Re: disability

[Guest guest]

Stella:

Contact your Human Resource/Personnel Benefits Department at school to check on and file for short and long term benefits available through the School.

Then, contact your local Social Security office to check on and file for Social Security benefits. Be prepared for Social Security to send you a number of Form Letter Denials. You will have to continuously appeal each denial because they work on the principal of wearing you down to the point that you will give up on getting any benefits. You have to psychologically get the point across to them that you have a "Bull-dog" determination and nothing will make you quit appealing other than their acceptance of your disability.

Once Social Security accepts your disability, you will qualify for Medicare. Do not drop your school insurance. As soon as you are on Medicare, notify the school so your school insurance premium will be reduced.

I went through this on my wife with her fibromyalgia disability and eventho it was in Arizona, the process should be very similar if not exactly the same. I took Social Security to Administrative Law Court before they finally accepted her disability.

Noland

----- Original Message -----

From: szaffa1@...

low dose naltrexone

Sent: Thursday, September 18, 2003 9:34 AM

Subject: [low dose naltrexone] Disability

Unfortunately, I've had to take some time away from work again. I am a teacher with a stressful and strenuous job. For the past two months my right leg has gotten progressively worse. It has gotten to the point that by the end of the day I can hardly walk. This seems to happen over and over. I work for a couple of months, feel horrible, take some time off, feel great, and repeat the process. Unfortunately I am single and not wealthy and I depend on my job to pay the bills. Disability through my work pays close to nothing. Does anyone know what the procedure is to get disability through the government in Florida?

Thank you,

Stella

[Guest guest]

If you haven't contributed to Social Security you normally can't get it. However, there may be other programs available, i.e., SSI. The Social Security office would be a good place to start asking.

Noland

----- Original Message -----

From: BoggyFla11@...

low dose naltrexone

Sent: Thursday, September 18, 2003 11:29 PM

Subject: Fwd: [low dose naltrexone] Disability

Stella, I hope you can get disability. Does anyone know if teachers can qualify for Social Security Disability? Teachers, at least in Texas, do not pay Social Security taxes. Good luck, Sally A.

[Guest guest]

I would apply now because it will probably take them 6 months to process the paper work. If not, they will most likely hold the paper work until the 6 months expires.

Noland

----- Original Message -----

From: szaffa1@...

low dose naltrexone

Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2003 3:12 PM

Subject: [low dose naltrexone] Disability

I've done quite a bit of reading and I cannot receive disability benefits in Florida until I have been out of work for 6 months. Does this mean that I cannot apply until then or can I apply ahead of time?

Thanks,

Stella

[Guest guest]

Don,

I was turned down the first time and am awaiting a hearing now. I haven't worked now in about a year and a half. ~donbrndo@... 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

~Psalm 46__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Don..

If you had all of that done I cannot imagine that you can have a good quality of life. I received SSD on my first try, had only two surgeries (knee arthroscopy and tendon release for my trigger finger) and even cartilage in my joints at that point. Most of my problems were pain and fatigue issues at the time. I quit my job at the time because of the arthroscopy since they told me it would take 8 weeks to heal..LOL.

I had a response within 2 months but had to wait 4 extra months to receive the payments. From my understanding they can retroactivate payments if you were *disabled* by their standards when you quit work.

The important things, I feel, is to have doctors on your side. Make sure the have noted all your surgeries, every whine, every ache and pain. And don't answer the phone on the first ring during your phone interview...if you can get to the phone that quick they think you are fine...seriously! ok, maybe not but I made sure the phone rang and sounded pathetic. When I had my interview I was not with it anyways.

Shandi

donbrndo@... 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

~Psalm 46

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Don it took me about 6 months to get on ssd I had a doctor on my

side pushing me to get on it so I would have some insurance if it

wasn't for her I may not be on it today she was a get help they did

send me to thier doctor and he looked at me and send a report to the

ss office and my doctor I was turned down the first time I sent it

back in and was aproved right away it took like I said abiut 6

mounths to get it Sherrie

> 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

[Guest guest]

Hi Don,

I haven't had to apply for Social Security Disability, and have to

admit that I'm more familiar with employer based short and long term

disability. There are some similarities in the application and

claims process that you need to follow:

1. Understand the definition of disability that the government (or

your disability policy) has. If the plan says 'you are disabled if

you have been unable to work for x period of time', make sure your

situation meets the definition. Find out the definition of unable

to 'work'. If that in your own occupation? Is that in any

occupation that you can do or be trained to do (even if the new job

is at a lower pay level)

2. Make sure your physician documents your diagnosis, treatment

plan, and any limitations to your normal activities. No matter how

many surgeries you've had, or how long you've had RA, if your doctor

says you have no restrictions, then according to the rules you're

not disabled because you can work. So make sure any that that's

completed regarding your physical limitations is very specfic..

3. Always follow all instructions exactly. Fill out all forms

completely. Supply all names of all doctors, medications, and all

that other stuff they require. Print legibly - if you can't have

somone help you.

3. Document everything. Keep copies of everything you send to them

and when you send it. Get the name of ever person you talk with,

the date and time.

Although a lot of people will suggest getting an attorney involved,

I don't know if that is always necessary from the beginning. But

keep all of your documentation in order in case you need one later

on. In many cases the claims issues are due to submission of

incomplete or poorly written applications.

Hope all goes well for you.

Beth

> 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

[Guest guest]

Thanks to all of you who told of your experiences regarding the disability process. If anyone else has some info or suggestions regarding how to apply I would very much appreciate them. Not being able to apply until 6 months out of work seems to be a very tough thing to do especially when you're the guy that has to pay the bills. How does one pay the bills while you have to wait for all of 6 months before you hear whether you were approved and then, what if you are not approved? It seems to be a very stressful and cruel thing to do to someone who is already suffering. Thank you, Don

[Guest guest]

Hi Don,

Unfortunately, no one ever said that the process is easy and

unstressful.

Have you checked out the social security website? It does have some

really good information about the criteria they use for disability

and what they expect and assume in the process. There's nothing

that says you have to wait 6 months to apply.

Here's the site I found (in case you haven't found it)

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/. Hope it helps you figure out if you

qualify and, if so, how to get through the process.

Beth

> Thanks to all of you who told of your experiences regarding the

disability

> process. If anyone else has some info or suggestions regarding how

to apply I

> would very much appreciate them. Not being able to apply until 6

months out of

> work seems to be a very tough thing to do especially when you're

the guy that

> has to pay the bills. How does one pay the bills while you have to

wait for all

> of 6 months before you hear whether you were approved and then,

what if you

> are not approved? It seems to be a very stressful and cruel thing

to do to

> someone who is already suffering. Thank you, Don

[Guest guest]

Hi Don and Welcome:

Disability is very tough with the condition we have, unless it is sever enough to keep us out of work for more than a year, per our doctors statements on progress.

When I had to go off work, I was in a boot cast from a soft bone heel fracture for 10 months, plus recovering from a shoulder surgery involving cutting bone away from impinged shoulder tissue, rotary cuff clean up & cyst removal under rotary cuff.

What a nightmare, I feel for you big time. My work's insurance company forced me to file work comp because they' thought lifting heavy furniture and standing long hours contributed to it. Because of this, the insurance pulled back $12,000 from the surgery and 2 years of previously paid medical amounts. Talk about getting some bills sent to my residence, WOW. I had to dance around the patient accounts people, set up monthly payments, untill I got an attorney. Then, about 4 months later, the insurance company re-paid these bill with a 'lein' against the outcome of the work comp trial. Then, the short term disability kept asking me for monthly varifications from my doctor, and told me they only pay what Social Security wont pay, so they forced me to apply for S.S.D. S.S.D. denied it, so my short term disability ended up paying for 6 months. My company did not have long term

disability, so I was stuck with the following 6 to 8 months.

Fortunatly I had some savings built up to cover me through once the medical was paid. I was given a 'back to work' note from doctor, and decided to get a less physical work in my same area with a smaller company. It took me about 14 months from the initial disability to find other work, but I didn't have to lift heavy items , nor stand for long hours. All those hoops I had to jump through, and I ended up being inelligable for S.S.D anyway. It was rediculus the way the insurance companies tried to pass off the mounting bills, but I have become much better now with diet, exercise & needed medicines. I have been at my new work for 1 year now. I have the RA in my tail bone also, and that was bothersome, let me tell you, especially sitting on a wood bench watching a football game. I've built up to 50 angled sit ups per day with 20 lb hand weights on my chest, using a

temperpedic pillow for comfort. The tail bone arthritis isn't at all like it was, much better from the sit ups. Trend mill for 20 minutes, hand weights for curls and bringing arms from side upward like airplane wings to work out the RA in my neck and shoulders. I do about a 40 minute routine before showering and going to work. That, my Southbeach diet, Enbrel, Methotrexate and Cellebrex have given me some great results. My last visit, the doc said if I continue this progress, I can start to reduce down the amount of methotrexate from the 6, ... 2.5mg now. 2 years of watching carbs and 1 year of exercising, and I am starting to feel in better shape than I've been sence just after High School, amost 30 years ago.

Don't give up, Don, and realize there is a solution to anything if you stay focused on one. If your disability is on the boarderline of collecting S.S.D., than a good friend of mine recommends that you get an Attorney. Social Secuity is said to always deny the first time around, to see if you will get up on your feet and get a job before they have to pay out. An Attorney, I'm told, will force S.S. with the legal sides, and get your payment with quicker results, if the legal definitions are on your side. Check into that also......

God Bless,

Dan

Midwest Michigan

donbrndo@... wrote:

Thanks to all of you who told of your experiences regarding the disability process. If anyone else has some info or suggestions regarding how to apply I would very much appreciate them. Not being able to apply until 6 months out of work seems to be a very tough thing to do especially when you're the guy that has to pay the bills. How does one pay the bills while you have to wait for all of 6 months before you hear whether you were approved and then, what if you are not approved? It seems to be a very stressful and cruel thing to do to someone who is already suffering. Thank you, Don __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Go to this site and join (it is free)

http://www.disabilityinsuranceforums.com/

there are a lot of people that are going through the

process of disability and some of their information,

ordeals and filings might give you some good advice as

to how to approach the issue, etc. The main thing on

disability is that you have to state " why you cannot

work. " Not necessarily RA, but all the symptoms that

affect your life. This is a great site and helped me

in my re-evaluation (or at least got me prepared).

Good luck...

--- donbrndo@... wrote:

> Hello, I'm a new member and I was wondering if there

> are any other members

> who have been through the social security disability

> process and what was their

> experience. I'm thinking about applying and could

> use some tips on how to make

> the process go smoothly. Thank you, Don

>

Marilyn Sue

__________________________________

- PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005

http://mail.

[Guest guest]

, I wanna' go..... and I wish I was 25 again too!! Next time tell those guys it's only choppy on top. Kinda' like a flat tire on one side..... If your taking your artillery with you, take the prescription too. Have fun. Delcindy sieman <katanyablade@...> wrote: Hi Alas, no diving last night...the guys thought it was to choppy. Only one month left in lobster season. But I am making

plans to dive in Cozemel at spring break. The water is 81 degree right now!! Heaven on earth. I did my injection last night. I'm hating that nasty little needle. Blah!!! I'm having a hard time mentally with it. I don't think I have any probs with any of the organs. I go in today for blood work, so hopefully I'll get some feedback and see if this stuff is doing it's job. Good luck with that water heater!!!!Del Compton <go_deliman > wrote: Hi and , ... ... I mean't to get back to you sooner, but I started chasing a fly or something and now its 2:00AM.. hahaha and now my water heater is leaking from two stories above ground... into the living room... ground floor. Time to call in some of the Calvary, I think..

cause I get too damn dizzy to walk around and dance with a water heater in the attic, NOW IS WHEN I REALLY HATE THIS CRAP!!!!! When I can't take care of my own self!!! OK... NEXT!!! Your doctor may be concerned about the difference in pressure when diving. I'm not a doc, but possibly the change in pressure could make it difficult on your organs, especially if there are any problems like enlarged spleen, etc... kidney problems..again...I don't know this... but a friend of mine was told not to dive, or hike in high places (Like Pikes Peak or something)... but her problem was a deflated lung. It may have her, or someone eklse that told me no matter what she tried , she float up faster than she should, I'm not sure why... but she did... I could suggest ya'll sharing diving stories or problems whatever if you like. Good Luck!! , I think your talking about pumping iron... I used to do that.... I wish I had realized that it was much better to be a little "put-off" by the fact I used to lift XXX lbs.. when doing curls and now was struggling with less than 1/2 of that, was MUCH better than actually trying to do more weight. Lifting weights, as I'm sure you know, is a process of tearing muscles when lifting, and then allowing them to repair, and repeat this process until you are where you want to be. Being a no pain no gain person doesn't help too much in this new arena, for me anyway...... When I go to the store, combined with other chores I have to do outside the house, it has taken me 2 days to recoup fully...or near to whatever that used to be . It's taken me a year to realize after I'm in the hospital for a couple or three weeks, it takes about a week to feel HEPC/

ESLD "normal" again. The downswing to that is...there is generally alot of crap to do when you get back, and I STILL tend to beat myself up for being lazy, and in an cluttery house. Just take it slow... try to accept your a little wounded, and don't over do it. Now you kids go out and have some fun!! LOL!!!!! Sincerely, Deliman Goolsby <anthonyegoolsby > wrote: have fun diving you have inspired to get back into doing something dont know if I can still handle the weights but its time to do something

have fun anthonycindy sieman <katanyablade > wrote: Thanks Suzie Wow...that letter hit pretty clean. I've had everyone of my freinds suggest cures or treatments for me...and it's

getting a little overwhelming. I don't want to be an asshole and at the same time , I can only take my dr. suggestions. Well, hopefully, I'm going scuba diving tonight. I'm waiting to here back about the weather conditions from the boyfreind. Then shot 4 when I get home. Wish me luck diving Katsuzie <suzieandsandy > wrote: , , Here's a letter that seems to give others the general idea of how we feel. I know it helped me with my family. There's another one for families that I'll post later. SuZie A Letter To People Without Hepatitis! Having Hepatitis means many things change, and a lot of them are invisible. Unlike having cancer or being hurt in an accident, most people do not understand even a little about HCV and its effects, and of those that think they know, many are actually misinformed. In the spirit of informing those who wish to understand ... These are the things that I would like you to understand about me before you judge me... Please

understand that being sick doesn't mean I'm not still a human being. I have to spend most of my day in considerable pain and exhaustion, and if you visit I probably don't seem like much fun to be with, but I'm still me stuck inside this body. I still worry about life and work and my family and friends, and most of the time I'd still like to hear you talk about yours too. Please understand the difference between "happy" and "healthy". When you've got the flu you probably feel miserable with it, but I've been sick for years. I can't be miserable all the time; in fact I work hard at not being miserable. So if you're talking to me and I sound happy, it means I'm happy. That’s all. It doesn't mean that I'm not in a lot of pain, or extremely tired, or that I'm getting better, or any of those things. Please, don't say, "Oh, you're sounding better!”. I am not sounding

better, I am sounding happy. If you want to comment on that, you're welcome. Please understand that being able to stand up for ten minutes, doesn't necessarily mean that I can stand up for twenty minutes, or an hour. And, just because I managed to stand up for thirty minutes yesterday doesn't mean that I can do the same today. With a lot of diseases you're either paralyzed, or you can move. With this one it gets more confusing. Please repeat the above paragraph substituting, "sitting", "walking", "thinking", "being sociable" and so on ... it applies to everything. That's what Hepatitis does to you. Please understand that HCV or HBV is

variable. It's quite possible (for me, it's common) that one day I am able to walk to the park and back, while the next day I'll have trouble getting to the kitchen. Please don't attack me when I'm ill by saying, "But you did it before!” if you want me to do something then ask if I can. In a similar vein, I may need to cancel an invitation at the last minute, if this happens please do not take it personally. Please understand that "getting out and doing things" does not make me feel better. Telling me that I need a treadmill, or that I just need to loose (or gain)weight, get this exercise machine, join this gym, try these classes... may frustrate me to tears, and is not correct... if I was capable of doing these things, don't you know that I would? I am working with my doctor and physical therapist and am already doing the exercise and diet that I am

supposed to do. Another statement that hurts is, "You just need to push yourself more, exercise harder". Obviously HCV deals directly with muscles, and because our muscles don't repair themselves the way your muscles do, this does far more damage than good and could result in recovery time in days or weeks or months from a single activity. Also, Hepatitis may cause secondary depression (wouldn't you get depressed if you were hurting and exhausted for years on end!?) but it is not created by depression. Please understand that if I say I have to sit down/lie down/take these pills now, that I do have to do it right now - it can't be put off or forgotten just because I'm out for the day (or whatever). Hepatitis does not forgive. If you want to suggest a cure to me, don't. It's not because I don't appreciate the thought, and it's not because I don't want to get well. It's because I have had almost every single one of my friends suggest one at one point or another. At first I tried them all, but then I realized that I was using up so much energy trying things that I was making myself sicker, not better. If there were something that cured, or even helped, all people with hepatitis then we'd know about it. This is not a drug-company conspiracy; there is worldwide networking (both on and off the Internet) between people with Hepatitis if something worked we would KNOW. If after reading that, you still want to suggest a cure, then do it, but don't expect me to rush out and try it. I'll take what you said and discuss it with my

doctor. In many ways I depend on you - people who are not sick - I need you to visit me when I am too sick to go out... Sometimes I need your help me with the shopping, cooking or cleaning. I may need you to take me to the doctor, or to the physical therapist. I need you on a different level too ... you're my link to the outside world... if you don't come to visit me at home and/or whenever I'm hospitalized, then I might not get to see you...and as much as it's possible, I need you to understand me... By Bek Oberin Next time I'm coming back as a cat Want to start your own business? Learn how on Small Business. Don't pick lemons.See all the new 2007 cars at Autos. Need Mail bonding?Go to the Q & A for great tips from Answers users. Don't get soaked. Take a quick peak at the forecast with the Search weather shortcut.

Everyone is raving about the all-new beta.

[Guest guest]

Shoot ...I wish I was 25 too. I'm 39 , soon to be 40... The boys get sicksea...it's kind of funny . They're both seasoned divers. I give 'em shit cause I'm the only one who hasn't lost it in the boat. The weather is going to be rough this weekend too. I need some lobsters!!!Del Compton <go_deliman@...> wrote: , I wanna' go..... and I wish I was 25 again too!! Next time tell those guys it's only choppy on top. Kinda' like a flat tire on one

side..... If your taking your artillery with you, take the prescription too. Have fun. Delcindy sieman <katanyablade > wrote: Hi Alas, no diving last night...the guys thought it was to choppy. Only one month left in lobster season. But I am making plans to dive in Cozemel at spring break. The water is 81 degree right now!! Heaven on earth. I did my injection last night. I'm hating that nasty little needle. Blah!!! I'm having a hard time mentally with it. I don't think I have any probs with any of the organs. I go in today for blood work, so hopefully I'll get some feedback and see if this stuff is doing it's job. Good luck with that water heater!!!!Del Compton

<go_deliman > wrote: Hi and , ... ... I mean't to get back to you sooner, but I started chasing a fly or something and now its 2:00AM.. hahaha and now my water heater is leaking from two stories above ground... into the living room... ground floor. Time to call in some of the Calvary, I think.. cause I get too damn dizzy to walk around and dance with a water heater in the attic, NOW IS WHEN I REALLY HATE THIS CRAP!!!!! When I can't take care of my own self!!! OK... NEXT!!! Your doctor may be concerned about the difference in pressure when diving. I'm not a doc, but possibly the change in pressure could make it difficult on your organs, especially if there are any problems like enlarged spleen,

etc... kidney problems..again...I don't know this... but a friend of mine was told not to dive, or hike in high places (Like Pikes Peak or something)... but her problem was a deflated lung. It may have her, or someone eklse that told me no matter what she tried , she float up faster than she should, I'm not sure why... but she did... I could suggest ya'll sharing diving stories or problems whatever if you like. Good Luck!! , I think your talking about pumping iron... I used to do that.... I wish I had realized that it was much better to be a little "put-off" by the fact I used to lift XXX lbs.. when doing curls and now was struggling with less than 1/2 of that, was MUCH better than actually trying to do more weight. Lifting weights, as I'm sure you know, is a process of tearing muscles when lifting, and then

allowing them to repair, and repeat this process until you are where you want to be. Being a no pain no gain person doesn't help too much in this new arena, for me anyway...... When I go to the store, combined with other chores I have to do outside the house, it has taken me 2 days to recoup fully...or near to whatever that used to be . It's taken me a year to realize after I'm in the hospital for a couple or three weeks, it takes about a week to feel HEPC/ ESLD "normal" again. The downswing to that is...there is generally alot of crap to do when you get back, and I STILL tend to beat myself up for being lazy, and in an cluttery house. Just take it slow... try to accept your a little wounded, and don't over do it. Now you kids go out and have some fun!! LOL!!!!! Sincerely, Deliman Goolsby <anthonyegoolsby > wrote: have fun diving you have inspired to get back into doing something dont know if I can still handle the weights but its time to do something have

fun anthonycindy sieman <katanyablade > wrote: Thanks Suzie Wow...that letter hit pretty clean. I've had everyone of my freinds suggest cures or treatments for me...and it's getting a little overwhelming. I don't want to be an asshole and at the same time , I can only take my dr. suggestions. Well, hopefully, I'm going scuba diving tonight.

I'm waiting to here back about the weather conditions from the boyfreind. Then shot 4 when I get home. Wish me luck diving Katsuzie <suzieandsandy > wrote: , , Here's a letter that seems to give others the general idea of how we feel. I know it helped me with my family. There's another one for families that I'll post later. SuZie A Letter To People Without Hepatitis! Having Hepatitis means many things change, and a lot of them are invisible. Unlike having cancer or being hurt in an accident, most people do not understand even a little about HCV and its effects, and of those that think they know, many are actually misinformed. In the spirit of informing those who wish to understand ... These are the things that I would like you to understand about me before you judge me... Please understand that being sick doesn't mean I'm not still a human being. I have to spend most of my day in considerable pain and exhaustion, and if you visit I probably don't seem

like much fun to be with, but I'm still me stuck inside this body. I still worry about life and work and my family and friends, and most of the time I'd still like to hear you talk about yours too. Please understand the difference between "happy" and "healthy". When you've got the flu you probably feel miserable with it, but I've been sick for years. I can't be miserable all the time; in fact I work hard at not being miserable. So if you're talking to me and I sound happy, it means I'm happy. That’s all. It doesn't mean that I'm not in a lot of pain, or extremely tired, or that I'm getting better, or any of those things. Please, don't say, "Oh, you're sounding better!”. I am not sounding better, I am sounding happy. If you want to comment on that, you're welcome. Please understand that being able to stand up for ten minutes, doesn't necessarily mean that I can stand up for twenty minutes, or an hour. And, just because I managed to stand up for thirty minutes yesterday doesn't mean that I can do the same today. With a lot of diseases you're either paralyzed, or you can move. With this one it gets more confusing. Please repeat the above paragraph substituting, "sitting", "walking", "thinking", "being sociable" and so on ... it applies to everything. That's what Hepatitis does to you. Please understand that HCV or HBV is variable. It's quite possible (for me, it's common) that one day I am able to walk to the park and back, while the next day I'll have trouble getting to the kitchen. Please

don't attack me when I'm ill by saying, "But you did it before!” if you want me to do something then ask if I can. In a similar vein, I may need to cancel an invitation at the last minute, if this happens please do not take it personally. Please understand that "getting out and doing things" does not make me feel better. Telling me that I need a treadmill, or that I just need to loose (or gain)weight, get this exercise machine, join this gym, try these classes... may frustrate me to tears, and is not correct... if I was capable of doing these things, don't you know that I would? I am working with my doctor and physical therapist and am already doing the exercise and diet that I am supposed to do. Another statement that hurts is, "You just need to push yourself more, exercise harder". Obviously HCV deals directly with muscles, and because our muscles

don't repair themselves the way your muscles do, this does far more damage than good and could result in recovery time in days or weeks or months from a single activity. Also, Hepatitis may cause secondary depression (wouldn't you get depressed if you were hurting and exhausted for years on end!?) but it is not created by depression. Please understand that if I say I have to sit down/lie down/take these pills now, that I do have to do it right now - it can't be put off or forgotten just because I'm out for the day (or whatever). Hepatitis does not forgive. If you want to suggest a cure to me, don't. It's not because I don't appreciate the thought, and it's not because I

don't want to get well. It's because I have had almost every single one of my friends suggest one at one point or another. At first I tried them all, but then I realized that I was using up so much energy trying things that I was making myself sicker, not better. If there were something that cured, or even helped, all people with hepatitis then we'd know about it. This is not a drug-company conspiracy; there is worldwide networking (both on and off the Internet) between people with Hepatitis if something worked we would KNOW. If after reading that, you still want to suggest a cure, then do it, but don't expect me to rush out and try it. I'll take what you said and discuss it with my doctor. In many ways I depend on you - people who are not sick - I need you to visit me when I am

too sick to go out... Sometimes I need your help me with the shopping, cooking or cleaning. I may need you to take me to the doctor, or to the physical therapist. I need you on a different level too ... you're my link to the outside world... if you don't come to visit me at home and/or whenever I'm hospitalized, then I might not get to see you...and as much as it's possible, I need you to understand me... By Bek Oberin Next time I'm coming back as a cat Want to start your own business? Learn how on Small Business. Don't pick lemons.See all the new 2007 cars at Autos. Need Mail bonding?Go to the Q & A for great tips from Answers users. Don't get soaked. Take a quick peak at the forecast with the Search weather shortcut. Everyone is raving about the all-new

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