Does anyone here get Social Sec. Disability for their RA? Need info please!

[Guest guest]

My name is Miriam and I have had RA for many years. I currently

take Enbrel, MTX, Prednisone, Skelaxin and Topomax. For the last 6 -

months, I have been having more frequent flares while on these

medications. My most recent flare started at the end of June and

has been the most sever I have ever had. The pain is unbearable and

I am taking percocet everyday and have increased the Enbrel to 3x

per week, upped the pred, doubled the topomax, am doing water

therpay 3x per week and am still in a lot of pain and unable to find

a position to give me any relief.

I did an MRI which shows the swelling has caused damage to my neck

and the Dr. said if I don't get relief by my next appointment (with

the aqua therapy), I will need to see a neurosurgeon. (I have

already had one cervical fusion)

Here is my problem. I am on short term disability from work and am

getting paid 100%. My short term disability and FMLA job protection

are running out. Its not looking like I will make it back before

FMLA runs out and my long term disability will need to take over.

LTD pays 60%.

I have 6 children and several have medical issues and my husband

hasn't worked in years because he has been their caretaker and is

mine now also.

I understand that there is social security disability that I may be

eligible for if my short term disability runs out. How do you apply

for this? What must you do to qualify? Are there specific criteria

that you must prove or have met?

Thanks for any info you can provide and sorry my note is so long.

Miriam