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Posted by jamescase20 (Member # 14124) on :
 
Just decided to start my fight for disability today. I feel sick...and its not worth it. I had lyme for 32 yes and babs for 6, bart for idk. I feel gulity for doing this, but I still feel terrible.
 
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
 
james, did you use my 25 pages from my newbie package OR MINOUCAT'S DISABILITY INFO IN SUPPORT?


if you didn't...you need to do this IF you want to be approved!
 
Posted by jamescase20 (Member # 14124) on :
 
Yes, I need to relook, and I will bring a lawyer with me the first time. Thx betty g
 
Posted by jamescase20 (Member # 14124) on :
 
BETTY, my doctor who dont want to treat my lyme said he would write up a disabilty form for chronic fatigue syndrone, thats it, is that better? he said trying to get lyme disability would be a nightmere and never happen.
 
Posted by MusicMan (Member # 11966) on :
 
Hi there

I don't like that option, I would get a Lyme Doc and an MD to certify you disabled from Lyme complications.

When I filed about six years ago at first it was just for Fibro and the government people where I filed said it would never fly. Lucky for me I think is that I got diagnosed with Lyme and added that to the dissability claim.

I still had to go to a hearing but I was approved, one other thing that may have helped was there was a giant Lyme awareness going on in the news when I went to my hearing.

Be as prepared as you possibly can, good luck. [Smile]

Steve
 
Posted by mtree (Member # 14305) on :
 
james...

I was just awarded disability....
for lyme...and everything else...heart...fibro......a combination of things...
I agree ...you need a dr. that will stand by you...100%....if you go the route of neurological disabilities of Lyme that makes for a better case....
I was told by MANY that I would be deinied on my first try..
and many of my doctors did not think I would get it....
so maybe things are changing...... [bonk]

good luck to you....
A TON OF PAPERWORK...but the outcome is worth it....
[hi] mtree
 
Posted by TerryK (Member # 8552) on :
 
I got my disability based on orthostatic hypotension and a slew of other abnormalities.

I've read that CFS is recognized by SS as a disabling illness so my feeling is that it would be good to include it as part of your condition. Probably best to include all your diagnosis.

I understand how you feel but I hope you can get over feeling guilty about needing disability. It's not your fault that you are too sick to work. It's not your fault that the CDC has been denying chronic lyme disease, thus making it almost impossible to get treatment.

Like most people, I'm sure you worked and helped pay for SS disability for others. You have nothing to feel guilty about. It's there for people who need it and you need it for now.

Terry
 
Posted by djf2005 (Member # 11449) on :
 
james-

i got my ssdi 1st time around.

i took a few months and prepared a very good case.

i sent them many documents.

here is a copy of the letter that descirbes everything i sent them. I redcuced the drs names
to initials.

if i can be of further assistance, let me know.

November 2, 2007

SSA
Bureau of Disability Determination
S41 Harrisburg/PA-9851
London, Ky 40742
Attn: D. Rickabaugh


RE: Additional supporting documents and evidence regarding Derek Fell's current state of disability
Online confirmation Claim # 39221977


To whom it may concern:

I am diagnosed with and am battling Neurological

Lyme Disease (Borreliosis), Babesiosis, and

Bartonella (the last two are commonly known as

``co'' infections. I will refer to all my infections

throughout the remainder of this letter as ``lyme''

disease). The onset of my symptoms started last

November ('06) and have all since been accredited

to this condition by more than four doctors. You

will read an attached letter from my former

primary care Physician, Dr. O, stating that my

condition is a result of an adverse reaction to

prescribed medications. This is fact is true, but

in a unique sense. Dr. Oh prescribed prednisone

for ``recurring infections'' for me after multiple

visits without resolution. As a result of taking

the prescribed prednisone, dormant lyme disease

spirochetes that were already invading my body

began to spread to all muscles, tissues, and

organs, uninhibited by my immune system. According

to Dr. B, who is the leading Lyme doctor in the

country, steroids are clinically proven to

exacerbate Borreliosis because they suppress

immune function (see attached research study). In

January 2007, after no clear answers or

explanations had been given, my diagnosis was

still unknown and therefore per the recommendation

of Dr. A (who is my psychiatrist) and Dr. O, I

attempted to return to work. For two weeks I tried

to resume my position as a general laborer and

lead worker but was forced either to leave work

early or to not even report in due to my

deteriorating condition. At this point, I was

forced to take a leave of absence from work due to

the nature of the multi-systemic symptoms I

suddenly began experiencing. I went through a

myriad of testing, slews of medical diagnostic

workups, and many doctors with just as many

misdiagnoses until finally, months after I had

first gotten ill, I was diagnosed with severe late

stage neuro-borreliosis in March of 2007. My

current physician, Dr. C, who is a specialist in

the treatment and diagnosis of late stage lyme

disease, is optimistic regarding my recovery.

Unfortunately, due to the severity of my case, he

estimates it is going to take some time to reverse

the effects of this disease and/or eradicate it.

Due to the nature of the spirochete, a bacteria

very similar to syphilis, it becomes very hard if

not impossible to remove from the body in later

stages, even with larger prolonged doses of

antibiotics. I am optimistic regarding my

recovery, and I hope along with Dr. C's help that

I will eventually be able to regain my health and

return to work.


Please accept and kindly review the following documents regarding the progression and/or current state of my chronic illness:

- Letter of medical condition from Dr. B dated 12/06/2006

- Letter of medical condition from Dr. O regarding my disabled state dated 03/22/07

- Letter of medical condition from Dr. A stating my psychiatric and sleep disturbance symptoms are due to chronic lyme disease

- Letter of medical condition from Dr. C regarding my disabled state dated 3/21/07

- Letter of acknowledgment of prescribed IV antibiotics from Dr. C (this is my 3rd round of IV) dated 7/25/07

- Updated letter of medical condition from Dr. C regarding my current disabled state
dated 11/19/06

- Documentation of PICC line insertion (for IV antibiotics) from Vassar Brothers Hospital
dated 3/14/07

- Letter of medical condition regarding my disabled state from Dr. G dated 11/7/2007

- Travel log of visits to Dr. G (progress & treatment notes)

- Research Study; ILADS Lyme Disease Treatment Guidelines Summary

- Research Study; Diagnostic Hints and Treatment Guidelines for Lyme disease and other tick borne illnesses by Dr. B

- Laboratory results from Igenex Inc dated 3/7/2007

If you should require any additional information or documentation regarding my current treatment and diagnosis other that what I have already provided please contact my attending physician Dr. C @ #######.

If you should require any additional information or documentation that I personally can provide you with, please contact me @ #######

Thank you for your help in this matter, and please, help me.

Sincerely,

[ 08. May 2008, 10:47 AM: Message edited by: djf2005 ]
 
Posted by jamescase20 (Member # 14124) on :
 
thanks. I am going to have a battle, omg.
 
Posted by jamescase20 (Member # 14124) on :
 
up for more.
 
Posted by djf2005 (Member # 11449) on :
 
james-

yeah its a battle, the most important thing is organizing everything well and sending a ton of paperwork in.

let me know if you need help, i'd be glad to.

derek
 
Posted by jamescase20 (Member # 14124) on :
 
Yeah this is going to be tough, now, I do want to say, I feel good at times, but its like, I never know if I am going to be okay to work or not. I dont want to get into this and not actually be truely disabliled. Idk, you follow me?
 
Posted by djf2005 (Member # 11449) on :
 
i follow you, i am the same way.

i have not had a good day in some time, but there have been times where i have felt like looking for a p/t job.

nonetheless, i would pursue it, not knowing how long this will affect you.

ill help in any way i can, when done right, you will succeed.

derek
 
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
 
derek,

i sure would like to be able to READ your letter your sent to DDS folks, but that LONG continuous block of text is impossible for my neuro lyme to be able to COMPREHEND and read.


would you be so kind to edit here, and break it up for us neuro lymies? [Wink]


please edit your post by CLICKING PAPER/PENCIL ICON to right of your name. that opens up BOTH subject line and body text.


now please break up your WORDY SENTENCES into one sentence paragraphs. Then hit ENTER KEY ``THREE`` after each paragraph; we need that space for comprehension.


if you are NOT a wordy person, you can do 2 or 3 total ok. do this for your entire post.


then go to left hand corner and mark box to receive ALL REPLIES, and click EDIT SEND [group hug] [kiss]


we thank you for helping us; [Wink] otherwise, we will SOB, SCROLL ON BY, since we can't read to help you. If I see posts like this, I SOB them; to hard on me. I'm also in the early stages of losing my eyesight from diabetes retinopathy. [Frown]
 
Posted by mtree (Member # 14305) on :
 
James,

I felt the same way.... [Roll Eyes]
I was afraid that I would get better and not want the disability....

I had mixed emotions through out the process....and once I got the notice I was approved ....I was still unsure about it.

But weeks have gone by now and I'm so glad I did it......going back to work in anything is not going to happen for me....anytime soon...

But the good news I found out that I can work....when and if I choose to....I can still collect and work part time....but can't exceed a certain amount per month......
I was so relieved.....because once I do feel better I will want to work....

derek is right about the organization of all your paperwork....make copies of everything....and have your dr's make copies too...
I sent in tons of paperwork....test results...lab...chiropracter...accupuncuter...
pharmacy.....bills...
its a lot...but once its done...its done....
[bonk] mtree
 
Posted by djf2005 (Member # 11449) on :
 
betty-

its broken up now.

can you read it better?

-derek
 
Posted by jamescase20 (Member # 14124) on :
 
disabilieD? well, I just threw up, runs cant walk now after 2 days of flagyl. back tobed.
 
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
 
....Derek, God bless you for breaking it up; yes, i could; wonderful detailed letter with supporting evidence.


fyi, i have a 4-drawer cabinet, THREE are full of my 5 years of going thru 2 SSDI claims before being approved!!!!

so keeping copies of everything and dated when you send them in and TO WHOM is very vital since they lose things all the time!! betty [group hug]
 
Posted by jamescase20 (Member # 14124) on :
 
yeh I am really not looking forward to this. but thx for your support.
 


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