medical records for SSD

[Guest guest]

As most of you know, I am awaiting a trial with a Law Judge for SSD.

Again, I think most of us were told that we had " IBS " or a " nervous stomach "

before we were officially diagnosed with CP. I also have SOD. I remember as

far back as age 5 or 6 having " stomach pain " all the time with severe diarrhea.

I was about 10 or 11 when I had my first upper GI. Long story short, I have

been trying to get ahold of as many medical records that I can before my

hearing. I am still waiting for a hearing date, which could take up to another

6-12 months. Anyhow, I got my records from my doc (my best girlfriend's dad

since 9th grade) who started treating me back in 1990. I really started having

severe pain/nausea/ etc., in 1999 after my second son was born. I had

gestational diabetes. There is an office note from April of 1999 that states,

" patient has been having stomach upset with nausea after she eats for the past

couple months. She has right sided and left sided flank pain associated with

nausea. " He then stated, " I told the patient that she may have gastroparesis

from her gestational diabetes. " My exam revealed, " tenderness in the left and

right upper quadrants with a mid epigastric bruit. " That was when I started

with all the testing. There are many, many more visits that state the same

findings and complaints. I had to change doctors because of a change in our

medical insurance.

My question is, is this information " allowed " to be included in my SSD claim? I

feel that this will only HELP my situation, right? I would love to here your

opinions on this!!

Also, does anyone know if it would be possible to get records from when I was

" younger " and having " stomach problems? " Would docs from that far back still

have my office notes? I don't know the " rule " on keeping records for sure.

I really would like to hear all of your opinions, experiences, etc. about this.

I pray for everyone to have a pain free day!

T. (Ohio)

[Guest guest]

,

Certainly, you should include those records from the late '90's, and

then anything else from further back that you can get your hands on.

The more documentation that you can provide that substantiates your

ongoing abdominal pain and nausea, etc., the more solid your claim

will be. Load them up with paperwork!!

I don't know how long doctors keep their records, you'd have to get

in contact with one of the older doctors you saw, and ask them. If

they do save all the old records, get as many of them as you can.

I don't remember, but did you say you had a disability attorney

representing you, or not? The reason I ask is that if you do, he

should have been working with you to see that all those records were

collected - calling the doctors, etc. My attorney did all of that

follow up when my case was up for review by the judge, and made sure

that all the records were there when the hearing date was finally

announced.

I also don't remember what state you're in? From the length of time

that they say you have to wait for a hearing, it sounds as though

your SSDI offices are as behind in their cases as South Carolina was.

It seemed to take forever to get a hearing date when I was waiting,

but it actually took only 4 months.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

SC and SE Regional Rep.

PAI

Note: All comments or advice are based on personal experience or

opinion, and should not be substituted for professional medical

consultation.