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Help with applying for SS Disability
When and if a PNer reaches the point where applying for Social Security disability is near I strongly recommend that Mike F be contacted at:
*edit* contact DanP for info. Mike resides in the Eastern Time Zone so consider that if you call. Mike has helped a lot PNers get their SS disability and very often on the first try. I'm pretty sure some of the folks here have used his advice and I'm certain some from the old BT forum and TNA site have. Mike does not fill out the forms for you but will guide you all the way through the process. He knows not only what to include but perhaps more important what NOT to include. Mike does not charge for his expertise *admin edit* He is legitimate in every sense of the word and I have personally met and visited with him when I made a trip to NY. He came all the way into NYC to meet with me and we had dinner and talked the night away. I belong to this and a couple of other PN sites so Mike and I remain in touch. I'm certain that Rose will verify Mike's letitimacy as well as Mrs D, Glenn, David, and maybe Lisa Jane and a few others here. Why does he help? Because he too is a PNer, understands the problems, and simply enjoys being of service to his fellow man/woman. Simply put, Mike is the real McCoy. So, I stongly recommend everyone reading this write down Mike's name, email address, and telephone number and keep it handy. And Mike...if your reading this - thanks for all those you have helped and blessings upon you, my friend. Dan Pearce |
In Canada we have Canada Pension Plan
If any Canucks with PN need help- let me know. I might not be able to help but we can commiserate together. I was just declined yesterday. The woman said it was because my neuro repeatedly declined to answer 3 questions about my disease and prognosis. (thanks Doc) I'm covered financially by insurance through work. The paper work for that was enormous too. My neuro feels that she's filled out enough forms for me I guess. Anyway, the appeal process will begin. I'm really looking forward to that.
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Ss & Pn
Can you really get disability for having PN
Newbie to all this! |
To Joneb - YES, you can get SS disability when your PN is severe enough - many on this forum have. Check with your Social Security office for details.
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A book recommendation
I would suggest Disability Workbook by Douglas Smith, available on
Amazon for $20. I used his worksheets and followed his suggestions. I applied with SS on June 1st - and received my approval in mid-August. Linda |
SS Disability
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I applied in NM in Jan 2007 and was denied. Am now in CO and told the wait for an appeal is about 2 years. Wondering what state you are in? Was told that in some states you can get disability much faster than in others. Thanks. |
I just received approval. I utilized the internet. There is a lot of information to include a couple of good web sites authored by SSD attorneys. Think the most important aspects are finding out what criteria is used by SSD to determine if you are disabled. I referenced the neurological, depression and anxiety sections. Then your attending physicians must be in agreement that you are disabled and meet the criteria....... and that he/she will advise SSD of same.
Don't mean to simplify the process......it took me 17 months, and I obtained legal counsel after rejection at the initial stage. Further, my age 60, is considered "advanced" by SSD..... and........ rehabilitation/vocational education is not usually consided feasible. I did not apply for SSD until 18 years after the onset of PN......and it was the depression, fatigue, anxiety, and ongoing loss of feeling in my feet......that initiated my application.....once I started falling a lot......knew it was probably time to hang it up.....at 60 it's getting harder, and harder to get up off the floor... |
Does this work for SFN? I am considering applying due to the fact that my SFN pain is so severe now that I cannot sit for longer than 1 minute before my bum pain becomes very severe. Also, my feet and hand pain is great so walking/standing and keyboard typing becomes very painful after a short time. I am very tired all the time and frustrated because of all this.
Jay |
Disabilty
Jay-
That is a great question and I am hoping someone here can answer that. What tests have you had done to show SFN? I have had skin biopsies done which show very low nerve density and I have pain associated with that. What about disability insurance that I have through work? Has anyone been successful in receiving group disability benefits? Is the process as difficult as it is for SS? Thanks, David |
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I would try to file with your group policy. Does it cover disabilities not due to work? Might as well try. Let me know how it goes David. Jay |
Disability
Hi Jay-
My group disability does cover non-work related issues but I am not sure what the process is like and how it differs from SSDI. I don't know anything about the process but it sounds like you have had enough tests done by your doctor. The only thing I would say is that the skin biopsy would be another piece that might be helpful? It is a very analytical test which simply counts the nerve fiber density. It is objective and by itself can indicated small fiber neuropathy which obviously causes lots of discomfort and disability. Were you denied once already? And just curious about your age? Take care, David |
Hi Friends,
I just wanted to let everyone know that I was approved for SSDI, yesterday I saw a deposit in my checking account so I made a couple of phone calls, and yes I'm approved. I applied in mid January of this year and after that I contacted a company called ALLSUP, they agreed to take my claim and I just can't believe I was awarded in five short months. I had to do alot of the leg work and nag the doctors to send in their reports after filing but other than that I did nothing. The S.S. lady said oh I see they forgot to send out the letters, I'll que them up and you should be getting them in the next ten days. Best of all I don't have to do the "tap dance" for my disability company anymore, they demanded new paperwork every month and were generally wearing me down. I'm so darn happy so know I can focus on my health now! |
jamnaw - glad to hear your good news. I can't tell if you contacted Mike who I wrote about in the first post of this thread.
But for all others who are about to apply for SS disability - go to that first post in this thread, read what I said, and give Mike a call. He's the real "McCoy" and more often than not get's you approved on the first try. He doesn't charge for his expertise *admin edit*. |
Hi Dan,
I didn't contact Mike but I did my research and bought Disability Workbook by Douglas M Smith at amazon.com, I filled it out and followed it with the exception of a face to face meeting with the SSDI agent. We did that by phone and she told me it would be at least four months before I got my first denial. In the meantime I found a company called ALLSUP on the internet and called them, they worked with my disability company and the SS folks. The agent told me that they have a 54% success rate the first time with claims, I believe that having PN, Rheumatoid & Degenerative disc disease was a major factor. Oh, and of course my age, I'm turning 53 next week after working all my life since age 15 and I still do part-time work from home taking pledges so it's not like I'm a good candidate for rehab??? I don't know what it was but I feel very fortunate and less stressed now. Weird thing is I got no paperwork from SSDI indicating I was awarded benefits, they lady said, "Um, it looks like someone forgot to que the letters, I'll do that now and you'll get the paperwork sometime next week", works for me.... |
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Awesome news! It can be done if you have all of your info together and ready!
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That's what they did to me too, it is five months from approval, I have a good friend from high school that hired an attorney two years ago and is still waiting for her appeal hearing. She couldn't believe it when we reconnected after 30 some years that I got on it so quickly and it was by starting the process myself and calling Allsup. She is still waiting and is in really bad shape and can't work...we are the lucky few.
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I have CIPN and am waiting for SSA's response. I have been able to collect from a disability insurance plan I bought 25 years ago. I had to provide good documentation, but my company, MetLife, has been good about it. I wish you luck! Bill |
sfn
I applied for SS Disability for SFPN, 2004. I was granded it after the first try and without a lawyer. I can't do anything longer than 20 to 30 minutes with out being in tears. Taking a daily shower hurts. I have other health issues all dealing relating to pain. During the years I have had my ups and downs, but my faith in God has helped me the most. Also the love and support of my family. I in pain everyday. I had a hard time dealing with the fact that I wasn't going to be able to return to work, but with God's help, I'm I peace with it. I pray for everyone with peripheral neuropathy who can't work anymore get the SS Disability they should be getting.:grouphug
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How do you pay your bills while you wait?
:Sinking: What about your rent, medical insurance, car payments, food, medications, and any other bills you have to pay while you're out of work waiting for your Social Security to kick in?
Sure, I'm in incredible pain every day. But I'm so afraid to lose my medical insurance and medication, I don't think I could survive without my meds. :thud: Without them, I couldn't walk! I couldn't get out of bed. I couldn't make it to the bathroom. I have run out before and I have literally laid in bed crying like a child. :Bawling: As long as I don't have to do anything besides work at my computer for 8 hours, and sleep on Saturdays, I'm o.k. I want to go on SSD, but I have a terrible fear of being without medication for any amount of time. How do I do it? Help!!!! I've become addicted to my meds! I'm a slave to my job because I'm a slave to my meds because I'm terrified of the pain. |
doesnt california have an up to one year disability insurance program? that could tide you over until you find out if you are going to approved on the initial ssdi appication or if you are denied and have to wait for an appeal to an alj.
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STICKY - Help with applying for SS Disability
I talked with Mike tonight to make sure he was still willing to help anyone who needs to apply for Social Security disability. He is available and he will help you. For years I have been advising folks to contact Mike to get help with this. Mike is a PNer himself and has been on PN disability for 18 years and has helped many PNers get their claims approved - often on the first try!!! He knows the disability application process inside and out and enjoys helping his fellow PNers with their application and has helped several on this and other PN sites. He doesn't do the actual application but guides you from start to finish and he does not charge for his expertise. *admin edit* His reward is knowing that he helped yet another PN patient who became disabled.
Mike advised me tonight there is a slight change from the past and that you should contact him first by email at: *please contact DanP for details* and to be sure and include your full telephone number and what time zone your in so he can call you back. This is now necessary because he is doing some parttime work and might not be available if you were to call him as I have advised in the past. I have known Mike for several years and he is absolutely legitimate and dependable. *admin edit* |
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FAR more difficult, and if approved by SSA they say their standards are lower and your approval for SSDI means nothing. Almost 20 years ago I was approved for LT disability for a group policy. It was a nightmare and they make it so. Lost documentation that they suddenly find when you provide FedEx numbers, being a PITA to your physician, etc. They approved me 7 months after the policy said they had to respond. The state insurance agency was useless. Short-term disability is not really that hard if injured. But you ABSOLUTELY MUST have your doctor showing hard testing as well as backing your application 100% to the point of his taking it as an insult if they question his diagnosis that you are unable to perform your job. Also, check your policy. It might read that after 2 years, any job you can do alleviates them from paying you for own-occupation. . You need a lawyer as you are to NEVER speak to them by phone or even allow a visit to you. They are in the business of paying you nothing. Sorry if this is all new to you, but I tried to help people for years and I am burnt out from hearing horror stories. I decided to respond to this as my good deed for the day. They are all the same. Do a search term using "disability denial" with Hartford, Unum, Provident, Met-Life, they are all the same. They have a number of "in-house" doctors who will question your doctor's testing. If they can figure a way to deny you, they will. Since you have a group policy they have nothing to lose as ERISA does not pay any damages for bad-faith (extra financial award) court cases thanks to our lovely government and judges who take junkets interpreting the laws and setting precedent. An individual policy is usually a state contract law issue and you will have more rights and possible damages for messing around with you. 7 years ago I settled for 50% of my annuity. A TOP national law firm asked me questions and inside of 30 seconds told me I had no case to fight them. Why you might ask? They will request 10 years of all you finances down to the lint on your body AFTER they have a private investigator tail you and they get together to write why you can go back to work. They will find something they will claim is inconsistent with your claim and deny you if they wish to. If someone has a back problem, don;t carry those grocery bags to a car or you are finished. A balance problem? Don;t be seen 3 steps up on a ladder. One instance is all they need and they will say, "take us to court". A friend of mine was a trial lawyer for an insurance company for 8 years. He quit one day knowing full-well that half the cases he won were where people deserved benefits. He is in AA now as his drinking started to kill the pain for all he had done to people. I wish I were making this up but I have lived it and they have very much ruined my life. I'm not that old a man and in 10 years I will be close to broke. People do not hire the disabled. I urge anyone who is thinking of going on disability to try your hardest not to as your benefits, unless you are visibly disabled and all your testing shows that you really are in bad shape, will not be there after age 60. I tried to work for 4 more months after my doctor told me I was at a health risk at work (I prefer to not divulge my malady) but I was making 3x my insurance and felt I could not stop. The lawyer I spoke to said of the thousands and thousands of clients they won benefits for, very few had their benefits after age 60 unless they were close to being in an iron lung. Most policies are group policies and if you find a lawyer to take your case, he gets 35-40% and will probably urge you to settle for 60-65% prior to the case starting. So what are you left with? Very little. I wish you the best of health and luck! I also hope you take what I said to heart. I have seen them ruin lives to the point of a few people in support groups over the years taking theirs. It is an adversarial position when you try to collect. They are never your friend and every word you say has meaning. A lawyer can say something and retract it stating he misunderstood you. Never represent yourself with an insurance claim. You are finished before you begin. Mike |
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This message is not meant to disparage anyone in any way, shape, or form, but rather to supply information as I lived this process for 2 years up to an administrative law judge hearing. Your friend is NOT available from "start to finish" as he is not representing someone and appearing at a hearing or answering a question in writing from a judge prior to one. It is misleading to think anyone but a duly-appointed representative will be there until the end of ones claim. When one applies for an SSDI the lawyer is possibly allowed to charge you ONLY for those small fees such as getting records. He MAY NOT charge you for advice, PERIOD! Nothing is costly unless you win and then it still isn't (explained below). As a general rule, they take as many cases as they can, throw them against the wall, and hope it sticks. One might be better with a Registered Representative allowed to sign the documentation. I think the search term would be NOSSCR By law, the fee for representation on a social security disability or SSI disability case is 25% of your award amount up to $10,000 and currently there is a maximum of $6000. If you are denied you pay nothing. Also, if your friend is helping with the paperwork (and I had a former claims rep in SSA help me as the lawyers do not spend a ton of time with you and your claim is FAR more a legal issue than a medical one, one learns) then who is appearing with the claimant in front of an ALJ (Administrative law Judge)? They lawyers who do this know the judges. They know what one likes to hear, and they know what is deadly wrong to say at your case. I knew ahead of time I would be asked what prevented me from testing feather beds all day and I damn well better not have said nothing. The judge wanted to hear why my malady would not allow me to last a day. All judges have trick questions to find if you are - "Generally Credible" - They know the questions they ask and they prep you to hear them. If you apply with no lawyer your documentation had best be razor sharp to the point of his saying in 5 minutes that you are approved. Most people who are disabled are in no condition to provide all the right answers. ALSO, if you have no lawyer, the ALJ immediately thinks you have a poor case as no lawyer would take it and he will probably ask you why you did not retain one. You might draw a judge who denies anyone without representation as some of them are sympathetic, and some of them can be real bastards to the sick if you came to their court unprepared and wasted their time because your documentation was a disaster to read and he is ticked-off already. *admin edit* When you represent someone in a SSA SSDI claim you sign documents as to their representing you. Just doing it alone, as your friend's name will not be on it, shows a pretty good ability to traverse the system that is NOT usually able to be done by a disabled individual. I'm not saying it is illegal, but why would someone have a silent partner like this? You might be collecting disability for 20, 30, or 40 years. Winning itself is an achievement. Paying $6,000 out of benefits is nothing compared to winning a case. You find someone with a track record of winning and you start reading the SSA Code yourself to keep on top of your lawyer. While your friend might be too sick to be a non-lawyer claims rep, no one not appearing regularly before an ALJ will know when you are given his name exactly what he likes to see and what he doesn't. It is a legal issue. Unless one has practiced this area, I believe that helping might well be fine. But being your sole means of representation is a very bad move as you need representation at the hearing and most cases DO go to a hearing unless you are very sick indeed. I hope this helped someone. I also hope I made it clear that I know what I'm talking about. |
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What is the "Listed Impairment" they are being approved for? There are about 10 I think. I ask because having this symptom and that symptom is usually not going to be approved at initial filing. Only 25-30% of Initial Filings are voiced favorably after reviewing the individual's ability to work, where "Listed Impairments" has some pretty strict guidelines that can allow for the first, and the lowest, review to approve. One is usually pretty clearly disabled with no need of examination to support a claim. Many are also older and close to SS benefits. That initial review by a case worker has to substantiate why he gave approval as his/her job is to deny you and less than half of people file further when denied. They are there to pretty much weed out the cases that have no chance. From what you have said I would agree to speak with someone knowledgeable as most lawyers plan on an Initial Filing denial and fill the forms out like crap. Mine surely did. But once you have been denied and have to apply for an ALJ hearing, while your friend might well be quite helpful, there is no question at all that you need formal, and legal, representation just as a matter of protocol. What you are not telling people, and I think they deserve to know, is what does your friend say to do if they are denied on initial filing? I hope he is giving them the names of a few lawyers and offering his own off-the-record assistance along the way. He is probably far more helpful than the lawyer, but they still need representation and there is no cost if they are declined benefits at a hearing. My lawyer was a complete boob. I don't want to label them all as such, but the guys I saw waiting for hearings didn't look like Madison Avenue material. That is where, and possibly like your friend, a person who worked once in the Illinois state system (SSA subcontracted out to the state to do the initial reviews at the time I filed) as well as a husband and wife NOSSCR team (where the wife was retired from the SSA and had taught ALJs the SSA Code) were tremendously useful to me. My filing was reviewed by both and later used as a model by the team as how to go about obtaining benefits with a similar condition. But my condition was far too complicated to be approved at the Initial filing. The problem I have is quite rare and varies greatly. As I keep saying, so readers will understand, there is a strict code and it is a legal matter. I have an issue with my eyes. My lawyer pulled that related letter out and when I asked what he did that for he said an optometrist wasn't allowed to comment and it would aggravate the ALJ. I pointed out to him that the law had changed two years prior to allow it to be included. That's what I mean when I say you need to do this yourself, or with help, as there is so little money in it for the lawyers that they are not necessarily all that competent nor do they spend that many hours with you. $6000 and 40 hours work means $150 an hour IF you win your case. Ergo, don't expect more than 20 hours and 5 of those will be prepping and going to the hearing. NOTE: One's lawyer can really ****-off your physician so INSIST on seeing any correspondence going to your doctor and you can just tell the lawyer that the doctor said he had no time for this so he would appreciate a concise request that you review first. You can tell the lawyer if any correspondence goes directly to the doctor you will find another representative. They work for YOU! My lawyer, without my knowledge, wrote to an ENT I had seen, where my balance testing was a variant of normal, and said that if he would say he believes I suffer from Multiple Sclerosis, I might be approved right away. An ENT cannot voice on MS!!!! My doctor was ******-off at me also that such a letter wasted his time and insulted him. So be careful that a lawyer looking to get you approved on a Listed Impairment does not take liberties that he shouldn't. Yes, I know this sounds a bit confusing to some, but if you are truly disabled you have a part-time job and it's making sure things are done properly AND that your doctor does not drop you as a patient due to a lawyer. I was asked about three questions by the ALJ and told that he didn't want me waiting for a letter and told me he was approving me as my file was perfectly crafted for him to see what my condition was and what it caused. I had added supplements to it the night before the hearing at the SSA office as my lawyer refused to add additional information, telling me it was to late. It is never too late. You can also call them the day before and ask for a 2 month extension as you are procuring more evidence. It's no sweat off the ALJ's nose as he hears so many cases. Had I relied on my lawyer I believe I would have been denied benefits. Yet he did know what the ALJ I drew was going to ask me and did brief me on every question that could be asked and I asked how to answer other questions. One must be "credible" in their entire case. It a word they use in the writing again and again. If I had to do it again I would go with a NOSSCR individual. IMO, they want the job and study for it. |
Mike - I guess this 'back & forth' could go on forever but I will end my part of it by saying that Mike F worked for several years with SSDI. The end.
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I have helped many people to get started in the process over the years. And I have ALWAYS recommended legal representation. Even at the Initial stage it makes your claim look more legitimate as told to me by the woman who helped me. What I have written is sage advice. That you have stated help can be expensive is, as I have explained, in the scope of things quite misleading. Paying up to about 4-5 months of benefits, and nothing if you are not awarded benefits, is not a reason to seek out any other "free" advice alone. The reason to talk to your friend is to ask if his legal representation is competent, if he is all you claim he is. *edit*If your friend knows how to do that properly that's great. But a letter from a legal representative kindly requesting it be filled out in detail would be helpful. My primary doctor at the time filled the form out in under 3 minutes, effectively not helping me at all at the time. Had that all been handled properly at the start I might not have waited 2 years for a ALJ Hearing. Only you and/or a lawyer can send the doctor a practice copy of that form first and ask that he take the time to truly help them after speak to the doctor. No one behind the scenes can do such. |
My understanding is that only about 25% are approved on Initial filing, of which some are approved at a ALJ Hearing later, because their doctors have not taken the time to fill out a RFC form in detail, thereby not giving the case worker any reason to approve benefits on.
To those applying, if your doctor does not FULLY support your claim for benefits there are a few options: 1- he is right and despite your ailments you are not functionally disabled 2- he is incorrect 3- he has long ago tired of paperwork and wishes to practice medicine and is not going to be your advocate to the degree necessary. In that case, you need another physician. But many feel the same way as more paperwork has entered their practice. One neurologist I saw had with the mailed paperwork, and on a red sheet of paper in bold letters, that his office does not see patients with any workman's comp issues, disability issues, or legal issues. That is what insurers have done to the doctors out there, and by design. Let me state this one final time. Unless you are truly disabled, working is much better for your well-being. It is a curse to be disabled. You WILL lead a different life and with less money. If you can at all delay going on disability, I would urge it in the strongest of terms. |
Help with applying of SS Dissability
If one is denied at Initial filing and must go to an Administrative Law Judge for a hearing, the odds are good that he will ask a Vocational Rehab person to look over your case and ask questions.
After a ALJ Hearing the judge writes his "DECISION" and in legal form, and he goes down a checklist of items. All are required, as per the SSA Code, to be addressed when making his DECISION and about 1 in 60 are usually pulled for his own review, so it is in his own interest to write them thoroughly. My own DECISION used the word "CREDIBLE" with regards to issues and "GENERALLY CREDIBLE", which must have been in areas which he was not sure as I have a NORD ailment. Fewer than 250,000 people in America are subject to my ailment. This thread, I'm told, is prominently displayed to help people with the SDDI process. The best way to lose your case is to have the ALJ have an inkling that you are fraudulent in your symptoms, and especially ones missing from your medical documentation. The reason why, IMO, I have been told to seek legal representation from the start is because they are sworn to a code of ethics. If one thinks they can get something past an ALJ who hears 600+ cases a year you are mistaken. At the hearing he has every right to delay your hearing to request more information to check into something you concocted just to try to add to your claim. DON'T DO IT! If you wish to be treated with respect and have your case decided on its merits, do not insult the ALJ by presuming he will not find something you added as an extra touch. Again, this is why lawyers and NOSSCR individuals know the nuances of each judge and it pays to use them where they receive compensation ONLY is you are awarded benefits. After the paperwork is filed properly this is a legal matter. I would urge any claimant to not fabricate anything for as that old saying goes, "A Liar Must Have a Good Memory". Only in this case, he must also have documentation to back up his lie. 1- Fill out the forms properly 2- Have your doctors state your malady and the limitations it places on you and not that he feels you are disabled or unemployable as it has no standing before the Commission 3- Be truthful in your replies. NOTE: If you are waiting for a hearing and more medical testing is performed or your condition worsens, you can add to your file at any time. If you truly cannot work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, and 12 months a year, you should prevail in your claim. If anyone is suggesting you make something up or act something out, my suggestion is to immediately terminate that representation. You have the right to do that and if asked why you can state as such. If you have any questions feel free to PM me and if it adds to what has already been posted we can put it up in the thread. At this point, I do not wish to make this thread so long that advice is more difficult to locate. There are also many blogs that offer good advice. When you see the same advice repeated through different blogs it is usually because it is very correct as to how to file your claim. Mike |
STICKY - Help with applying for SS Disability
Yep - it can be done and I still highly recommend Mike Finkelstein at *contact DanP for details*
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Hi Dan,
I am in a wheelchair and can't walk. Both of my legs have extreme pain in them and they are numb to the point that I can't walk anymore. The doctors can't find the cause of my peripheral neuropathy that started around August of 2011. I need to apply for SSD and would like to ask if I could get the contact info on Mike F. for help with the application. Thanks Bryan |
Hi Bryan
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I was just approved for SSD this week.
I went through a disability attorney. I just wanted to mention this in case people don't know that attorneys will now take your case even if you haven't filed or been turned down already. I'll make a pretty short story even shorter - THEY will help you fill out the forms. They only get paid if they win your case, and my understanding is that an attorney won't necessarily take your case unless they think you have a good shot - and they would know, having experience! I filed 12/2011 with the help of an attorney, and was approved this week - almost 90 days exactly. Granted, I didn't apply until my neuro and GP asked *me* "are you on disability?" so I knew I had their support - but I just wanted to add to this thread to let folks know there is a LOT of help available out there. :) Juli And Mike |
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Seeking Help/Advice for PN and SSDI....
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Hello Dan, I am hoping that you still are in touch with Mike as I would like to chat with someone about my current health situation and SSDI. I am young, 32 years old, and began developing problems with my hands at age 18, but thought it was related to the activities that I pursued feverishly at the time; art and working at a coffee bar. In 2008 I began a series of nine operations that lasted until the spring of 2010. I've had approx six surgeries between both hands and elbows for carpal and cubital tunnels release/revisions and had a partial epicondilectomy on my right elbow. Other surgeries ranged from medically necessary breast reduction, hysterectomy, double hernia repair, abdominoplasty, right ankle reconstruction.....the list goes on...approx 16 surgeries in someone so young. I am a mother to three beautiful daughters ages 4, 4, and 6. Yes, twins. I noticed my arm problems became severe after giving birth to the twins. I filed for SSDI, but lost at a hearing in Texas in the spring of 2010. The decision was appealed by the council and I am going back to an ALJ judge in Nebraska in mid February of 2013. I was involved in an accident at home catching my oldest daughter falling head first down the stairs in May of 2012. I ended up pulling my left arm pretty badly. Then in mid June of 2012 I started up work against my better judgement at a facility that provides direct care to those with developmental disabilities. I was still on work restrictions from the event in May when I was injured at work in mid June. Basically, my co-workers set me up so I'd have to push a very difficult wheelchair that most others all had problems pushing. Well, the entire group left the individual and I to go on a walk around campus so I did my best to push the chair and it began to tip over to the left. I caught it and made sure the lady was okay, but re-injured my left arm, hand and pulled my back. Things have spiraled out of control for me since then. Problems progressed from not just my left arm and neck to the right arm/hand, my right leg, knee, and hip, and now small areas of my left foot. So far they are calling this Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, but are deeply concerned that there is a strong element of PN due to symptoms. I went to one pain doc who provided a single staellate gangleon block which failed and then called it quits. I recently met with a new pain doc in mid December that wants to start over with a series of staellate gangleon blocks on the left and right sides of my neck and work on the legs later. My concern and his as well is that PN is severe and is underlying issue. I am torn about getting these new blocks done as if my underlying problem is Severe PN then getting these procedures done will be in vain. I am going to meet with an Ortho doc to get a referal to a Neurologist since I haven't had met with one in several years except the one hired by work comp who really didn't do anything. I am starting to have major problems walking which is deeply troubling. While the bilateral arm problems are severe and debilitating I can work with that...but all four limbs is very daunting. ADL's are out the window. I feel married to my arm splints and recliner for the most part. Thankfully I have a wonderful fiance to assist me with tasks around the house and my 3 little girls, but we are barely getting by and on the verge of losing everything. The family I have in this area has turned their backs on us and we feel so incredibly alone. If anyone has any advice in regards of dual diagnosis with PN or CRPS or anything similar please let me know. Thanks, DaNa |
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