[deedee]

I posted this in the general and was sent to this area for help.

I wanted to say hi. I found this forum yesterday. I was searching for info on functional capacity evaluation. My private insurance company is trying to get me off LTD because I wouldn't take a buyout for less money. I am on SSD but if I lose the private I will lose half of my income. My two main problems are fibromyalgia and crohns. I have other things but those seen to limit me the most.Since I have good and bad days, what happens if the test is on a good day and they don't see the true picture?

[tamiloo]

Well...I guess what I would say to you is what my SS lawyer said to me, whether it is a good day or bad I need to answer any questions or do things the way I usually do. Therefore, if they were to ask you if say...can you walk up stairs...he told me that I need to think of the question in this way...can you walk up stairs without pain. Well, no I can't walk up stair or down for that fact without pain, then the answer you would give would be "no I cannot walk up or down stairs", not just occasionally but not at all.

Tell me, what is all involved in a functional capacity evaluation? Hey, just do more than you should the day before so you wake up in a world of pain so when you take this test then you will be functioning at your normal painful self....

[deedee]

stmarysmaine.com/other_health/physical_rehab/functional.html

it gives the basic info. The LTD insurance company is trying to figure out a way to stop paying me. Also they're making me go to another town 1.5 hours away. I told they they would have to provide transportation. That's 3 hours at least in the car not counting the test!

[DM]

Don't ya just love it Deedee??? Tell em' to pick ya up in a Limo!

I get tired of hearing Insurance horror stories like yours. Take care and do keep us updated on this. Sorry I can't help w/the test info your'e seeking.

[Peter B]

Originally Posted by tamiloo

[SIZE="4"]Well...I guess what I would say to you is what my SS lawyer said to me, whether it is a good day or bad I need to answer any questions or do things the way I usually do. Therefore, if they were to ask you if say...can you walk up stairs...he told me that I need to think of the question in this way...can you walk up stairs without pain. Well, no I can't walk up stair or down for that fact without pain, then the answer you would give would be "no I cannot walk up or down stairs", not just occasionally but not at all.

That's exactly right. They don't ask the questions properly, so you have to rephrase them in your head. If they ask whether or not you can do a certain thing, ask yourself if you can do it reliably and consistently, and then answer it.
Can you use a PC and keyboard? Yes. Can you use a PC and keyboard reliably and consistently? No.
That sort of thing. Be very clear on this, and think it out before replying. If you have to do a physical task, tell them where it hurts or what the repercussions are.
A lot of my pain will come a day or so after the event, for instance.
Take with you and insist they read, something that clearly explains your illness-make sure it is from a reputable source.
Good luck.

[deedee]

Thanks for the help. That's a very good idea to take info with me and to remember what my reality is.

[fiberowendy2000]

I have had this evaluation done and you are right they are trying to get you off LTD. I was on it for years. When they ask you the questions, answer them as if you were having a bad day. Even if you are having a good day. Trust me the PT guy/gal is not "in it" with the LTD people they are just hired to do the the testing.
This thing is going to last about 2-3 hours long so you will get tired and fatigued. It will show up in the testing. They will do dexterity, logical thinking, climbing stairs, walking a certain length of a hallway. Stuff like that. DO NOT PUSH yourself. Do what you would normally do on a normal day. If walking up a flight of stairs is painful to you daily then say so. They will do most things to simulate what a "normal" day is. Not our normal but a "normal's normal".
I had it done in a non-AC room in the middle of summer. No joy in Muddville that day!
If you have any questions let me know.

[deedee]

I talked to the insurance lady yesterday. I said things about good days and bad days, them trying to get me off the insurance because I didn't take the buyout . She said they weren't trying to do that. It's just that conditions can change month to month. HA! She said the test is 4-6 hours plus a 3 hour round trip car ride. I have to be there at 8:30 AM. I asked if they were providing lunch and she said no. They don't break to eat. I told her I do. I asked her if I should get my atty. involved. I just want her aware that they will have a fight on their hands. I'm very stressed. The test is on the 11th. I'll let you know what happens.

[Peter B]

Originally Posted by deedee

I talked to the insurance lady yesterday. I said things about good days and bad days, them trying to get me off the insurance because I didn't take the buyout . She said they weren't trying to do that. It's just that conditions can change month to month. HA! She said the test is 4-6 hours plus a 3 hour round trip car ride. I have to be there at 8:30 AM. I asked if they were providing lunch and she said no. They don't break to eat. I told her I do. I asked her if I should get my atty. involved. I just want her aware that they will have a fight on their hands. I'm very stressed. The test is on the 11th. I'll let you know what happens.

Hi deedee. The things that can change month to month are the ones that they are hoping will be in their favour. If it was for your benefit, they wouldn't bother.
If you need food on a regular basis to avoid becoming ill or weak, then insist on it, but explain why-you don't want to come across as difficult, just very concerned for your health.
These things can be very stressful, so get there a bit early so you can settle down a bit after the drive. Think about what each test means in regards your illness before you respond, so that you convey your true condition. Not sure if this all makes sense.

[deedee]

I wanted to update you on the test. It took about 2 hours. Travel time was over 3 hours. She started with a range of motion test. I had to do things like pushing and pulling, walking up and down stairs, putting a weighted box on a shelf and taking it down. It was the kind of stuff you might do in a job. I did everything I was asked to do but I got to tell her when and where I was having pain and she would let me stop. I guess now it's a wait and see what the insurance company does next. I'm glad it's over.