. I answered that thoroughly,

sent all of my medical records, a list of all my medications, list of

my doctors' names and phone numbers, my 2 page letter and pictures of

my RA swelling, etc.

I think part of why I was approved the first time, was also part of my

job history. All of my jobs in the past 10 years involved a lot of

physical activity.

I wish you luck and you should apply as soon as you feel you can no

longer work, as it can take a very long time to get approved.

[Guest guest]

Thaks for the nfo I believe it depends alot on what state you are in also your age.

From: m_obsheatz <m_obsheatz@...>Subject: Re: disabilityRheumatoid Arthritis Date: Thursday, November 6, 2008, 3:35 PM

>> I am thinking about applying for Social Security Disability andwould like to > hear from those who have applied and either were accepted or are still > waiting for approval. I would like to hear how long it took you tobe approved and > if you had to be out of work for at least 6 months before youstarted the > process. Also what is your history regarding Rheumatoid arthritis,if you have had > hip or knee replacements and if so how many. I was diagnosed with RAwhen I > was 17 years old, I am now 55 and I've had 4 hip replacements and 3knee > replacements and very soon will have a revision done on my left hip.I've also had > tendon transfers done on both hands. I would appreciate informationfrom

anyone > regarding the SSD or SSI process. Thank you so much, Don>I was approved for disability on my first try. I applied in April ofthis year and was approved in August. I started receiving benefits inOctober.I have only had RA for 3 years. I have tremendous amount of pain. Ihave had no surgeries. My suggestion is for you to get a book onapplying for social security disability. I did, and followed all ofthe instructions and tips. Be extremely thorough. Get your medicalrecords from all your doctors. I applied in person (I was in themiddle of a bad flare at the time, so it helped). I also typed a 2page letter explaining my life with this disease. How it has affectedme emotionally as well. I received a packet in the mail a short whilelater with a lengthy list of questions. I answered that thoroughly,sent all of my medical records, a list of all my medications, list ofmy

doctors' names and phone numbers, my 2 page letter and pictures ofmy RA swelling, etc.I think part of why I was approved the first time, was also part of myjob history. All of my jobs in the past 10 years involved a lot ofphysical activity. I wish you luck and you should apply as soon as you feel you can nolonger work, as it can take a very long time to get approved.