I need some advice-Ican't work from my disorders

• By chewy1
• Posted June 15, 2008 at 2:17 pm

lagirl,
I have been listening to the news about all the flooding in Iowa. It is really awful. I'm glad though that it hasn't caused you or your family in trouble.
I am on SS disability now due to the gastroparesis and other related problems. I haven't been able to work since 2001. It is definitely possible to get benefits due to these conditions. It is a long process because of all the denials. You have to just appeal each one until you either get approval or go before a judge. I did go to the judge, but it wasn't near as scary as it sounds.
I strongly recommend that you get a lawyer who specializes in Disability from the beginning. He can walk you through the whole process. My lawyer handled it all except for forms I was required to fill out. Most lawyers dealing with SS do not charge you unless you win your benefits and then they are limited to only a small percentage of your back benefits.
If your doctor is willing to help and agrees that you can't work that should help too. My doctor was great, he had experience with SS because he is the doctor in our area that they send everyone to for their physicals...so he knew what they were looking for and how to fill out all the paperwork.
I think that if you know that you aren't going to be able to work that you should go ahead and get the ball rolling. If thinks change you can always stop the process.
Depression is a big part of this too. Are you being treated with medications for depression? I know that my doctors have all agreed from early on that one important part of treating GP is anti-depressants/anxiety meds.
I do want you to know that you aren't alone. If you need someone to talk to, vent to, get advice from or just someone who will listen and understand...then you are in the right place. I know being a part of this group has been such a comfort and help to me. I know with GP, you sometimes feel like all you friends have drifted away either because of your inability to go out with them or they are just tired of listening. It was a hard thing to deal with but when I joined this group things brightened up. I truely feel that I have made a whole new group of friends who are there for me anytime I just need to vent or if I have a question about something new that pops up. I couldn't ask for a nicer group of friends or a more supportive group.
Please continue posting your questions or your worries...I'm sure someone will be able to share their experiences with you.
Stay dry!
Judy

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• By Kate1
• Posted June 16, 2008 at 11:02 am

Hi, there. I am so sorry for all that you are going through. I don't know how you have managed for so long without working, but I give you credit for persevering. I agree with Judy that you should definitely apply for disability benefits. I'm currently applying, and although it's a long and frustrating process, I'm hoping it will be worth it in the end. I already sent in the initial application and got denied. Then I started the next step (filing a "Request for Reconsideration"). I was told to expect another denial and then it will go to the appeal level which involves a hearring in front of a judge. I called a lawyer who said she will get involved after the Request for Reconsideration gets denied and she will help me prepare for the hearring. Ugh. I was told that it may take over a year for the hearring to even be scheduled, so it's possible that this will be a very long road... So, I definitely suggest starting the process as soon as you can. One good thing is that, if you are approved, you benefits will be retroactive to about 5 months after the date of your initial application (or at least that's what I was told).

I also wanted to mention that it's not uncommon for people on this site to talk about how their depression and/or anxiety affects them in addition to their GP (and other health problems). Anxiety and depression are tough enough issues to deal with, but when added to the stress of coping with chronic medical issues, it becomes even harder to manage. I have definitely been having a hard time emotionally since I got sicker with GP and other GI issues this past winter (which led me to lose my job, my health benefits, all my income, and then I had to face potentially losing my apartment, in addition to losing touch with friends and being isolated because of this illness, pluis facing complications from medication,etc. It's been rough...). I actually worked as a mental health therapist before all this. I have tried to do all the right things to combat my mood, but sometimes it's just too much. My life has changed drastically in the past several months and it's hard to stay positive and have faith in things. This site has been very helpful. It really means a lot to have a place to come to to vent and hear from others who suffer from similar problems. I hope that you will feel supported here as well.

Hang in there, and stay in touch.

Kate

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• By Alisha
• Posted June 16, 2008 at 12:37 pm

Hey there I just wanted to say that I understand what you are going through there have been many days that I have felt like I was to misserable to do anything. I have to say that it is hard to feel like you arent able to be very supportive and be health at the same time, beacuse more in likely you will be putting your health at risk. Their is help out their don't give up I know it may take a long time but it is worth it. I was on SSI at birth and then in my youth was taking off beacuse a doctor that I had at the time felt I no longer needed it. Then about three years ago the sympotms started to flare up and get so bad that I had to quite work and start the whole process over again. After apeal after apeal I won and am now able to get help. Now that I have won the case I feel like I can relax and keep my self healthy as much as possible letting other people know that they caint give up even when it feels like it is only getting worse. I know that this is very fustrating and many people arent aware of what it means to live with a condition like this but there is help out their for you . I hope this was a bit of encouragment providing hope for you knowing that there are people out their to help you through this

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• By msmac
• Posted June 16, 2008 at 4:19 pm

Hi, yes apply for disability. It may take a year or more to get it. If you have depression, it also needs to be documented when you apply. Sometimes you are given it on depression before gp. It is worth a try. Does your state have a department under Dept. of Human Services for disabled. They sometimes have funds allocated to help those of us that are unable to work. You can add me to your friends list and I will be happy to pass along a lot of information to you. I am sorry you are in financial hardships at this time. Stress certainly makes our gp flare up worse and the pressures of two teens must be difficult at times. Anyway, email me anytime directly and I will answer. Bless you and yours. I am here for you.

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• By chewy1
• Posted June 16, 2008 at 5:20 pm

I just read the post by msmac. She mentioned a good point...make sure that the depresion,as well as ANY medical problems are documented. Although I was told that I would qualify based on GP, that the additional health problems just clinched the deal! Even if it is a condition that you think doesn't really matter...document it!
Judy

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• By Novagrad
• Posted June 16, 2008 at 5:44 pm

I agree that you should absolutely apply for disability. I'm going on long-term disability through work and I just applied for SS. I have an appointment on Wednesday for SS. After reading a lot of posts I am prepared for a denial. I have a lot of problems besides my GP, including spinal problems that make it difficult to walk and cause significant pain, so I hope those problems will qualify me. I also have autonomic neuropathy and I'm on j-tube feedings for the GP (among other problems). There is an online application that will take you a while to complete - but definitely do it. It's pretty user-friendly. I'll keep everyone posted on my process - you please do the same. Best of luck!

Mimi

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• By michdey
• Posted June 16, 2008 at 6:46 pm

Lagirl,

I agree with Judy--start applying for disability now. Apply for not only the GP but any other medical condition you have that is contributing to the difficulty of working right now. I not only have GP, I have Diabetes, Lupus, Migraines, and at the time I was having constant cysts on my ovaries causing alot of pain--I have since had a hysterectomy but my lawyer had me include it on my application. I would definitely get an attorney because they will take the hassle of all the paperwork away from you and they really don't get that much of the award at the end--at least mine didn't. Plus if you already have an attorney, setting up hearings and such is much quicker and easier. I am not going to lie to you--the whole process is a pain in the ass and it takes a long time but in the end it is worth it. Plus once you get SSD, you can still work making up to like $800 gross a month if you are able to do so. I am going on my third year of being on disability and I don't know how I would have survived otherwise. Don't get discouraged--just start the process and then let your attorneys take over. Good luck.

Michelle

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• By kjunelilly
• Posted June 17, 2008 at 7:54 pm

Hi I know how you feel I haven't woked since 2006, I ahve alot of pain inthe upper quadrant that radiates through my back, plus I have gastricparises, ibs and bloating like i to am pregnant. I am in the process trying for social security I have been denied twice and am wating to go before a judge. It is very frustrating , I have bill collectors trying to get money
that I don't have. I would try for the social security
take care
Kathie

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• By lagirl1966
• Posted June 19, 2008 at 1:59 pm

Judy,
thankyou for all your support. I am on meds for my depression. I take lexapro. But being sick seems to make it worse. I have become isolated because I am never well. I don't really go anywhere unless for grocerys and the pharmacy and paying bills. I don't have any friends in my area (I grew up here but they moved away). My dad passed away in 2005 and its just my mom here and my 2 brothers, which I don't even talk too. It seems that my brothers think I am lazy because I am not working. I don't even think they know what I am going through. But my mom does. So she helps financially when she is able. I really appreciate knowing that there are others out there going through what I am. I was suppose to go to a hospital next month to see if they could help me, but it got pushed back to august or later now. My doctor said he would help me apply for disability if I go to this hospital. Now I don't know what to do. I don't even know where to look for a lawyer for this. Do you know of any? I heard of binder and binder on tv have you? Well thanks again
Trish

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• By lagirl1966
• Posted June 19, 2008 at 2:11 pm

Kate,
thankyou so much for your reply. I am sorry for what you are going through too, and what you have gone through. I don't even know how to get started applying for disability. The SS office told me I would need a list of doctors, places where I had treatment and all the dates of treatment. Did you have to go through that? I haven't done anything about it yet, cause my doctor wants me to see someone else before he helps me apply. My depression does get worse at times. Especially when I have a flareup, or have pain. I don't throwup with my GP, which is a blessing. But the horrible daily bloating is very depressing. It helps me to write as therapy, so that is why I came to this site, and in hopes of making some friends too. Thanks for writing. I will let you know what happens.
Trish

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• By lagirl1966
• Posted June 19, 2008 at 2:19 pm

Michelle,
thanks for your advice. But how do I go about finding an attorney? I have no money. I did see a tv advertisement for Binder and Binder, and they are near my area. Have you heard of them? I would much rather get a lawyer for this to increase my chances. I don't want to go about this process by myself. If you could suggest how I start to find a lawyer, that would really help me. I called legal aid, and they said for me to call back when I went in front of the judge. That doesnt help me now. When I have no idea where to start. Thanks for your advice and support. I will be intouch.
Trish

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• By michdey
• Posted June 20, 2008 at 7:45 pm

I just looked in the yellow pages for disability lawyers who handle Social Security cases. Usually they will have you come in for an initial consultation and then get the paperwork started. They only get paid if you win an award and they can only get a certain percentage that is already set ahead of time. I would call this Binder & Binder office and ask if they handle Social Security disability cases and go from there. Good luck!

Michelle

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• By chewy1
• Posted June 21, 2008 at 8:05 pm

I also used the yellow pages. I looked for one that says they specialized in SS. The first one I worked with from this firm wasn't experienced with SS but one of his partners took it over. He actually handled all SS cases and had for years so his experience made it all so easy.
I've heard of Binder and Binder too...I'm sure they would be good but the main thing is just try to find one who knows how to do these cases.
Good Luck and if I can help any way just let me know.
Judy

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