SSD

[Guest guest]

hey everyone!! I was wondering if someone(s) could offer some

advice for me. My rheumy had offered to put me on full disability.

I told him that I would think about it but I didn't think I would

want to go that route but I told him that I would think about it.

Well, opportunity is knocking right now. With my long term

disability plan, I have to be off work for 4 months straight. That

has happened for other reasons, but as long as I was off that time

frame it doesn't matter to them. Anywhoo, I know that if I go back

to work that I will be in a world of hurt. I love my job and the

people I work with, unfortunately, when I am working, the stress

just triggers my RA terribly to the point that I have to take a few

days off because I am bed-ridden. For the past 2 years I have been

on 80-100mg of predinisone daily to keep the RA in check. This is

ontop of Remicade, Methotrexate, & plaquinel. Since I have been off

work these last 4 months, I have been able to stop the steriods and

only take them when needed. I still have a lot of pain at times and

just moderate pain the rest of the time. I have been bed-ridden a

few times in this 4 month period but for a much shorter time frame

and the intensity doesn't last as long as it used to. I knew the

steroids were doing a lot for me, but on the flip side, they can do

a lot of bad things to me too (risk for osteoporosis, ect..).I just

don't know what to do. I am only 34. I hate to go on full disability

at my age. What to do what to do. I am guessing I would have to go

onto medicare eventually. And I will need to apply for SSD (sure

that will be a joy ride to get!!). Please, any suggestions, advice,

or something would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Marina