Dialysis is coming

rferrerj
0 Recommendations

Hello Everyone. I have been diagnosed with fsgs since Oct. 2005 and since then, I have been able to keep away from the issue of being on dialysis, but it looks like I can't hold off much longer. I was finally able to go back to work at in Feb of this year, after getting into some serious debt because of this disease. And now, I'm not sure how to handle the bills. Does anyone know how the disability works? My faithful and understanding government workers think that i just created this disease to collect disability. But I would rather be working. Also, has dialysis changed the quality of your life for the better? or worse?

I needed to hold off one more year so that my wife could graduate from college with her masters degree. She does not know yet what the doctor has told me, I'm just waiting for the next appointment to see where I stand, but I got a good feeling that she is aware of something. She has been my supporting rod since day one. I don't know where I would be without her.

4 replies

fsgsblahs
  • By fsgsblahs
  • Posted August 6, 2008 at 6:48 am

I got on SS disability very quickly, but I do believe it just depends on where you live. If you are considered stage 5 CKD/ ESRD, it should be almost automatic. I would seek out some sort of representative/ lawyer to help you, as it is very difficult without one. Their payment of services comes out of what kind of backpay that you get from SS...I believe.

Keep us posted and check the ssa.gov website for more information.

rferrerj
  • By rferrerj
  • Posted August 6, 2008 at 7:25 am

Thanks for your reply. I have been going to the social services office, then to medicaid, then to welfare and several other divisions of the government. They all seem to say the same thing. Kidney failure is covered under medicare, but I have to be on 3 months of treatment before they give me any coverage. In the meantime, very few facilities will treat me for this disease if I don't have medical insurance. It seems our social services caters to the wrong type of people. They also told me, and get this one, I have too many assests(I own a home an two old cars) and therefore I don't qualify for any assistance. Just venting, thanks for replying.

sk1
  • By sk1
  • Posted August 6, 2008 at 10:20 am

Been there, done that!! Isn't terrible. How in the heck are you suppose to get treatment w/o insurance. Even when i would get together enough money to see my neph, how was i suppose to afford meds. Cellcept is 800.00 per month. I think you really have to have your doctor be your advocate also, and the impression i got was that they really don't want to get involved in that mess.

fsgsblahs
  • By fsgsblahs
  • Posted August 6, 2008 at 11:20 am

According to most gov't assistant programs, especially the state, the home is not considered part of your assets, but your vehicles would be. I would try to put them in someone else's name if possible. Have you not been put on anything...BP meds, etc?

I would also look for kidney disease advocates in your area, that could possibly help you locally. They may be able to refer you to SS specialists/ advocates/ attorneys. I would Google about the things I mentioned above and see what you find. If I come across anything, I will let you know.

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