I finally did it - SSD and Lupus!

[Works4me]

I finally did it - filed for Social Security Disability. As a Medial Social Worker I have helped countless patients file and even did some work that helped to create the expedited process for terminal cases in use since the late 1980's.

For me this has been one of the hardest things I have ever done because I still do not think of myself as being disabled - despite the fact that I had to stop working in October of 2008. I find it very upsetting that I was unable to manage a stable patient load of 60 when I previously handled more than 150 - in fact that place now has two people doing the job.

I kept hoping to feel better, to get better and it is just not going to happen. I am finally trying to learn to live full life despite my limitations and that includes accepting that Lupus will not magically disappear. The advantage to having SSD is Medicare coverage after two years plus there is no such thing as having too much income.

I really prefer the other side of the desk.

 & 

ETA - current processing time is 3 to 6 months for initial evaluation with probable medical review and examination by their physician. Appeals can take years and it can be quite difficult which is why I have postponed doing this. I have seen how much it messes with peoples' heads.

[Bonny]

I wish you good luck with the process. I'm amazed that you've handled as much as you have with your lupus.

[Deleted]

Oct 17, 2014 14:59:27 GMT -5 Works4me said:

I finally did it - filed for Social Security Disability. As a Medial Social Worker I have helped countless patients file and even did some work that helped to create the expedited process for terminal cases in use since the late 1980's.

For me this has been one of the hardest things I have ever done because I still do not think of myself as being disabled - despite the fact that I had to stop working in October of 2008. I find it very upsetting that I was unable to manage a stable patient load of 60 when I previously handled more than 150 - in fact that place now has two people doing the job.

I kept hoping to feel better, to get better and it is just not going to happen. I am finally trying to learn to live full life despite my limitations and that includes accepting that Lupus will not magically disappear. The advantage to having SSD is Medicare coverage after two years plus there is no such thing as having too much income.

I really prefer the other side of the desk.

 & 

ETA - current processing time is 3 to 6 months for initial evaluation with probable medical review and examination by their physician. Appeals can take years and it can be quite difficult which is why I have postponed doing this. I have seen how much it messes with peoples' heads.

I request you to start a thread about Lupus if you are comfortable to share. I wish I'm gonna learn it and probably I can learn better from you than Google

[The Captain]

Sorry you're going through this.  We've had positive reports from other posters about the process going smoothly for them and let's hope that happens for you as well.

[Works4me]

Tiki - happy to discuss it here - modifying name to include it.

Dr. Daniel Wallace wrote the best, most comprehensive book on Lupus which is available both in electronic format and print form. I am currently reading his Clinicians Guide and have realized how incompetent the only local Rheumatologist is. Thats what I get for living on the beautiful Central Coast of California, halfway between SFO and LAX. Being over 200 miles from a major medical center means we get doctors that want and choose the quality of life over money and/or cutting edge medicine.

[Peace77]

Mine was approved in 2001.  

I hope they don't send you to any quack doctors like they did me.  The first thing the doctor did was ask me to squeeze his fingers.  At that time, I was incredibly weak and even though I tried as much as I could, he couldn't feel anything and left the room.  While he was out if the room, I picked up the gauge on the table that was for measuring grip strength.  I squeezed that and it barely moved.  My husband could see the needle move just a few lines.  The doctor came back and refused to examine me any further.  

I went home home and called the Social Security office, told them that this doctor refused to examine me and asked for another one.   They got me an appointment with a different doctor.  


My application was approved on the first try.  At that time, I was very sick.  A few years later, I did try going back to work but ended up sick again.  

[Works4me]

Peace77 - Lupus also? I had to stop working in 2008 due to illness - hopefully that will help.

[mmhmm]

Best of luck, sarah! I hope it all goes quickly and without incident for you. Sounds like you went beyond the old "college try". Hang in there, hon.

[Jaguar]

All the best of luck Sarah.

[TheOtherMe]

Best of luck Sarah.  One never wants to believe they are disabled.  I am on a civil service disability pension, which is why I only work part time and full time during tax season.  The full time during tax season about does me in every single year.  However, I enjoy what I can do with the money.

OPM approved my request on the first try.  I had already retired early, so it increased my pension and I got a lump sum payment for the difference.

I have a cousin who had terminal cancer.  Sadly, even with the expedited process, his disability was not approved until after he was deceased.  His widow did receive a lump sum payment.  As she said, she sure could have used that money when he was sick. and he had requested that she take a leave of absence to care for him.  She had an employer who valued her and he paid her health insurance premiums while he was sick.  

[Deleted]

It is kind of you to share with us Works4me. I wish you can get back to good health! 

[Peace77]

Oct 19, 2014 0:22:53 GMT -5 Works4me said:

Peace77 - Lupus also? I had to stop working in 2008 due to illness - hopefully that will help.

No, I don't have lupus.  I have CFIDS, mild Fibromyalgia and Chemical allergies.

All are invisible disabilities and not well understood by the public.