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Avatar universal

So when do you apply for disability

Well, I got the results of my latest liver biopsy.  It 4/2  cirrhosis.   He wants me evaluated for a liver transplant before I tx again. I told him that my insurance won't cover the closest hospital that I had to go 6 hours away.He said that since I have cirrhosis that I should apply for disability and medicare would cover it and I could go to the closer hospital if I were to need a transplant.  After I got home I started thinking ...does this mean that I shouldn"t be working.(I still work full time)  I called him yesterday afternoon and left a message and he hasn't called back. I have low platelets and white cells. I also have some swelling that I take diretics for. Other than being tired I feel fine.  I could go to short term and long term disability at work while I wait for disability. I don't know if I should be working at all with a 4/2 liver. What do you all think?     -Libby
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446474 tn?1446347682
Libby,

Thanks for the clarification. So you are going to retreat but want to have transplant as backup incase your liver fails during treatment.  I did the same during my treatment. Makes very good sense.

Best of luck with your retreatment!
Hector
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm also stage 4, grade 2. Was dx. 3 yrs ago, did tx (86 weeks) and relapsed. Will be seeing my heppo at first of july. He thinks the odd are against me if i try the same SOC tx. So adding a third drug is a consideration.

Didn't think you could get medicare alone without being on SSDI. From what i understand you must be on SSDI for 2 years before medicare kicks in.

After at lease 3 years at 4/2 i'm still doing ok, tx. also gave me a swif get in the rear. If i had a physical job don't think i could handle it. (I know i couldn't) Its a very good thing you have short and long term disability as you have to be off work at lease 5 months before SSDI would kick in.

Best of luck to you

can
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
No, I'm not applying for diability just for Medicare. My Dr. suggested that I apply now that I have cirrhosis. I am being evaluted for transplant before txing again since sometimes it can all go bad.  The last tx didn't help my liver at all( went from 3/4 to 4/2 ) and I relasped 3 months after tx.  My question is why would he tell me to apply when he knows that means I can't work. Should I be working?  I really don't want to stop since I am only 48 years old.  He did say that txing would be harder this time. 72 weeks and I already have platelet and wbc issues.  Thanks for your insight.   -Libby
Helpful - 0
446474 tn?1446347682
Libby,

Do I understand you correctly, that the reason you are going on disability is to be covered for the transplant? You are just going to the center to be evaluated?

Of course we cirrhotics are working. Only when you decompensate and get to End Stage Liver Disease are you not able to live a normal life. I felt fine a year ago when I first learn I had a low platelet count and then had a biopsy, and found I had stage 4 liver disease.

It is a good step to get evaluated as soon as possible to they at the transplant center so get to know you and you get to know them.

I could be wrong but I'm guessing you will be waiting for a transplant for a number of years. Remember the sickest patients get their transplants first. Your inflammation level (Grade 2) is mild so your disease shouldn't progress too quickly. Which is great news. So why go on disability now? Maybe I'm missing something here.(?)

Hopefully you can clear the virus and not have to have a transplant!

I hope you stay as healthy and active for as long as you can.
Best of luck to you!
Hector
Helpful - 0
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