Aa
"You Don't Look Very Disabled"
This is what my PCP said when I asked him directly about all of his suggestions about what I could/should be doing with my time, rather than sitting around, knitting and being on the computer. I asked him what he knew about vertigo and fatigue, vertigo and cognitive function and MS and those same two things. He said "very little." So he listened ( a "little" incredulously) while I tried to explain it to him. We agreed to work on him getting to know me.
I need to collect the rest of my medical records and get them to him. I am very discouraged. "Invisible symptoms" suck bigtime!
Quix
I need to collect the rest of my medical records and get them to him. I am very discouraged. "Invisible symptoms" suck bigtime!
Quix
I found it, an no I hadn't read it yet. Well hopefully everything goes well, you shouldn't have any problems but if you do just remember that most are approved on appeal.
I used to be an air traffic controller, not a good thing to do and forget things like, hey, anyone seem my missing 747.
Take care, I know we'll see you around.
Johnny
I used to be an air traffic controller, not a good thing to do and forget things like, hey, anyone seem my missing 747.
Take care, I know we'll see you around.
Johnny
Love your name... it is my endearing name for my son John ...Johnny boy (he's 30 now)
Thanks for the info...
I am over 50, an RN, so the symptoms i have make it very difficult to work...
I do have my neurologist and neuropsychologist in agreement that i cannot work as a nurse...
I now have foot drop, a brace is being made for me and sometimes use a cane... so now my ortho agrees i cannot work ...
so we will see... after just spending alot of time last week with long term disability neuropsychologist, we will see if he agrees too... i appreciate your feedback... i wish i didn't have to apply for SS Retirement Disablilty but in my heart i know i cannot do what i used to... unfortunately, i loved what i did for a living... some people can't say that... i do trust the Lord will help me through this.
Thanks again and God bless,
Frann
Thanks for the info...
I am over 50, an RN, so the symptoms i have make it very difficult to work...
I do have my neurologist and neuropsychologist in agreement that i cannot work as a nurse...
I now have foot drop, a brace is being made for me and sometimes use a cane... so now my ortho agrees i cannot work ...
so we will see... after just spending alot of time last week with long term disability neuropsychologist, we will see if he agrees too... i appreciate your feedback... i wish i didn't have to apply for SS Retirement Disablilty but in my heart i know i cannot do what i used to... unfortunately, i loved what i did for a living... some people can't say that... i do trust the Lord will help me through this.
Thanks again and God bless,
Frann
Hi Frann,
I recently read that around 30% of all packages submitted to the SSA are approved first time around. The SSA does not take your doctors word that you are disabled. They have a completely separate set of criteria to be met and as ridiculous as it seems, you could be a 100% disabled war vet and not qualify for SSA disability.
Having an attorney is not a 100% sure thing either. They do make sure that what is documented is what the SSA wants to see. You need to have documentation in your medical records that define your functionality or better limitations to your functionality. They will also take into account your age (very important), your previous work, are you able to be retrained to do something else, etc. If you are over age 50 the chances are significantly higher that you will be approved. Whats important about that is that more people get approved first time around at age 50 or above, a lot more than others. So that average of 30% the first time around is an average and takes into account the higher percentages at the older age groups which conversely means less than 30%, a lot less, get approved in the younger age groups.
A lot more are approved after getting a hearing where you present your case again if you were disapproved. Most lawyers that deal in this area will take your case pro bono agreeing to a certain percentage if they win which often times comes from your first (long delayed) disability check.
Do some research on claim filing if you haven't yet, there are plenty of resources including the SSA own website.
Good luck, I hope you get approved! I haven't had to go through the process yet but have done a lot of reading regarding this. Once you have a disability like this you have to become proactive in thinking about your future needs.
I'm sure others will offer their thoughts and experiences.
Johnny
I recently read that around 30% of all packages submitted to the SSA are approved first time around. The SSA does not take your doctors word that you are disabled. They have a completely separate set of criteria to be met and as ridiculous as it seems, you could be a 100% disabled war vet and not qualify for SSA disability.
Having an attorney is not a 100% sure thing either. They do make sure that what is documented is what the SSA wants to see. You need to have documentation in your medical records that define your functionality or better limitations to your functionality. They will also take into account your age (very important), your previous work, are you able to be retrained to do something else, etc. If you are over age 50 the chances are significantly higher that you will be approved. Whats important about that is that more people get approved first time around at age 50 or above, a lot more than others. So that average of 30% the first time around is an average and takes into account the higher percentages at the older age groups which conversely means less than 30%, a lot less, get approved in the younger age groups.
A lot more are approved after getting a hearing where you present your case again if you were disapproved. Most lawyers that deal in this area will take your case pro bono agreeing to a certain percentage if they win which often times comes from your first (long delayed) disability check.
Do some research on claim filing if you haven't yet, there are plenty of resources including the SSA own website.
Good luck, I hope you get approved! I haven't had to go through the process yet but have done a lot of reading regarding this. Once you have a disability like this you have to become proactive in thinking about your future needs.
I'm sure others will offer their thoughts and experiences.
Johnny
I am so glad you are addressing the diablilty issues...
i spent hours (9am-6pm with a 45 minute break) at a neurpshychologists office on thrusday that my long term disability insurance sent me to see..
it took me till today to start feeling better... i was so exhausted .... this was to determine if i am going to be approved...i still have to apply for social security disabilty...it is very demeaning.... waiting to hear if someone believes you and has your fate in their hands...
i have not hired an attorney yet... hopefully, i will be approved... i told the neuropsych about my foot and the need to be braced and may require a cane... he jotted everything down... hopefully , it will all work out... i have to believe that...
any advice?
Thanks,
God bless,
Frann
i spent hours (9am-6pm with a 45 minute break) at a neurpshychologists office on thrusday that my long term disability insurance sent me to see..
it took me till today to start feeling better... i was so exhausted .... this was to determine if i am going to be approved...i still have to apply for social security disabilty...it is very demeaning.... waiting to hear if someone believes you and has your fate in their hands...
i have not hired an attorney yet... hopefully, i will be approved... i told the neuropsych about my foot and the need to be braced and may require a cane... he jotted everything down... hopefully , it will all work out... i have to believe that...
any advice?
Thanks,
God bless,
Frann
Look at it this way, at least he is willing to listen to you. Like you said, he is young and wet behind the ears. Well, here's your chance to teach a young dog new tricks. Train him well and we may all want to use him as our neuro's.
Your a very smart person and it sounds like you want to give this guy a chance and I say your an angel so go for it.
I'll be praying,
Carol
Your a very smart person and it sounds like you want to give this guy a chance and I say your an angel so go for it.
I'll be praying,
Carol
Funny you should mention... I had to move a friend's appointment because of my Thursday MRI and she said...
"I'm sure you're fine. You look fine. You're fine. I'm sure your fine, because you look fine."
...I just smiled and said, "You're right. I'm probably fine." I can't even bother to explain to some people. At leas she's not my doc. My doc said it must be depression. Is that any better though?
"I'm sure you're fine. You look fine. You're fine. I'm sure your fine, because you look fine."
...I just smiled and said, "You're right. I'm probably fine." I can't even bother to explain to some people. At leas she's not my doc. My doc said it must be depression. Is that any better though?
I'm sorry to hear about your PCP visit. You deserve the very best! Hopefully things will go better when he reviews your other medical records.
I happen to be having fat-free hot dogs for dinner tonight. I'll make sure they come out of the pan "extra crispy"! Also, I'll add tons of sweet relish in hopes of it "rubbing off".
Bethany
I happen to be having fat-free hot dogs for dinner tonight. I'll make sure they come out of the pan "extra crispy"! Also, I'll add tons of sweet relish in hopes of it "rubbing off".
Bethany
I'm sure you'll educate this youngin.
Him getting to know you and your medical records is a good start.
These young neuro's sure like to use there text books versus the patients and their symptoms.
Florida mom I'd let quix borrow my leg braces to womp some sense into this young neuro,BUT,I think my legs would miss them.
When I see any DR doesn't matter what specialty they see my leg braces and they wanna run for the hills.
The invisible symptoms are the hardest for most DRs to get past.
Quix I have had the vertigo ,it has went into remission but I get severe ringing in the ears.
Dive into that ice cream I like moose tracks
T
Him getting to know you and your medical records is a good start.
These young neuro's sure like to use there text books versus the patients and their symptoms.
Florida mom I'd let quix borrow my leg braces to womp some sense into this young neuro,BUT,I think my legs would miss them.
When I see any DR doesn't matter what specialty they see my leg braces and they wanna run for the hills.
The invisible symptoms are the hardest for most DRs to get past.
Quix I have had the vertigo ,it has went into remission but I get severe ringing in the ears.
Dive into that ice cream I like moose tracks
T
Hit the button too fast...anyway, I have requested copies of my reports from the NJ neuro and as soon as I get them, I will send everything to Dr. Morrow. Hope he wants my case. Good night Quix and have a pleasant Saturday!!.....Craig
Always watching out for my friends, Quix, and you are definitely one of them. I got sick in my second year of law school in 2004. I did finish and I was able, by the grace of God, to pass the PA and NJ Bar exams. I was going to be a tax attorney (I love numbers) or a patent attorney. But that is on hold now, although my employer does let me use my legal expertise whenever possible.
Becky said what you said...Dr. Kohan is near retirement and is not taking new patients. She had me talk to Dr. Morrow's scheduler, who said that I need to send the doctor the cd's of the MRI's and the snazzy NJ neuro report. Then he will look at my mri films, decide if he thinks I have MS, and then will give me an appointment if he wants my case. He is scheduling in January for new patients.
Becky said what you said...Dr. Kohan is near retirement and is not taking new patients. She had me talk to Dr. Morrow's scheduler, who said that I need to send the doctor the cd's of the MRI's and the snazzy NJ neuro report. Then he will look at my mri films, decide if he thinks I have MS, and then will give me an appointment if he wants my case. He is scheduling in January for new patients.
I'm not too worried after 15 hospital admissions, 10 to the ICU. I'm 6 years into this, with the first 5 years on the Vertigo alone. When I applied for Social Security Disability, my approval came in in under 4 weeks. This new evaluation will have the new diagnosis of MS added in, plus the leg brace and the cane. But, you are right. If there is a ripple that suggests that someone thinks I could handle a formal job, I will seek out an attorney.
BTW- One of the the biggest insurers of professionals (docs and lawyers, etc) disability policies was Provident/UNUM. For a decade or more they were notorious for abruptly terminating benefits after about 18 months on no grounds. There was a massive class action suit, in which P/U went down in flames. The insurers are more careful now. My old company is now one of the three largest medical care/hospital employers in the country. I don't think they'll come after me.
When I was first disabled, I went onto LTD for 4 months. Then a surgery improved things and I went back to work almost fulltime for a year, then crashed again. So, I already failed the return to work and have worsened since then.
Appreciate the reminder to watch my legal back. ahahhh! I knew you were highly educated. You keep it so low key. Always the quiet, wise voice. Did you get ahold of Becky?
Quix
BTW- One of the the biggest insurers of professionals (docs and lawyers, etc) disability policies was Provident/UNUM. For a decade or more they were notorious for abruptly terminating benefits after about 18 months on no grounds. There was a massive class action suit, in which P/U went down in flames. The insurers are more careful now. My old company is now one of the three largest medical care/hospital employers in the country. I don't think they'll come after me.
When I was first disabled, I went onto LTD for 4 months. Then a surgery improved things and I went back to work almost fulltime for a year, then crashed again. So, I already failed the return to work and have worsened since then.
Appreciate the reminder to watch my legal back. ahahhh! I knew you were highly educated. You keep it so low key. Always the quiet, wise voice. Did you get ahold of Becky?
Quix
Munch munch munch....mmmmm...toasted neuros...slurp slurp slurp....Chunky Monkey banana ice cream...aaaahhhhh.
Keep at it, Quix! We learn so much from you, its great to pass on the knowledge to those doctors that can make a difference!
Viva la mildew!
Fishyfish
Keep at it, Quix! We learn so much from you, its great to pass on the knowledge to those doctors that can make a difference!
Viva la mildew!
Fishyfish
Hi Quix. Frustrating having invisible problems and looking fine.
Glad that you are 'educating' your doctor. Actually if he is young and wet behind the ears, he is lucky to have you drying them for him. He may become a better doctor with careful breaking in...
Actually, I think we as people with chronic conditions have some role (and challenge) in educating our doctors.....
Some of these weenie roast doctors may have been young and fresh and taken for rides by some patients (I personally would hate to be a doctor dealing with sick people and people who think they are sick on a daily basis. Takes a special kind of person to deal with people with problems well and compassionately every day without getting burned out, and blase....).... that's not an excuse.... Kudos to you quix that you were that kind of dr (the later :)), obviously (and still are that kind of doctor)...
I'd love some icecream!!
S
Glad that you are 'educating' your doctor. Actually if he is young and wet behind the ears, he is lucky to have you drying them for him. He may become a better doctor with careful breaking in...
Actually, I think we as people with chronic conditions have some role (and challenge) in educating our doctors.....
Some of these weenie roast doctors may have been young and fresh and taken for rides by some patients (I personally would hate to be a doctor dealing with sick people and people who think they are sick on a daily basis. Takes a special kind of person to deal with people with problems well and compassionately every day without getting burned out, and blase....).... that's not an excuse.... Kudos to you quix that you were that kind of dr (the later :)), obviously (and still are that kind of doctor)...
I'd love some icecream!!
S
Hi Quix. Concerning the ice cream, my wife's favorite to console herself is Haagan Daz 'Sticky Toffee Pudding". About the disability, I talked to a disability attorney a few months ago and he said that the more educated you are, the harder it is to stay on disability. The insurance companies tend to harass the doctors and say that with all the education the person has, they should be able to do something, anything, related to their field. If this doctor is new, he may be more susceptible to being harassed by the disability insurance company. Have you thought about getting a disability attorney to help you? I have a Ph.D and a law degree (can't work as an attorney because of all of my fatigue and limitations). When the attorney heard that, he said that I would be a tough case. Thankfully, I have an understanding compassionate employer and am still able to work a limited schedule. Keep up with educating the novice doctor!!!!.....Craig
I'd say he could use a pint or two of ice cream himself. Can you write him a prescription?
The twerp needs to be taught a lesson by Ben and Jerry.
If not him, then me! Pass me a spoon!
Z*
The twerp needs to be taught a lesson by Ben and Jerry.
If not him, then me! Pass me a spoon!
Z*
I hope future patients will benefit because you took the time to mentor this young man. You are amazing!
I've never tried Cherry Fudge Truffle . . . time to go to the store! Why isn't exercise as comforting as chocolate??
Sherry
I've never tried Cherry Fudge Truffle . . . time to go to the store! Why isn't exercise as comforting as chocolate??
Sherry
i just finished an entire pint of Haagen Das Cherry Fudge Truffle ice cream.... :) :) my doctor made me do it.
Zilla - the company managing my disability benefits has already started the process, asking me for updates on any new doctors....so I have a month or so to get him up to speed.
Guys, he is brand new, wet behind the ears, out of residency. He is earnest, but pretty prim and prudish. I'm failrly broad and baudy in my humor and remarks. We may not be a good pairing, but I do believe he is willing to learn. He deserves a light roasting and some heavy seasoning. He is going to get a BIG education about invisible disability!
Sugar HIGH!!! Q
Zilla - the company managing my disability benefits has already started the process, asking me for updates on any new doctors....so I have a month or so to get him up to speed.
Guys, he is brand new, wet behind the ears, out of residency. He is earnest, but pretty prim and prudish. I'm failrly broad and baudy in my humor and remarks. We may not be a good pairing, but I do believe he is willing to learn. He deserves a light roasting and some heavy seasoning. He is going to get a BIG education about invisible disability!
Sugar HIGH!!! Q
I agree...weanie roast pending I feel...!
May be he was overwhelmed by your expert knowledge, understanding and compassion (see the new post about neuros).....are you sure you don't want to be my doctor Quix....please, pretty please.
May be he was overwhelmed by your expert knowledge, understanding and compassion (see the new post about neuros).....are you sure you don't want to be my doctor Quix....please, pretty please.
It is easy to understand why depression often accompanies MS. These kind of days call for CHOCOLATE! We'll have smores at the weanie roast.
Sherry
Sherry
I thought you weren't supposed to revisit the disability thing until January, Is this still true? Do you get until then to wisen him up? I know you can do it, but you shouldn't have to. He is your doctor. He should be the one doing the research on his own, not counting on you , the patient to teach him about your own illnesses.
He does need to hear from your other specialists, though, who are treating you for the autoimmune inner ear disease and MS. What a dolt! And jerk! When this is over and he sees the error of his ways, this child will owe you a huge apology. And hopefully will have learned a thing or two about patient care.
Sock it to him, Quix!
Z*
He does need to hear from your other specialists, though, who are treating you for the autoimmune inner ear disease and MS. What a dolt! And jerk! When this is over and he sees the error of his ways, this child will owe you a huge apology. And hopefully will have learned a thing or two about patient care.
Sock it to him, Quix!
Z*
May I please have his name and address? I see a big time %$? whooping in his future!!
Your response should have been "well you don't look very smart!"
You know when the rest of us go to these dim wit neuros I almost expect to be treated that way, but your episode makes me want to beat him with some leg braces!
I am thinking he has earned the distinction of being our first weanie roasted tonight!! What do you say girls and guys - we got a bonfire??!!!!
Kristin
Your response should have been "well you don't look very smart!"
You know when the rest of us go to these dim wit neuros I almost expect to be treated that way, but your episode makes me want to beat him with some leg braces!
I am thinking he has earned the distinction of being our first weanie roasted tonight!! What do you say girls and guys - we got a bonfire??!!!!
Kristin
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