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[Guest guest]

Hello!

I am a "retired" RN; 59 years old; on disability for lupus for 11 years.

As a rehabilitation nurse specialist, I have learned to pace my activities an dfeel like I have gotten as good as it gets.

Last summer, my disability insurance company offered to make a settlement and close my account. Since the amount was ridiculously low, my husband laughed at them and told them, "No".

I was interviewed on the phone and also given questionaires to answer. I answered all in truth, having nothing to hide. Ifreely told them that I feel best in the Fall months when the weather is cool, and before the flu season hits. (As you know, extreme heat of summer, and cold of winter are always "bad" times. Additionally, I have severe spring allergies. Virginia is "allergy central" in the Spring!)

In answer to the question as to my "routine", I freely told them that I go to a Bible study class on Tuesday mornings, and a therapeutic Tai Chi class on Wednesdays, as I am able. The rest of the time I stay at home, on the couch, or in bed.

Quess what? They video taped me on select Tuesdays and Wednesdays, once in October, once in November, and once in early December! The buzzards never said anything about the rest of the time being at home, even though I told them that I rested before and after aech outing.

They have used the evidence that I am able to have 2 outings a week during the Fall months to "prove" that I am capable of hoding down a full-time job!!!

Last November, they paid for me to go to a physical therpist for a physical function evaluation. The P.T. clearly wrote, and the insurance company sited the results..."Although the patient gave maximal effort in testing, per cardiac monitoring, she was unable to complete any task given. Patient was unable to complete testing session. Patient aided to car after resting." the insurance company quotes the P.T. evaluation and then state: "No conclusion can be drawn as to relationship with lupus"

Give me a break!!! What exactly do they think a lupus patient would be able to accomplish given said physical functioning test!

The insurance buzzards stated so clearly in there evaluation of the video that I was "able to carry her purse and keys without difficulty". PUH-LEEZE!

Any how. I naturally protested how ludicrous their accusation/observation/conclusion. They were most polite and told me that I could appeal their decision, and that they would send me the paperwork.

Well, we waited and waited, and called and called. After being told on 3 separate occasions that the paperwork was "in the mail", we called the insurance company yet again.

Are you ready for the next chapter? Somehow along the line, the Hartford Company slipped up and actually hired a human. This said human being explained to us that there is no "paperwork" and we had 30 days left of the 60 days allowed to file our appeal!

We got a laywer the very next day, and I am well on my way to preparing a "smoking hot" appeal. I have been fortunate enough to obtain the attendance roll of the Bible Class, which plainly shows that I am able to attend this no- stress, relaxed, 2 hour class mostly in the Fall months. I was conspiculously absent during the flu season of the winter and spring! How about that!

My Tai Chi instructor has severe MS and at times has had to teach the class from his wheelchair. Most of his students have neuromuscular or orthopedic problems. I am probably among the youngest pupil in his class. Without a doubt he will give me a letter for the appeal.

I have spent this entire week on the phone, and so far have lined up an appointment with a rheumatologist, an Occupational Therapist. I am awaiting an appointment with a psychologist and possibly another O.T. I have already sent a request to a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist from whom I have been recieving therapy for the past 6 months.

Since the Hartford buzzards will not take the word of my Internist, who diagnosed me 11 years ago, and whose wife also has lupus, I thought that I would "get my own jury"!

So...Dear New Friends. That is my story. Does this flim-flam sound familiar to anyone? I surely would love to hear any advise or similar stories!

Richmond, VA