posted
Sorry to hear! I wish you the best with SSDI! I applied 12/05 and was denied and I am on my appeal now. But now I got a good laywer fighting for me so I am hoping things will go thought this time. I wish you the best!
Hang in there! Posts: 51 | From Des Moines, Iowa | Registered: Jul 2006
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Jill E.
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9121
posted
Maddog,
I wish you the very best. Please let us know how it goes.
In terms of IC, which I know from personal experience how painful that is, there is a Yahoo group called LymeTreatments. They are mostly IC patients that had been through all kinds of treatment and it turned out they all have Lyme.
They have lots of challenges finding antibiotics and alternative treatment that does not make their IC flare even worse. Perhaps you might want to stop by that group just to swap information with them and see if there are any suggestions that could get you a little relief while you are going through all this stress.
Most of them have used a particular nurse practitioner who is an IC specialist who made the link that they all had Lyme, and several of them seem to work with specialists that I hadn't heard of. It's an interesting group.
Take care, Jill
-------------------- If laughter is the best medicine, why hasn't stand-up comedy cured me? Posts: 1773 | From San Diego | Registered: Apr 2006
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MADDOG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 18
posted
Hi Jill ,can you please post the link to this websight??
Thanks MADDOG
Posts: 4083 | From Ohio | Registered: Oct 2000
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posted
Wow, Jill! Interesting website! I'm so glad IC patients are realizing that Lyme is the cause of their miseries quite often....In my opinion...as I have IC also.
MADDOG....I got disability because of my IC. I had not been dxd with Lyme at that time.
Is the IC being treated? Hope you're finding some relief for it.
Hang in there....bettyg has alot of disability info.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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cantgiveupyet
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8165
posted
hey maddog,
I remember reading somewhere that SSI ruled that IC was a disability. Im still awaiting my claim to be approved.
Im also a member of the yahoo group....good info there. I was diagnosed with IC in may of this year.
here is a link to the SS ruling that was posted on the IC network.
quote:Originally posted by cantgiveupyet: hey maddog,
I remember reading somewhere that SSI ruled that IC was a disability. Im still awaiting my claim to be approved.
There is no cure, so I would think so.
Of course, Lyme is easily cured with 3-4 wks of treatment....or sometimes even one pill!!!
AARRRRRGGHHH!!!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935
posted
I am so sorry to hear this maddog
You sure have been threw alot.
Don't know much about SSDI but wanted to give (((((you warm hugs)))
Hang in there and hope you can find something that helps.
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
Hey old friend..
If I can write a letter on your behalf.. or help the lawyer with info or research for you.. just howl.
Once the legal junk is underway.. I think this will be a good turning point in your life. I KNOW you have gone above and beyond with your work.. and you should be proud of all you did.
Now is the time to focus on YOU! We must get our Maddog feeling better.
Jill E.
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9121
posted
Hi Maddog,
I would try this link below for the LymeTreatments yahoo group, but I have it bookmarked on my computer and am already a member of Yahoo groups, so I'm not quite sure if this is the right link or not.
If it doesn't work, just go to www.yahoo.com, then link to groups, then search for LymeTreatments and go through the registration process.
-------------------- If laughter is the best medicine, why hasn't stand-up comedy cured me? Posts: 1773 | From San Diego | Registered: Apr 2006
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
Maddag, I'm here to the rescue! Here's my personal info from my 5 years of hell in the SSDI system.
Also, please check TREEPATORL'S NEWBIE LINKS and look for MINOUCAT'S DISABILITY info too. She has some different stuff from mine, but my stuff was added to hers later on ok!
I am also including the comprehensive 125-150 lyme symptoms as a reminder to you. **********************************
SSDI, SSI, LTD procedures: Here is what I post for all on SSDI/SSI/LTD... I tried the link of the female MD ``template''; you are right; it's no longer good!
2 alternatives: use what I provide below as guidance since you have LYME disease and not filing for chronic fatigue.
OR go to the bad web site, click on REFRESH, and go to that site! Ask Mary, web owner, the question since she posted this on disinissues; SHE started that site! It was her close friend who okd to post her info for others. Betty Gordon
TRYING TO GET SSDI, SS DISABILITY INSURANCE BENEFITS OR LTD:
Hi! I know what you mean about memory & typing, etc....it's the pits!
I do suggest you join the FREE DISINISSUES and read thoroughly or just print it all off of the FEMALE MD with chronic fatigue, etc. she gives wonderful, detailed examples that DDS, disability reps, want to approve/deny you.
Also have you looked thru the ADULT APPROVED LIST OF IMPAIRMENTS? That's critical also!
note 1.04; look at the rest of the 14 other specific areas too....
I printed off 1-14 sections showing what brief guidelines were for each section. I used that against ALL my medical reocrds, 3" thick!! Then I went to their DETAILED specifics for the sections that applied to my illnesses!
TIMECONSUMING....TOOK ALL 7 WEEKS from my notice of my ALJ hearing date!
So you have NOT submitted your INITIAL APP TO SS OFFICE, correct? Good, you want this to be as complete as possible so they can NOT turn you down on the 1st step as they do us all!!
\============================================= What I did with an online friend was this: prepared a chart noting the specific section of 1 - 14 that my diagnosed illnesses showed the wording, dr. seen & date.
Example, 14.09 LYME disease is mentioned in but doesn't give any examples. So I showed 14.09 with my drs. name & date plus specific details about each visit where lyme symptoms were stated..
I hope you have a copy of ALL MEDICAL REPORTS...drs., xrays, all blood labs, etc. It's critical that you KEEP A COPY FOR YOURSELF! ========================================
On mine, I showed the date mailed to ALJ & LAWYER PLUS I kept a copy. Then I went to copy center nearby & copied and mailed promptly to lawyer per his request.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT:
if you have an ALJ hearing, request thru your local SS office to REVIEW your complete SSDI app at THEIR local office!
When you see things you submitted with your writing on, don't look at them!
Look & read only the secretative ``RFC & MFC'' done by the the in-staff DDS DRS & PSYCHOOGISTS!
You want to make copies of ALL the stuff they have & other stuff you don't have so you can use that info against them!
NOTE: I'D DO THIS DIFFERENTLY NOW! **********************************
SEND 1 COPY TO ALJ and 1 to your lawyer!
Lawyer did NOT SEND MY REPORTS TO DDS STAFF PROMPTLY;
they didn't see many things when they denied me although I had good medical info!
Examples, 2 RFC, residual function capacity done by PCP dr. of 26 yrs. & rheumatologist;
plus 2 MFC, mental function capacity, done by psychiatrist & psychologist....the 1st person was the one judge used in APPROVING my 2nd claim for severe depression/effective disorder & anxiety.
ALJ's don't like working with LYME, FIBRO, CHRONIC FATIGUE. MENTAL is on approved list of adult approved impairment list! So don't fight it, go with it! ============================================
This message is sent upon subscription, and again monthly.
There are many more links, as well as advice and "useful" messages in the Files area of the website. Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Disinissues and click on Files.
The website provides compilations of several areas of interest which are commonly requested and mentioned. They reflect the collected wisdom of this group. Check them out - you just might find the information you were looking for! Take a look at Files that are not specific to your situation, because they might be helpful anyway - what works for Social Security may work for LTD claims, what applies to CFS, chronic fatigue syndrome, may apply to your medical condition.
The Welcome Message and Group Guidelines are in the Files section, if you need a refresher on how this group works.
You must register with Yahoo to use the website, but note: Be careful not to permit your address to be put into the directory when you register. Put as little as possible into your public profile. You do not need a Yahoo address to use the website. Your email address is what Yahoo calls your "alternate address."
Please let the moderators know if any links have changed.
Contact the moderators at [email protected] or for AOL subscribers: Click here
BETTY NOTE: Look at the female MD''s DETAILED BACKGROUND right below this paragraph. Print off her detailed responses as to why she could NOT do her job, and then apply that to YOUR own job as to why you no longer can do any type of sustainable work now nor in the foreseeable future! NO LONGER GOOD 5-17-06: http://www.cfids-me.org/socsec.html
*************************************
An online friend of mine from disinissues web site posted this info today, so I have copied it over here.
Subject: fibro/CFS disability info [Disinissues] what does an Functional Capacity Exam entail?
Lyme, fibro, & CFS support group members who are/will be filing for SS Disability insurance benefits, please go to the web page shown below.
There were 9 pages of info I printed below area where you can order from fibro network a 70 page packet.
I too plan on including this info when I send my FINAL packet of info to chief ALJ before my June 16, 2005 hearing...my last chance! =======================================
Please read the site mentioned on: WHY DISABILITY TESTING FOR FMS IS OFTEN MISLEADING ADVICE FOR FM/CFS PATIENTS AND THEIR DISABILITY TEAM.....
Also after this article are the following articles:
WHAT COULD BE CAUSING DELAYED-PHASE FLARES?
BENNETT'S METHOD FOR ASSESSING FUNCTION IN FMS..
TECTONIC CHANGES IN DISABILITY LAW by lawyer Joshua Potter, CALIF.
MEDICALLY DETERMINABLE IMPAIRMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR CFS & FMS
DOCUMENTIONATION...VIEW IT AS AN INSURANCE POLICY
I printed this out in larger print for my eyes....9 pages! Will read it thoroughly and mark up 2nd copy to go to ALJudge for my 2nd hearing as medical evidence also.... *********************************
posted
Maddog, Have you been getting copies of your medical records as different things came up?
If not, please go to where you normally doctor and ask to review them first, and then have a copy made.
I paid our local clinic $15 going back 15 years,and our hospital $10 for ALL my surgery records. They were ALL attached to my 1st app.
Main thing is by reading thru them you can tell if your past medical records ARE WELL DOCUMENTED for your case.
Did you ever have the RFC, residual function capacity, test done:
how long you can sit, stand, lift, crawl, work with your hands, bend, walking, etc. and for what length of time, etc.
MFC, mental function capacity is also a necessity, for our claims.
Do you think you, family/friends, can assist you in gathering this info and YOU present the case yourself WITHOUT A LAWYER using the info you find in DISINISSUES web site?
I had a lawyer for almost 4 full years until he quit me afte my lyme diagnosis since he NEVER told me he could not represent me in FEDERAL COURT; so that's ONE BIG QUESTION you want to ask a potential lawyer.
They will give you ONE HOUR FREE to discuss your case to see if they feel they can win it or not with you.
Please get someone LOCAL to your area who specializes in SSDI claims, and better yet if they are familiar with CHRONIC LYME, FIBRO, CHRONIC FATIGUE, & IC. had some afterthoughts I wanted you to think about.
5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935
posted
Hey maddog
one thing to add . Just a blip really.
I talked to a lawyer trying to get SSDI and he both told me its easyier and better out come to stress a CFIDS diagnosis. That CFIDS has a longer and now well established track record in the SSDI system than lyme. Figures!
Take care And maybe you will have more time to enjoy life a little more. You sure do deserve it!
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
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treepatrol
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 4117
posted
Sorry to here Maddog hope you get your SSD
-------------------- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember Iam not a Doctor Just someone struggling like you with Tick Borne Diseases.
posted
Its awful to lose your health and then your job, particularly if you liked it. I am sorry to hear that.
But it is better to stay home and avoid stress so the body can heal.
My doctor ordered me to stop working.
I got my SSDI in six months. The letter came last week. However, I have a pension from a different system so I won't get any money.
But I will ge Medicare.
Odd thing is, there is a 24 month waiting period from the time one is eligible.
Let's see: disabled, sick, in need of tx . . . Wait 24 months. Go figure. I worked hard my whole life and this is supposed to be my safety net. Some net.
Oh well I shouldn't complain. I cobra'd our health insurance. It's $1200 a month. My wife freaked out. And then I showed her how I just got $6,000 worth of mepron for $20. My insurance so far is covering all abx.
I wonder if they will cover rocephin too.
Anyway Maddog, good luck. You are not alone.
-------------------- Jeff Posts: 533 | From CA | Registered: Mar 2006
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posted
I would stress the IC diagnosis, and add Lyme as a side benefit [HA!].. Especially since the IC is tied to the chemicals at the workplace.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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AZURE WISH
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 804
posted
Hi maddog.
Sorry to hear you are going to have to leave your job.
I did eventually get disablity for lyme. I am in my 20's though and the younger you are the harder they make it to get.
My advice would definetely be to get a lawyer. I had one and he handles everything. There was know way I physically could have done all that work. Too much pain fatigue blah blah blah.
I was told that they deny everyone the first round ....so expect that. Then you get an appeal (thats when I got it). If you have a lawyer up through all this time you dont have to anything except maybe answer the lawyers questions.
And my lawyer just called if he needed to know something. which is a good thing when you are too sick to go out alot.
If your first appeal gets denied you go in front of a judge you and your lawyer plead your case and the judge decides.
I hope it doesn't take too long for you to get it. The only thing is I think you have to have disability granted for about 3 years before you qualify for medicare.
MADDOG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 18
posted
Hi Gang.Thanks for all the advice.
I cant tell everything here, there is a lot more going on.A lot more!!!
In a week or so I will post what is happening.
MADDOG
Posts: 4083 | From Ohio | Registered: Oct 2000
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MADDOG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 18
posted
The list.
1. Touretts syndrome 2.Sacral angle way over average for a male. 3.L4-5 disk herniation. 4.gout 5.hip damage 6.carpel tunel with blown tendon right hand. 7.Interstitial cystitus 8.Lyme 9.babs 2 kinds 10. ic joints both shoulders real bad (Scar tissue) 11. glenoid tendon tear right shoulder 12.over 50 years old 13.heart murmer 14.lung scar tissue- low volume 15.Chemical synsitivites 16.Asma 17.epstien barr 18.divertickulosis,acending and decending, I have forgot some stuf!!
MADDOG
Posts: 4083 | From Ohio | Registered: Oct 2000
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Ann-OH
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2020
posted
Hi Maddog! I am actually glad you are taking yourself out of that chemical stew you have been working in all these years.
Once you feel better and get the SSI you are surely due, I hope you will follow your heart and get a job selling to and training people in use of outdoor equipment. You are a natural!
I will send you a private message with the name of the law firm that just got Nancy her SSI - at the first hearing!
Take 2/ twice a day and looks like costs about 50 bucks a month. Not much if it works for YOU. Way to much if it doesnt, then return for money back refund. I would think you would have an idea within 30 days or so.
I havent had THAT sx yet so no experience. Wish you well and hope you use Betty's guidelines to get approved for disability the first go around.I remain--just don--
-------------------- just don Posts: 4548 | From Middle of midwest | Registered: May 2001
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trueblue
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7348
posted
Good luck and congrats about leaving the chemical mess you've been in.
I hope the process goes smoothly.
you certainly have enough disabling conditions for it to sail through. The things that are most important are the ones that are most limiting.
I know I'm one of the few but some get approved right off. I applied and was approved in less than 3 months. Maybe it was fluke, but I think not, (I was only in my mid-30's at the time).
50, should work to your avantage, as well.
Anyway, good luck and I hope it happens fast. Do take TC up on her offer of a letter or help when the time comes. When I applied I was asked for 3 references and/or statements from people that knew me and my limitations. I think those were instrumental in the decision that was made.
I'm no expert but if there's anything I can do to help feel free to contact me, k? I do know what I had to do to make it happen and can at least share that.
-------------------- more light, more love more truth and more innovation Posts: 3783 | From somewhere other than here | Registered: May 2005
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Sorry to see you leaving your work because you feel so poorly..not because you want to.
I left work a year ago and I feel so much better. I was able to get disability. I had a doctor tell me that if I really "showed" the depression aspect of my disease during my interviews it would help. I certainly had depression anyway so I let it all hang out. Years and years of suffering came flooding out during my interview by their psych doctor. Apparently they took it seriously. I was approved on my first try and I didn't have a lawyer. For once..I thought depression helped me..in a weird way.
Anyway, good luck to you and I hope you start regaining your health since you won't have the stress of working anymore.
It's 2 years wait to get MEDICARE, and time you ae in the entire process. So after 5 years when I was aproved 1 yr. ago, my MEDICARE STARTED paying as my no. 1 health provider and no. 2 was the state's retiree BCBS program.
The other guy above who got his medicare NOW; well, only the person who GAVE you this can understand WHY they did! LET SLEEPING DOGS LAY. Bettyg
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