Guest guest Posted November 1, 2004 Report Share Posted November 1, 2004 Hi Penny, That is great news on the SS disability!!!! How long did it take for eligibility? I applied it took one year, but so worth it, there is no way I can work. Hope to see you posting more, it's so great to get to know other's. T PS:Is the Remicade helping you? --- In , " chuck.penny " <chuckandpenny@n...> wrote: > > > Hello, Ive been a member forever it seems, but dont think Ive ever > posted before. > I am 43 and have had RA since I was 17. My current meds are: > Remicade (tried embrel and Humira) > Methotrexate (inject) > Morphine - am and pm > Hydrocodone - as needed for pain > Trazodone - for sleep > Prozac - low dose, but I think it helps my attitude > amoxicillin - I get infections very easily, especially strep > Provera and Premarin - Lost ovaries 10 yrs ago > (Must use a walker to get around, insurance denied an electric > scooter) > I have been working full time as a legal assistant in the district > attorneys office until July 1st when my doctor said no more. I was > having trouble making it in to work. Plus I think they were trying to > fire me...saying I was making mistakes, but never showing them to me. > I would get off work and go straight to bed until the next day. My > husband did all of our shopping cooking housecleaning and cared for > our daughter, 7. We economically needed me to work, but it was just > impossible anymore. I quit and applied for SS and unemployment. > I was approved for unemployment right away as I was able to show we > had tried numerous things to continue working (changing duties, > ergonimic changes, hours changed). I applied for SS right away. I got > some great tips from groups like this one on how to apply and how to > word things. I fully expected a long fight, but was blown away when > they awarded me benefits last week. I'll get my first check in > January! > Anyway, you always hear about the horror stories for getting SS, so I > thought it was only fair I share my story and to say thanks to those > who shared their experiences with me. > On a side note, I would have posted this earlier but my entire > computer was wiped out last week by the beagle worm. Luckily a friend > was able to reload everything, but all my history is gone. > Warmest Regards, > Penny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2004 Report Share Posted November 1, 2004 > > > " I have been working full time as a legal assistant in the district > attorneys office until July 1st when my doctor said no more. I was > having trouble making it in to work. Plus I think they were trying to fire me...saying I was making mistakes, but never showing them to me. " Penny, I too am a paralegal working full-time and know how difficult it can be physically, as well as emotionally, when deadlines need to be met and egotistic, arrogant attorneys are on the warpath. At least my attorneys are very understanding and sympathetic, but there are still days when I am so drained and looking forward to another day of the same is very depressing. And, here I am at the office at 6:30 p.m. working, trying to finish a project and taking a dinner break of left-over halloween candy and Diet Coke and trying to get a little pick-me-up by checking in with my favorite RA Support Group. Hearing your story reminds me that I am not alone and that when the time comes for me to apply for disability, MAYBE it'll work as well as it has for you. At least my child is grown and starting her own family, my husband is very supportive and understanding so coming home and collapsing on the couch is expected - he just brings me a pain pill and a kiss. I can't quit, we, like everyone else, need the second income. By the way, he's an attorney too, they're not all rich. Sorry, didn't mean to go on so, just a little tired. Hope your new life is great!! Ann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2004 Report Share Posted November 1, 2004 Gee, hmmmm, I think I can answer this...I am one of those attorneys. I have had RA for nearly 17 years (longer if time period where RA factor was negative is counted). Law is stressful and at 50 I am thinking of reinventing myself. Being single and my sole source of income makes it difficult - especially where health insurance is concerned.You are right -we are not all wealthy - I work for a legal services (aid) program. I wish both of you the best of luck - some of us are amazed by the paralegals who work with us and have nothing but respect for those who make our lives better and brighter. I too hope that if and more likely when the day comes that I can no longer work - I will handle the situation with as much class and insight as you have. Hugs to both, -------------- Original message from " eaprescott " <aphillips@...>: -------------- > > > > > > > > > " I have been working full time as a legal assistant in the district > > attorneys office until July 1st when my doctor said no more. I was > > having trouble making it in to work. Plus I think they were trying > to fire me...saying I was making mistakes, but never showing them to > me. " > > Penny, I too am a paralegal working full-time and know how difficult > it can be physically, as well as emotionally, when deadlines need to > be met and egotistic, arrogant attorneys are on the warpath. At > least my attorneys are very understanding and sympathetic, but there > are still days when I am so drained and looking forward to another > day of the same is very depressing. And, here I am at the office at > 6:30 p.m. working, trying to finish a project and taking a dinner > break of left-over halloween candy and Diet Coke and trying to get a > little pick-me-up by checking in with my favorite RA Support Group. > Hearing your story reminds me that I am not alone and that when the > time comes for me to apply for disability, MAYBE it'll work as well > as it has for you. At least my child is grown and starting her own > family, my husband is very supportive and understanding so coming > home and collapsing on the couch is expected - he just brings me a > pain pill and a kiss. I can't quit, we, like everyone else, need > the second income. By the way, he's an attorney too, they're not > all rich. > > Sorry, didn't mean to go on so, just a little tired. Hope your new > life is great!! > > Ann > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2004 Report Share Posted November 2, 2004 Hi Penny. Thanks so much for sharing your story. It¹s nice to know that not everyone gets turned down and must go through the lengthy appeals process. I also was approved the first time. Now that you¹ve been approved, maybe your insurance will reconsider an electric scooter. Glad you had a friend to help you with your computer virus. a > > > Hello, Ive been a member forever it seems, but dont think Ive ever > posted before. > I am 43 and have had RA since I was 17. My current meds are: > Remicade (tried embrel and Humira) > Methotrexate (inject) > Morphine - am and pm > Hydrocodone - as needed for pain > Trazodone - for sleep > Prozac - low dose, but I think it helps my attitude > amoxicillin - I get infections very easily, especially strep > Provera and Premarin - Lost ovaries 10 yrs ago > (Must use a walker to get around, insurance denied an electric > scooter) > I have been working full time as a legal assistant in the district > attorneys office until July 1st when my doctor said no more. I was > having trouble making it in to work. Plus I think they were trying to > fire me...saying I was making mistakes, but never showing them to me. > I would get off work and go straight to bed until the next day. My > husband did all of our shopping cooking housecleaning and cared for > our daughter, 7. We economically needed me to work, but it was just > impossible anymore. I quit and applied for SS and unemployment. > I was approved for unemployment right away as I was able to show we > had tried numerous things to continue working (changing duties, > ergonimic changes, hours changed). I applied for SS right away. I got > some great tips from groups like this one on how to apply and how to > word things. I fully expected a long fight, but was blown away when > they awarded me benefits last week. I'll get my first check in > January! > Anyway, you always hear about the horror stories for getting SS, so I > thought it was only fair I share my story and to say thanks to those > who shared their experiences with me. > On a side note, I would have posted this earlier but my entire > computer was wiped out last week by the beagle worm. Luckily a friend > was able to reload everything, but all my history is gone. > Warmest Regards, > Penny > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2004 Report Share Posted November 3, 2004 Sorry you had to give up your job, Penny, but congratulations on getting your SS benefits so quickly. Hope to hear more from you soon! I'll tell you where to go! Mayo Clinic in Rochester http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester s Hopkins Medicine http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org [ ] social security > > > > Hello, Ive been a member forever it seems, but dont think Ive ever > posted before. > I am 43 and have had RA since I was 17. My current meds are: > Remicade (tried embrel and Humira) > Methotrexate (inject) > Morphine - am and pm > Hydrocodone - as needed for pain > Trazodone - for sleep > Prozac - low dose, but I think it helps my attitude > amoxicillin - I get infections very easily, especially strep > Provera and Premarin - Lost ovaries 10 yrs ago > (Must use a walker to get around, insurance denied an electric > scooter) > I have been working full time as a legal assistant in the district > attorneys office until July 1st when my doctor said no more. I was > having trouble making it in to work. Plus I think they were trying to > fire me...saying I was making mistakes, but never showing them to me. > I would get off work and go straight to bed until the next day. My > husband did all of our shopping cooking housecleaning and cared for > our daughter, 7. We economically needed me to work, but it was just > impossible anymore. I quit and applied for SS and unemployment. > I was approved for unemployment right away as I was able to show we > had tried numerous things to continue working (changing duties, > ergonimic changes, hours changed). I applied for SS right away. I got > some great tips from groups like this one on how to apply and how to > word things. I fully expected a long fight, but was blown away when > they awarded me benefits last week. I'll get my first check in > January! > Anyway, you always hear about the horror stories for getting SS, so I > thought it was only fair I share my story and to say thanks to those > who shared their experiences with me. > On a side note, I would have posted this earlier but my entire > computer was wiped out last week by the beagle worm. Luckily a friend > was able to reload everything, but all my history is gone. > Warmest Regards, > Penny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2005 Report Share Posted March 16, 2005 i was denied my first go round. i hired a ss atty and got approved within 6 mos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2005 Report Share Posted March 16, 2005 I applied one day on a whim when I was driving past. I went in with NOTHING. I was approved, but I did have to have an exam by one of their docs...but they did get all my doc records from my doc. Their doc took xrays of my hands and feet and looked at my hands and feet, thats all. I have been on 3 years and am waiting now to hear if I need a review for soc sec. > > Hello, > I'm wondering if anyone has had a positive outcome applying for disability > (SS) with RA. I recently applied and am awaiting a decision. > > Kirsten Kraushaar > Minnesota > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2005 Report Share Posted March 16, 2005 Hi... I applied on my own and was immediately denied. I then hired a lawyer who helped me win my appeal with back payments. It really helped us financially.... Now I get a monthly check along with two checks for my kids... maureen [ ] Re: Social security I applied one day on a whim when I was driving past. I went in with NOTHING. I was approved, but I did have to have an exam by one of their docs...but they did get all my doc records from my doc. Their doc took xrays of my hands and feet and looked at my hands and feet, thats all. I have been on 3 years and am waiting now to hear if I need a review for soc sec. > > Hello, > I'm wondering if anyone has had a positive outcome applying for disability > (SS) with RA. I recently applied and am awaiting a decision. > > Kirsten Kraushaar > Minnesota > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2005 Report Share Posted March 16, 2005 I applied for ss and I was also denied so I try getting back to work and my wrist gets so bad that I can't even lift a galon of milk I need help to open a coke I'm out of work now but do you think I should hire a lawyer to help me with my case??? cindy/texas mhwbcw92 <mhwbcw92@...> wrote: Hi... I applied on my own and was immediately denied. I then hired a lawyer who helped me win my appeal with back payments. It really helped us financially.... Now I get a monthly check along with two checks for my kids... maureen [ ] Re: Social security I applied one day on a whim when I was driving past. I went in with NOTHING. I was approved, but I did have to have an exam by one of their docs...but they did get all my doc records from my doc. Their doc took xrays of my hands and feet and looked at my hands and feet, thats all. I have been on 3 years and am waiting now to hear if I need a review for soc sec. > > Hello, > I'm wondering if anyone has had a positive outcome applying for disability > (SS) with RA. I recently applied and am awaiting a decision. > > Kirsten Kraushaar > Minnesota > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2005 Report Share Posted March 16, 2005 ----- Original Message ----- From: Reggie Galindo > I applied for ss and I was also denied so I try getting back to work and my wrist gets so bad that I can't even lift a galon of milk I need help to open a coke I'm out of work now but do you think I should hire a lawyer to help me with my case??? cindy/texas Believe it or not it depends on where you live in TX whether you are denied or not. My lawyer (I'm in TX) told me that if I was in OKC or Austin, I would not have been denied. But because mine went through Ft. Worth, I was immediately denied and I have many diseases, not just RA. I did hire an attorney after being denied and it took another year before I got it. Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2005 Report Share Posted March 16, 2005 When I applied for disability in 1991, there were 3 levels of decision, or so I was told. First application is automatically denied if the illness is not fatal in the near future. In the second application, the file is actually opened and read. Normally, they depend on folks getting tired of waiting and go back to work. The third step was the judicial review. That was attended by a traveling federal judge and his assistant. Along with the files, statements from doctors, family members, and the victim were taken. The decision was to be made " in about a month " . After that, you started over again. I never got a lawyer because I didn't feel like giving money to someone that didn't really work on the case or suffer like I had to. I was lucky to have immediately got my decision from the judge. He said he didn't understand why I was ever denied. I didn't either, maybe it was just politics. When my mother applied, it was for SSI because she never worked outside the home, so she didn't have anything paid in to Social Security. All her finger joints were solid, as were much of the rest of her body, but they wanted her to work as a cashier at a gas station. She couldn't even open her medicine bottles! This was before 'easy open bottles', so she really had a time taking her meds. Dennis [ ] Re: Social security > > > > I applied one day on a whim when I was driving past. I went in with > NOTHING. I was approved, but I did have to have an exam by one of > their docs...but they did get all my doc records from my doc. Their > doc took xrays of my hands and feet and looked at my hands and feet, > thats all. > I have been on 3 years and am waiting now to hear if I need a review > for soc sec. > > > > > > > > Hello, > > I'm wondering if anyone has had a positive outcome applying for > disability > > (SS) with RA. I recently applied and am awaiting a decision. > > > > Kirsten Kraushaar > > Minnesota Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 I am 43 and am also ineligible for Social Security Disability and will not be getting Social Secuirty on my own benefit too. I am fortunate that I am married to a wonderful man and I get supported by him. I expect to get the spousal social security when I am older. I got my disability too young and never worked enough quarters in one type of job ( some of the time I worked in state government where we didn't pay into SS) to qualify. SSI may help if you have no assets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2006 Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 Hi , You and I are almost the same age. I was turned down 5 times for SSD. The judge told me I had severe RA, but that I brought it on myself by not taking the MTX at the time, so he denied me based on that not based on my level of disability. The consulting doctor there told the judge I could find work as a security gaurd. I worked as a medical transcriptionist. I don't know how that translates into security gaurd. I can just see me trying to stop some criminal. I have since been on the MTX, but have not had the results others speak about. The side effects are a bit much for me as well. Anyway, the SSD was denied at the court's level. That was 5 years ago. I too was told by doctor I was too young and it would be hard for me to be approved. He was right in my case. He said you are married, go back to school and learn a new trade. That's easier said than done with RA. School isn't cheap and RA can cause a financial strain, at least it did in my case. Although I am married the strain of having to earn for us both has taken its toll on him. Everyone isn't cut out for longterm illness in a spouse. He said it. He says no one in his family can handle longterm illness. They put their grandmother in a home when she became ill. However, I do believe people can be wonderful people, just not good spouses. Everybody isn't cut out for caretaking. So, I sought outside support and landed here at the group. I can't make him give me what he can't give no more than I could make the judge approve the SSD. I am trying desperately to earn a living, and learn a new trade from home (so that I can free him from caretaking in more ways than one), but seriously thinking of reapplying for the SSD. I worked 17 years before becoming ill. So your message caught my eye with the other messages on SSI. Let me know how you guys get along with re-applying for the SSD. Do you plan to reapply some time in the near future? Best wishes. ---------------------------------------------------- > > I am 43 and am also ineligible for Social Security Disability and will not be getting Social Secuirty on my own benefit too. I am fortunate that I am married to a wonderful man and I get supported by him. I expect to get the spousal social security when I am older. I got my disability too young and never worked enough quarters in one type of job ( some of the time I worked in state government where we didn't pay into SS) to qualify. SSI may help if you have no assets. > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 30, 2006 Report Share Posted December 30, 2006 Hi Everyone, I have applied for my social security and the paper work is beginning to arrive. If anyone has been through this process and been successful or not will you please e-mail me. I have many questions and need some advice since they have already scheduled appointments, for me, with two different Drs. Thanks, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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