Re: Hey and Anyone else who can help - Private Disability Insurance

[Guest guest]

Dave,

I do have a couple of qustions. Our sitution has similar symptoms and I am still working? Do you know what stage of UIP you are at? Did your doctor provide medical authorization for short term yet?

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Sun, November 22, 2009 9:47:19 AMSubject: Hey and Anyone else who can help - Private Disability Insurance

Hi , And whoever else can help,I have UIP and it first showed up on a CAT scan 10/08 and I just had a VATS biopsy 3 weeks ago and it was confirmed. I am still in some pain and it gets worse if a move around too much, - I guess the insides are still healing. I am also going to try and get Long Term Disability through my job (I have the same insurance where you get 60% of pay through Met Life). I get out of breath, extremely tired all the time, chest pain (even before VATS) and find it hard too concentrate. My PFT scores are somewhat good and I dont need 02 yet. But I dont want to waste what ever time I have left at a job I hate. People look at me and because I am only 43 (only - I wish I was 18 again) and dont look older and sickly that there is nothing wrong with me. "You look fine", "Its in your head", and "stop being a hypocondriac" . I should carry around my Biopsy results and a detailed definition of the disease.I know the

government S.S. disability insurance has so many different criteria to qualify, ie. certain PFT score, ect. But my private insurance through Met Life simply reads that if you cannot function at you job at the same level you did in the past that you can qualify. Did you speak with you private disabily insurance company yet? What did they say? I have to be on short term disabilty for 13 weeks before I can apply for long term disability. What happens if I go out on the short term for 13 weeks and then get denied for the long term? And my employer is cutting back. If I get laid off (which is a very real possibility - they already laid off half the department and we are expecting more layoffs) and have to get a new job I wont be able to get private disability insurance because I have a pre-existing illness. I could not survive and government disability income alone, and at my age I have not saved for that "what if in life"..... Did not expect to get a

terminal illness at this age. What kind of hurdles have any of you encountered with PRIVATE disability isurance?Any Thoughts out there, Thanks Dave, Miami, UIP 11/09> > > >From: worth <hope2thend@ yahoo. com>> >Subject: Re:

Newby> >To: Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups. com> >Date: Friday, November 20, 2009, 5:46 PM> >> >> > > >Hi Gale,> > > >What you are experiencing is perfectly normal. I have had many crying spells from time-to-time.  Diagnosis and living with a chronic (and fatal) condition is a huge stress. You are going through a major change in your body, mind and daily life. Having a chronic condition can drain your energy. No matter what disease or diseases you have, whatever you do demands more energy. When a chronic illness is present, the body is less efficient in its use of the energy reserved for every day activities. This is because some of your energy is used to help the body heal itself. > >I was diagnosed with IPF in May 09 and just this week applied for (part-time) disability from work, just can't handle the

stress and energy it takes anymore. > >Hang in there, you're not alone! C_ 53_Familial IPF_5/09> >Washington> >> >> >> >> >> >> ____________ _________ _________ __> From: Gale More <gale.more (AT) yahoo (DOT) com>> >To: Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups. com> >Sent: Sat, November 7, 2009 3:57:01 PM> >Subject: Newby> >> > > >Hi all,> >> >I was diagnosed with PF last year and I have more trouble coping with stress now (of any kind). I cry easily and become stressed quikly, particularly at work. Does this have a physical root or merely emotional?> >> >> >> >>

[Guest guest]

Gale,

I dont know what stage I am in, how is it staged? I have diffuse honeycoming

(scaring) in both lungs and Ground Glass Opacities seen in CT Scan and Biopsy,

SOB, tired, the usual. My Pulm. doctor seems to be willing to send papers in

when I think its time. I was authorized for my short term disability for 3

weeks for the VATS biopsy through the Surgeon. I am suppose to go back to work

Wed. I have a CT scan Monday and then my doctor wants to do a PET scan. I will

see her Wed. to review CT scan and discuss where I am at. Dave

> >

> >

> > >From: worth <hope2thend@ yahoo. com>

> > >Subject: Re: Newby

> > >To: Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups. com

> > >Date: Friday, November 20, 2009, 5:46 PM

> > >

> > >

> > > 

> > >Hi Gale,

> > > 

> > >What you are experiencing is perfectly normal. I have had many crying

spells from time-to-time.  Diagnosis and living with a chronic (and fatal)

condition is a huge stress.  You are going through a major change in your

body, mind and daily life. Having a chronic condition can drain your energy. No

matter what disease or diseases you have, whatever you do demands more energy.

When a chronic illness is present, the body is less efficient in its use of the

energy reserved for every day activities. This is because some of your energy is

used to help the body heal itself.

> > >I was diagnosed with IPF in May 09 and just this week applied for

(part-time) disability from work, just can't handle the stress and energy it

takes anymore.

> > >Hang in there, you're not alone! C_ 53_Familial IPF_5/09

> > >Washington

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > ____________ _________ _________ __

> > From: Gale More <gale.more (AT) yahoo (DOT) com>

> > >To: Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups. com

> > >Sent: Sat, November 7, 2009 3:57:01 PM

> > >Subject: Newby

> > >

> > > 

> > >Hi all,

> > >

> > >I was diagnosed with PF last year and I have more trouble coping with

stress now (of any kind).  I cry easily and become stressed

quikly, particularly at work.  Does this have a physical root or merely

emotional?

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Dave,

I was told I am in the mild PF stage. Do not know the designations for further stages.

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Sun, November 22, 2009 1:39:18 PMSubject: Re: Hey and Anyone else who can help - Private Disability Insurance

Gale,I dont know what stage I am in, how is it staged? I have diffuse honeycoming (scaring) in both lungs and Ground Glass Opacities seen in CT Scan and Biopsy, SOB, tired, the usual. My Pulm. doctor seems to be willing to send papers in when I think its time. I was authorized for my short term disability for 3 weeks for the VATS biopsy through the Surgeon. I am suppose to go back to work Wed. I have a CT scan Monday and then my doctor wants to do a PET scan. I will see her Wed. to review CT scan and discuss where I am at. Dave> > > > > > >From: worth <hope2thend@ yahoo. com>> > >Subject: Re: Newby> > >To: Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups. com> > >Date: Friday, November 20, 2009, 5:46 PM> > >> > >>

> > > > >Hi Gale,> > > > > >What you are experiencing is perfectly normal. I have had many crying spells from time-to-time.  Diagnosis and living with a chronic (and fatal) condition is a huge stress. You are going through a major change in your body, mind and daily life. Having a chronic condition can drain your energy. No matter what disease or diseases you have, whatever you do demands more energy. When a chronic illness is present, the body is less efficient in its use of the energy reserved for every day activities. This is because some of your energy is used to help the body heal itself. > > >I was diagnosed with IPF in May 09 and just this week applied for (part-time) disability from work, just can't handle the stress and energy it takes anymore. > > >Hang in there, you're not alone! C_

53_Familial IPF_5/09> > >Washington> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > ____________ _________ _________ __> > From: Gale More <gale.more (AT) yahoo (DOT) com>> > >To: Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups. com> > >Sent: Sat, November 7, 2009 3:57:01 PM> > >Subject: Newby> > >> > > > > >Hi all,> > >> > >I was diagnosed with PF last year and I have more trouble coping with stress now (of any kind). I cry easily and become stressed quikly, particularly at work. Does this have a physical root or merely emotional?> > >> > >> > >> > >> >>

[Guest guest]

Hi Dave,

Working has become very difficult for me with this disease. I get breathless just walking the hall to the bathroom or to the copier machine. I have coughing attacks and have to leave for awhile so people don't get alarmed. There is just no future in working anymore.

My agency is downsizing too and with a chronic health condition I'm not going to go find a new job now. I told myself when I get to the point that I need my O2 at work, I'm done! I agree with you about not spending whatever time you have at a job with people you don't really care about. Even though we don't want to obsess with the 3-5 year date-stamp, my counselor advised me to consider what is most important in my life right now. What do I really want to be doing and I can tell you work is not on that list!

So here is what I know so far. My employer pays my full-time salary for the first 60 days after that the insurance company (ours is Prudential) takes over. So, the first step is the application for the 60 days to be completed by my physician. I filled out the form for him so all he had to do was sign it.. Then she said if I think it will go permanent, I need to contact them mid-way (30day mark) through the 60 days to complete the application for the insurance company. I'll have to pay for my medical by going on Cobra, that won't be cheap. But I can apply for SS disability too, if I get approved, I won't get the retirement pay, but will get Medicare and whatever other benefits I qualify for.

I looked into taking retirement disability from work and SS and the LTD comes out at the highest salary. With LTD I can be disabled and work part-time or none at all and my job is protected and I can go back to work if my condition improves, with doctor's approval of course. I remain on LTD until I reach retirement eligibility and then collect my retirement.

I haven't seen the application requirements from the insurance company, but I don't think they'll be looking at PFT scores. The 60-day application I filled out for my employer just asked about my diagnosis, prognosis, physical impairment, mental impairment, and rehabilitation for the doctor to complete and sign.

My job is mainly sedentary, but my physical impairment is needing oxygen and I need to attend the pulmo rehab program that takes up 3 days/week. Prognosis? My gosh its a terminal illness how can they say no?

I think the LTD is the best way to go for those of us who have that option.

I too have no other financial resources, didn't expect to quit working for 13 more years! I have to sell my house, like now, and whatever assets I can unload and HOPE there are resources available to me to live comfortably.

It's frightening, I know. C_53_Familial IPF_5/09Washington

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Sun, November 22, 2009 7:47:19 AMSubject: Hey and Anyone else who can help - Private Disability Insurance

Hi , And whoever else can help,I have UIP and it first showed up on a CAT scan 10/08 and I just had a VATS biopsy 3 weeks ago and it was confirmed. I am still in some pain and it gets worse if a move around too much, - I guess the insides are still healing. I am also going to try and get Long Term Disability through my job (I have the same insurance where you get 60% of pay through Met Life). I get out of breath, extremely tired all the time, chest pain (even before VATS) and find it hard too concentrate. My PFT scores are somewhat good and I dont need 02 yet. But I dont want to waste what ever time I have left at a job I hate. People look at me and because I am only 43 (only - I wish I was 18 again) and dont look older and sickly that there is nothing wrong with me. "You look fine", "Its in your head", and "stop being a hypocondriac" . I should carry around my Biopsy results and a detailed definition of the disease.I know the

government S.S. disability insurance has so many different criteria to qualify, ie. certain PFT score, ect. But my private insurance through Met Life simply reads that if you cannot function at you job at the same level you did in the past that you can qualify. Did you speak with you private disabily insurance company yet? What did they say? I have to be on short term disabilty for 13 weeks before I can apply for long term disability. What happens if I go out on the short term for 13 weeks and then get denied for the long term? And my employer is cutting back. If I get laid off (which is a very real possibility - they already laid off half the department and we are expecting more layoffs) and have to get a new job I wont be able to get private disability insurance because I have a pre-existing illness. I could not survive and government disability income alone, and at my age I have not saved for that "what if in life"..... Did not expect to get a

terminal illness at this age. What kind of hurdles have any of you encountered with PRIVATE disability isurance?Any Thoughts out there, Thanks Dave, Miami, UIP 11/09> > > >From: worth <hope2thend@

yahoo. com>> >Subject: Re: Newby> >To: Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups. com> >Date: Friday, November 20, 2009, 5:46 PM> >> >> > > >Hi Gale,> > > >What you are experiencing is perfectly normal. I have had many crying spells from time-to-time.  Diagnosis and living with a chronic (and fatal) condition is a huge stress. You are going through a major change in your body, mind and daily life. Having a chronic condition can drain your energy. No matter what disease or diseases you have, whatever you do demands more energy. When a chronic illness is present, the body is less efficient in its use of the energy reserved for every day activities. This is because some of your energy is used to help the body heal itself. > >I was diagnosed with IPF in May 09 and just this week applied for (part-time)

disability from work, just can't handle the stress and energy it takes anymore. > >Hang in there, you're not alone! C_ 53_Familial IPF_5/09> >Washington> >> >> >> >> >> >> ____________ _________ _________ __> From: Gale More <gale.more (AT) yahoo (DOT) com>> >To: Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups. com> >Sent: Sat, November 7, 2009 3:57:01 PM> >Subject: Newby> >> > > >Hi all,> >> >I was diagnosed with PF last year and I have more trouble coping with stress now (of any kind). I cry easily and become stressed quikly, particularly at work. Does this have a physical root or merely emotional?> >> >> >> >>

[Guest guest]

Gale,

I might be wrong, but when applying for short-term or long-term disability from your employer it doesn't matter what stage you are at. You're doctor just needs to complete the application advising your employer why you are no longer able to work in your normal capacity.

Some people go out on disability for pregnancy, surgeries or even mental conditions.

If you are unable to work help the doctor with the application (or do it yourself) because they aren't going to know how your condition affects your work or how you suffer during the day. C_53_Familial IPF_5/09Washington

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Sun, November 22, 2009 10:59:14 AMSubject: Re: Hey and Anyone else who can help - Private Disability Insurance

Dave,

I do have a couple of qustions. Our sitution has similar symptoms and I am still working? Do you know what stage of UIP you are at? Did your doctor provide medical authorization for short term yet?

From: davegreg11 <davegreg11 (AT) yahoo (DOT) com>To: Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups. comSent: Sun, November 22, 2009 9:47:19 AMSubject: Hey and Anyone else who can help - Private Disability Insurance

Hi , And whoever else can help,I have UIP and it first showed up on a CAT scan 10/08 and I just had a VATS biopsy 3 weeks ago and it was confirmed. I am still in some pain and it gets worse if a move around too much, - I guess the insides are still healing. I am also going to try and get Long Term Disability through my job (I have the same insurance where you get 60% of pay through Met Life). I get out of breath, extremely tired all the time, chest pain (even before VATS) and find it hard too concentrate. My PFT scores are somewhat good and I dont need 02 yet. But I dont want to waste what ever time I have left at a job I hate. People look at me and because I am only 43 (only - I wish I was 18 again) and dont look older and sickly that there is nothing wrong with me. "You look fine", "Its in your head", and "stop being a hypocondriac" . I should carry around my Biopsy results and a detailed definition of the disease.I know the

government S.S. disability insurance has so many different criteria to qualify, ie. certain PFT score, ect. But my private insurance through Met Life simply reads that if you cannot function at you job at the same level you did in the past that you can qualify. Did you speak with you private disabily insurance company yet? What did they say? I have to be on short term disabilty for 13 weeks before I can apply for long term disability. What happens if I go out on the short term for 13 weeks and then get denied for the long term? And my employer is cutting back. If I get laid off (which is a very real possibility - they already laid off half the department and we are expecting more layoffs) and have to get a new job I wont be able to get private disability insurance because I have a pre-existing illness. I could not survive and government disability income alone, and at my age I have not saved for that "what if in life"..... Did not expect to get a

terminal illness at this age. What kind of hurdles have any of you encountered with PRIVATE disability isurance?Any Thoughts out there, Thanks Dave, Miami, UIP 11/09> > > >From: worth <hope2thend@

yahoo. com>> >Subject: Re: Newby> >To: Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups. com> >Date: Friday, November 20, 2009, 5:46 PM> >> >> > > >Hi Gale,> > > >What you are experiencing is perfectly normal. I have had many crying spells from time-to-time.  Diagnosis and living with a chronic (and fatal) condition is a huge stress. You are going through a major change in your body, mind and daily life. Having a chronic condition can drain your energy. No matter what disease or diseases you have, whatever you do demands more energy. When a chronic illness is present, the body is less efficient in its use of the energy reserved for every day activities. This is because some of your energy is used to help the body heal itself. > >I was diagnosed with IPF in May 09 and just this week applied for (part-time)

disability from work, just can't handle the stress and energy it takes anymore. > >Hang in there, you're not alone! C_ 53_Familial IPF_5/09> >Washington> >> >> >> >> >> >> ____________ _________ _________ __> From: Gale More <gale.more (AT) yahoo (DOT) com>> >To: Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups. com> >Sent: Sat, November 7, 2009 3:57:01 PM> >Subject: Newby> >> > > >Hi all,> >> >I was diagnosed with PF last year and I have more trouble coping with stress now (of any kind). I cry easily and become stressed quikly, particularly at work. Does this have a physical root or merely emotional?> >> >> >> >>

[Guest guest]

Dave,

You know you can have your doctor extend your ST disability if you're not ready to back Wed, just takes a signature by the doctor! OR if your ready to make it permanent, just do it now! C_53_Familial IPF_5/09Washington

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Sun, November 22, 2009 11:39:18 AMSubject: Re: Hey and Anyone else who can help - Private Disability Insurance

Gale,I dont know what stage I am in, how is it staged? I have diffuse honeycoming (scaring) in both lungs and Ground Glass Opacities seen in CT Scan and Biopsy, SOB, tired, the usual. My Pulm. doctor seems to be willing to send papers in when I think its time. I was authorized for my short term disability for 3 weeks for the VATS biopsy through the Surgeon. I am suppose to go back to work Wed. I have a CT scan Monday and then my doctor wants to do a PET scan. I will see her Wed. to review CT scan and discuss where I am at. Dave> > > > > > >From: worth <hope2thend@ yahoo. com>> > >Subject: Re: Newby> > >To: Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups. com> > >Date: Friday, November 20, 2009, 5:46

PM> > >> > >> > > > > >Hi Gale,> > > > > >What you are experiencing is perfectly normal. I have had many crying spells from time-to-time.  Diagnosis and living with a chronic (and fatal) condition is a huge stress. You are going through a major change in your body, mind and daily life. Having a chronic condition can drain your energy. No matter what disease or diseases you have, whatever you do demands more energy. When a chronic illness is present, the body is less efficient in its use of the energy reserved for every day activities. This is because some of your energy is used to help the body heal itself. > > >I was diagnosed with IPF in May 09 and just this week applied for (part-time) disability from work, just can't handle the stress and energy it takes anymore. > > >Hang

in there, you're not alone! C_ 53_Familial IPF_5/09> > >Washington> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > ____________ _________ _________ __> > From: Gale More <gale.more (AT) yahoo (DOT) com>> > >To: Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups.. com> > >Sent: Sat, November 7, 2009 3:57:01 PM> > >Subject: Newby> > >> > > > > >Hi all,> > >> > >I was diagnosed with PF last year and I have more trouble coping with stress now (of any kind). I cry easily and become stressed quikly, particularly at work. Does this have a physical root or merely emotional?> > >> > >> > >> > >>

>>