Unilaterally deciding to stop taking prescribed meds will be viewed one of two ways by SS: 1) you're not being compliant. 2) your condition has improved so you no longer needs meds. You're considering "bypassing the whole western medicine entirely"? You're considering medical marijuana? You're considering stopping pt? SS will continue to scrutinize your medical records during an active application.

While I understand wanting to conserve money in your home, being cash poor and trying to utilize Medicaid takes away many timely options. Many of us will, and have, sacrificed our financial security for years while trying to attain remission. It's unfortunate, but it's also reality.

As for the medications: I have had a lot of communication with my PCP/group and every one of my concerns have been completely blown off. The medications I have been prescribed only serve to continue my downward spiral. I realize I will be labeled "non compliant"...it isn't the first time and the first time saved my leg. I unfortunately know too much and am more than willing to take that label to save my function/limb/life. It's unfortunate my healthcare providers aren't. (I am taking a different form of vitamin d-approved by my endocrinologist, but I cannot justify ingesting any chemical that makes no difference & causes side effects - including an ineffective dose of an effective medication...unless someone can refute that....). I cannot put my physical/emotional health behind a SS claim. If that causes my claim to be denied but my life/limb/function to be spared, that is the trade-off. What is the difference of selling my house & living with my parents or my children now or later?

I am considering stopping PT with 4 visits left. Yeah, that's really stupid and came from my frustration. It was recommended by my therapist also. I am not meeting the goals so when it comes to renew, the insurance won't authorize additional sessions.

So much centers around PM. I'm okay pushing through pain for the most part and can/have/will continue to push through as much as I can. But...everyone has a limit. I can tolerate a pain level 4 indefinitely. But when that kicks to a 7-9 with any activity, there's only so much I can handle. After almost 2 years, save the 5 months post-op, I don't know how to hang on anymore. Meditation/relaxation exercises only go so far. Elevating prohibits function. What's left? My hope reserve is all but empty, especially when I am meeting brick walls on every aspect. I am grateful to have a place to put my frustrations out there and receive feedback from all different angles. You all are all I have to that end and I am thankful for the honesty.

***Please note: I am continuing to work with my case manager to change my PCP in light of my ongoing concerns. My hope may be extremely limited, but I will not simply do what I'm told when I know it's wrong/not working

If you're having side effects or a bad reaction to a medication, than by all means, make an appointment and discuss it with your doctor. But stopping all your meds at the same time makes it difficult to even determine where the problems lie. Are dosages too low? Too high? Are there interaction issues?

Same thing with the pt. Is it the wrong therapist? Or the wrong type of therapy?

Regardless of SS, there is little point in you going to a doctor you don't trust or communicate with. There is nothing wrong

If you are unsuccessful with your SSDI application and your Date Last Insures expires, you can always apply for SSI benefits later on, so long as you meet the savings and resource test.

Therein lies a lot of the problem...my PCP isn't listening.
Gabapentin: Prescribed dose - 400mg TID...gained 15 pounds in 2 weeks...no noticeable difference in pain, in fact, I had more flares while taking it. Previously prescribed (May-June 2014) dose - 600mg TID...gained 15 pounds in 3 weeks...no noticeable difference-doc discontinued. Discussed all of this with PCP...she agreed there has been significant weight gain and suggested I use a rowing machine. SERIOUSLY??? The med is NOT effective, my issue is with my knee & foot - how exactly am I supposed to use a rowing machine?
Wellbutrin: Prescribed for smoking cessation so what difference does it make if I no longer take it? (I am doing well with my smoking cessation on or off this med)
Fosamax: Combined with the GI issues from D2, and projected bone density being slim, why continue? I also need dental treatment that carries detrimental effects while on fosamax. I unfortunately didn't realize this before starting (have taken 5 doses) and doc recommendation is to NOT take the med until after dental treatment.
D2: Constant heartburn/nausea. I have chewed copious amounts of tums to counteract the D2 to no avail. Have talked with doc and am taking D3 instead per doc recommendation.

Therapy: Both of my therapists seem knowledgeable of RSD, however, my issue with therapy is the physical pain. I can EITHER do PT exercises OR function beyond trips to the bathroom/back to the couch. This is limiting my progress. Therapy stated their concern is that without PM, there is limited progress and without the progress, more visits will not get approved. They suggested holding off the remaining visits until I am seen by PM and have some measure of relief. Due to the 6 weeks we have been attempting to FIND PM that accepts my insurance, let alone the appointment wait time, it would seem likely that were I to postpone my remaining visits, I won't be in therapy until Christmas. Unless I pay out of pocket for PM or visit medical marijuana.

LL...I so appreciate your point of view with this! My apologies for simply venting and not clarifying my decisions in earlier posts.

Just got a call from the mental health facility in response to my online form submission.

1) It was a substance abuse counselor who called. When I explained the issue, she transferred me to the local mental health clinic
2) Local clinic informed me of the days/times: M-T-W, arrive at 1:30 for appointments beginning at 3:30 which are first come/first serve. WHAT???? I explained there was no way I could sit for 2 hours to wait on a 'maybe' appointment. Her suggestion: Come in, fill out the form and come back later.

Thanks, once again, for assistance.

You might check with doctors that accept Medicaid in a wealthy community with no lower cost homes. It was a strategy that worked well for someone I know. She also received excellent care at our local teaching hospital. By doing tons of research and asking lots of questions, she figured out how to best utilize the Medicaid Resources in our county.

There are often ways to work out strategies when you really put your mind to something. Is such a wait for the first appointment or for every appointment? Perhaps the clinic could offer you an area to wait where you could lie down if you explain why you can't manage in the waiting room. Or perhaps they might allow you use of a wheelchair so you could you elevate your legs.

If you are successful with your SSDI claim, it would also give you the benefit of Medicare 24 months after your Established Onset Date.