amgoingtoheal
11-18-2004, 11:51 PM
Can anyone tell me the correct procedures to try and get disability for FM & CFS in California? I've been told to "not even try it" because it's that hard. Has anyone had good results and how did you get it?
Sponsor
Sami34
11-19-2004, 03:25 AM
HI, I'm about to try contacting SSI. I hope it's not as bad as trying to get some in home services. I was talking to them this morning and I think my condition got worse because they frustrated me so much. I can't take anymore stress than I have already. Let me know how your experience is trying to receive Disability in California. Perhaps we can help each other out by sharing what we learn through the process of getting it. Sami
bluelakelady
11-22-2004, 12:16 AM
i had no trouble getting ssi in california for fms. i also recieved disability from my employer, and a hefty settlement from their comp carrier. it was decided the fms was caused by the carpal tunnel syndrome, and the fact that they put off surgery for almost 2 years while i waited.
it is not as hard to get as you think. social security was so nice to me. they even helped me fill out the forms, explained everything to me. now 9 years later they are still very kind and helpful.
get your doctor in your corner and it will be much easier to get. i had several who all said the same thing. she will never be able to work again.
good luck to you,
bluelakelady
it is not as hard to get as you think. social security was so nice to me. they even helped me fill out the forms, explained everything to me. now 9 years later they are still very kind and helpful.
get your doctor in your corner and it will be much easier to get. i had several who all said the same thing. she will never be able to work again.
good luck to you,
bluelakelady
pawned
11-22-2004, 01:37 AM
I do not know if this will be censored but I will try. They say that I can use brand names, maybe that applies to lawyers names/
The attorney I had, that so happens to have an office in scooter distance from my house. He specializes in Fibromyalgia cases against (if that is the best word) the Social Seciurity Disability.
He is Scott Davis, PC, on Tatum Blvd in Scottsdale AZ. He has a website. He handles clients across the United States.
If this makes it thru the cencors then you will be in good hands. Like I said I am allowed to post Brand Names, and this is his NAME.
You can not go wrong by getting an attorney and this is his speciality
The attorney I had, that so happens to have an office in scooter distance from my house. He specializes in Fibromyalgia cases against (if that is the best word) the Social Seciurity Disability.
He is Scott Davis, PC, on Tatum Blvd in Scottsdale AZ. He has a website. He handles clients across the United States.
If this makes it thru the cencors then you will be in good hands. Like I said I am allowed to post Brand Names, and this is his NAME.
You can not go wrong by getting an attorney and this is his speciality
Sami34
11-22-2004, 05:12 PM
I called the Social Security office this morning and they put me on hold for over 10 minutes and an operator asked me a few questions and rudely hung up on me before I got a chance to speak. I just couldn't believe it. Did I have a bad luck or what?! I feel like crying. Where ever I try to go get help, I run into so many obstacles. I just want to give up! I feel like crying... Sami
bluelakelady
11-28-2004, 06:36 PM
so, don't let someone elses bad day stop you! walk thru the door, be polite, but firm. if that does not work hire an attorney. that is what they get paid the big bucks for. to listen to the garbage you are not up to hearing. to get results. having a healthy person out front fighting for you is a win win situation.
good luck,
bluelakelady
good luck,
bluelakelady
amgoingtoheal
12-09-2004, 11:14 PM
Oh Sami, I'm so sorry you had to go through that! people that have never experienced pain or a dibilitating disease have NO IDEA how to handle people who do. It's really a horrible experience to have to call all day and get nowhere, when all you want to do is get some sympathy or have someone help you for once! I can relate. I have to work every day, and my employer has no idea I have this debilitating disease (FM & CFS). It stresses me out so much just hiding it from them when they have no sympathy for "sick people" as they put it. I wish I could get disability and have it be enough to pay for all my bills and such. Wouldnt that be a perfect world if our government actually took care of those who can't take care of themselves? I wish you luck, and don't give up! Please keep me informed with what you find out...
bluelakelady
01-05-2005, 01:09 PM
hi,
i thought i would bring this to the front page and ask you all how your journey is going. have you taken the political bull by the horns and applied? what is your status?
do not let them outwait you. if you get an unhappy worker ask for their supervisor to help you. you have that right. read a book while you are on hold or walk around, but do not hang up.
peace,
bluelakelady
i thought i would bring this to the front page and ask you all how your journey is going. have you taken the political bull by the horns and applied? what is your status?
do not let them outwait you. if you get an unhappy worker ask for their supervisor to help you. you have that right. read a book while you are on hold or walk around, but do not hang up.
peace,
bluelakelady
bluelakelady
01-08-2005, 03:37 PM
jeremy,
i am given a cost of living increase of 2% each year. the ammount i receive is not enough to live alone or support any person other than myself. i co-own a home with two men and have downsized my needs. i am content and grateful to every tax payer in america. every time a person receives their paycheck and they see the taxes taken they are performing a quiet form of charity work. tho i have paid into the system, and did so for a number of years, i realize that with all my medical expenses i have already used up what i paid in.
personal opinion, we are the government. they are not some elusive entity. we take care of us.
peace,
bluelakelady
i am given a cost of living increase of 2% each year. the ammount i receive is not enough to live alone or support any person other than myself. i co-own a home with two men and have downsized my needs. i am content and grateful to every tax payer in america. every time a person receives their paycheck and they see the taxes taken they are performing a quiet form of charity work. tho i have paid into the system, and did so for a number of years, i realize that with all my medical expenses i have already used up what i paid in.
personal opinion, we are the government. they are not some elusive entity. we take care of us.
peace,
bluelakelady
Bekilea
01-08-2005, 06:14 PM
When I was living in Northern California I was able to get on SSD. It wasn't easy though. My doctor was very supportive and he did all the proper paperwork, but I was still denied at first. At that time I was so sick and so weak that I couldn't hardly leave my house, and when I did I had to use a cane to walk and sometimes a wheelchair. So, I couldn't believe that they would deny me when it was so obvious that I was unable to work. I then found out about an orginization called Advocates for Public Benefits. They help people get the benefits that they are intitled to. The way they get paid is through donations. So, when you get your settlement then you pay them what you can. This was in Redding, California, but I think they have offices all over. Oh and by the way SSD or SSI almost always denies you the first time, just don't give up.
I hope that helps some.
Bekilea
I hope that helps some.
Bekilea
amgoingtoheal
01-09-2005, 07:12 PM
Thank you all of you who replied. I know it must have not been easy, but many times things aren't easy. Thank you for the lawyers names and the advocates name. Sometimes I feel so bad Im sure I can't go into work that day. Other days I feel fine. Its so weird. It makes me feel strange about asking for money, because I know others can't work at all....ever. I am entitled to it though, I have paid into it for at least 15 years. I'll have to think about it. I think Im still in denial a little bit about this disease. Thanks for your help though everyone!
thisstarr
01-12-2005, 12:41 PM
Hi Sweetie,
It is very hard to get Disablity out here in California. :confused: I am 25 years old and have been suffering with chronic pain for 5 years but I didnt file right away like I should of, but I thought I wasnt sick enough to get it.
There are so many people that have messed up the system so when people like us are in pain and really need it to live get screwed, it is really unfair.
I have been in the hospital so many times, 2 months at one time and have been really ill, but they dont care, they sent you this BS letter saying you can sit 8 hrs and stand for 6 hrs and everything they write is so untrue, you just have to not let it bother you. I know that is easier said then done. It was getting to me so bad and stressing me out, making me want to rip my hair out, I hope you can have someone support you though it, you will need it, or you have us on here.
I live in Southern Ca and I have been trying to get SSI/ Disablity for over 3 years or more. My next step is going to the hearing in from of there judges, It is a long battle to fight and you have to fill out a lot of paper work and I mean alot, the #1 thing to do is, Make copies of everything you send them and send all your paperwork Cerit. mail so someone has to sign for it. I had trouble with them losing my paperwork twice and I had to fill it out ALL over again. They miss place stuff all the time but if you have the proof you will be safe, they will do anything not to pay you. You need to fight even though it is hard. I just called them to check on my hearing staus and OMG this sucks so bad I probalby wont be able to go to it or hear anything from them untill DEC 2005/Jan2006. This is so unfair. Everyday is so hard on me and I really need there help, people that are in need of it cant get it right away and others that dont need it as bad get it first, it is so unfair!!!!(Sorry had to vent)
I have been told dont give up and I am not! It is very hard when you are so Ill and you have to fill out all the SSI stuff and have it in by the due date and it is stressful to deal with! But you can have someone help you that will ease up the stress. If you get denie appeal it and keep appealing it. Most people dont get it on the 1st or 2nd try they usually get it at the hearing. They make it hard because they figure 50% of us will give up but if you keep fighting in the end you will win. I am hoping to have my hearing soon. Make sure you talk with you doctor and make sure he is on your side and agrees with you, it will causes problems, it took my doctor a longtime to agree I was disable. I have been up all night in pain, So sorry if this doesnt make any sence. I hope this has help you a bit!
I wish you the best of luck and if you have anymore qustions let me know??:)
Heres to painfree days! :D
Hugs,
STARR
It is very hard to get Disablity out here in California. :confused: I am 25 years old and have been suffering with chronic pain for 5 years but I didnt file right away like I should of, but I thought I wasnt sick enough to get it.
There are so many people that have messed up the system so when people like us are in pain and really need it to live get screwed, it is really unfair.
I have been in the hospital so many times, 2 months at one time and have been really ill, but they dont care, they sent you this BS letter saying you can sit 8 hrs and stand for 6 hrs and everything they write is so untrue, you just have to not let it bother you. I know that is easier said then done. It was getting to me so bad and stressing me out, making me want to rip my hair out, I hope you can have someone support you though it, you will need it, or you have us on here.
I live in Southern Ca and I have been trying to get SSI/ Disablity for over 3 years or more. My next step is going to the hearing in from of there judges, It is a long battle to fight and you have to fill out a lot of paper work and I mean alot, the #1 thing to do is, Make copies of everything you send them and send all your paperwork Cerit. mail so someone has to sign for it. I had trouble with them losing my paperwork twice and I had to fill it out ALL over again. They miss place stuff all the time but if you have the proof you will be safe, they will do anything not to pay you. You need to fight even though it is hard. I just called them to check on my hearing staus and OMG this sucks so bad I probalby wont be able to go to it or hear anything from them untill DEC 2005/Jan2006. This is so unfair. Everyday is so hard on me and I really need there help, people that are in need of it cant get it right away and others that dont need it as bad get it first, it is so unfair!!!!(Sorry had to vent)
I have been told dont give up and I am not! It is very hard when you are so Ill and you have to fill out all the SSI stuff and have it in by the due date and it is stressful to deal with! But you can have someone help you that will ease up the stress. If you get denie appeal it and keep appealing it. Most people dont get it on the 1st or 2nd try they usually get it at the hearing. They make it hard because they figure 50% of us will give up but if you keep fighting in the end you will win. I am hoping to have my hearing soon. Make sure you talk with you doctor and make sure he is on your side and agrees with you, it will causes problems, it took my doctor a longtime to agree I was disable. I have been up all night in pain, So sorry if this doesnt make any sence. I hope this has help you a bit!
I wish you the best of luck and if you have anymore qustions let me know??:)
Heres to painfree days! :D
Hugs,
STARR
thisstarr
01-12-2005, 12:43 PM
Hi Sweetie,
It is very hard to get Disablity out here in California. :confused: I am 25 years old and have been suffering with chronic pain for 5 years but I didnt file right away like I should of, but I thought I wasnt sick enough to get it.
There are so many people that have messed up the system so when people like us are in pain and really need it to live get screwed, it is really unfair.
I have been in the hospital so many times, 2 months at one time and have been really ill, but they dont care, they sent you this BS letter saying you can sit 8 hrs and stand for 6 hrs and everything they write is so untrue, you just have to not let it bother you. I know that is easier said then done. It was getting to me so bad and stressing me out, making me want to rip my hair out, I hope you can have someone support you though it, you will need it, or you have us on here.
I live in Southern Ca and I have been trying to get SSI/ Disablity for over 3 years or more. My next step is going to the hearing in front of there judges, (I am scared about this)It is a long battle to fight and you have to fill out a lot of paper work and I mean alot, the #1 thing to do is, Make copies of everything you send them and send all your paperwork Cerit. mail so someone has to sign for it. I had trouble with them losing my paperwork twice and I had to fill it out ALL over again. They miss place stuff all the time but if you have the proof you will be safe, they will do anything not to pay you. You need to fight even though it is hard. I just called them to check on my hearing staus and OMG this sucks so bad I probalby wont be able to go to it or hear anything from them untill DEC 2005/Jan2006. This is so unfair. Everyday is so hard on me and I really need there help, people that are in need of it cant get it right away and others that dont need it as bad get it first, it is so unfair!!!!(Sorry had to vent)
I have been told dont give up and I am not! It is very hard when you are so Ill and you have to fill out all the SSI stuff and have it in by the due date and it is stressful to deal with! But you can have someone help you that will ease up the stress. If you get denie appeal it and keep appealing it. Most people dont get it on the 1st or 2nd try they usually get it at the hearing. They make it hard because they figure 50% of us will give up but if you keep fighting in the end you will win. I am hoping to have my hearing soon. Make sure you talk with you doctor and make sure he is on your side and agrees with you, it will causes problems, it took my doctor a longtime to agree I was disable. I have been up all night in pain, So sorry if this doesnt make any sence. I hope this has help you a bit!
I wish you the best of luck and if you have anymore qustions let me know??:)
Heres to painfree days! :D
Hugs,
STARR
It is very hard to get Disablity out here in California. :confused: I am 25 years old and have been suffering with chronic pain for 5 years but I didnt file right away like I should of, but I thought I wasnt sick enough to get it.
There are so many people that have messed up the system so when people like us are in pain and really need it to live get screwed, it is really unfair.
I have been in the hospital so many times, 2 months at one time and have been really ill, but they dont care, they sent you this BS letter saying you can sit 8 hrs and stand for 6 hrs and everything they write is so untrue, you just have to not let it bother you. I know that is easier said then done. It was getting to me so bad and stressing me out, making me want to rip my hair out, I hope you can have someone support you though it, you will need it, or you have us on here.
I live in Southern Ca and I have been trying to get SSI/ Disablity for over 3 years or more. My next step is going to the hearing in front of there judges, (I am scared about this)It is a long battle to fight and you have to fill out a lot of paper work and I mean alot, the #1 thing to do is, Make copies of everything you send them and send all your paperwork Cerit. mail so someone has to sign for it. I had trouble with them losing my paperwork twice and I had to fill it out ALL over again. They miss place stuff all the time but if you have the proof you will be safe, they will do anything not to pay you. You need to fight even though it is hard. I just called them to check on my hearing staus and OMG this sucks so bad I probalby wont be able to go to it or hear anything from them untill DEC 2005/Jan2006. This is so unfair. Everyday is so hard on me and I really need there help, people that are in need of it cant get it right away and others that dont need it as bad get it first, it is so unfair!!!!(Sorry had to vent)
I have been told dont give up and I am not! It is very hard when you are so Ill and you have to fill out all the SSI stuff and have it in by the due date and it is stressful to deal with! But you can have someone help you that will ease up the stress. If you get denie appeal it and keep appealing it. Most people dont get it on the 1st or 2nd try they usually get it at the hearing. They make it hard because they figure 50% of us will give up but if you keep fighting in the end you will win. I am hoping to have my hearing soon. Make sure you talk with you doctor and make sure he is on your side and agrees with you, it will causes problems, it took my doctor a longtime to agree I was disable. I have been up all night in pain, So sorry if this doesnt make any sence. I hope this has help you a bit!
I wish you the best of luck and if you have anymore qustions let me know??:)
Heres to painfree days! :D
Hugs,
STARR
thisstarr
01-12-2005, 12:59 PM
Thank you all of you who replied. I know it must have not been easy, but many times things aren't easy. Thank you for the lawyers names and the advocates name. Sometimes I feel so bad Im sure I can't go into work that day. Other days I feel fine. Its so weird. It makes me feel strange about asking for money, because I know others can't work at all....ever. I am entitled to it though, I have paid into it for at least 15 years. I'll have to think about it. I think Im still in denial a little bit about this disease. Thanks for your help though everyone!
Hi Sweetie, :wave:
I know it is hard and being in Denial is hard I am still there, let me tell you though the sooner you file the better. You paid into the system and you have the right to get paid now that you cant work. I know it makes you feel gulity but if your in pain and life is hard on you and you suffer you have the right to get Disablity. Just because FMS is not known to so many people we need to fight to show this is a REAL Illeness that effects are everyday lives.
The longer you wait to file, The longer it will take for you to get it and also the longer you wait the less $$$money$$$ you will get from them, I learned that the hard way. I didnt want to be disable, I am 25yrs. It took me alongtime just to file and I regret it bigtime. I have been going down hill ever since and it is not getting any better, At the time I filed I wasnt as sick as I am now, It has been like 3 yrs and I am still fighting them. It is hard to deal with the fact you are sick and are not going to get well tomorrow. I always pray I wish I could go back to when I wasnt sick and I wish I never got in the two bad car accidents that I got in, because I know I wouldnt be this bad, I have read so many books on FMS, TMJ, Headaches, CFS, and researched so much but I still cant execpt that I have all these problems and I have to live with them forever. At times I think I have moved on and understand I am this way and have to learn to deal with it and then there are times I know I cant. I think it is a never ending battle, How can one really exepct the hell we go though each day when others dont have a clue, how can we be in so much pain but look fine on the outside, these are things that drive me crazy!
I hope this helps, I havent been on here in a longtime I hope the board has not changed and everyone is still friendly here! :D
Heres to pain free days~
HUGS,
STARR
Hi Sweetie, :wave:
I know it is hard and being in Denial is hard I am still there, let me tell you though the sooner you file the better. You paid into the system and you have the right to get paid now that you cant work. I know it makes you feel gulity but if your in pain and life is hard on you and you suffer you have the right to get Disablity. Just because FMS is not known to so many people we need to fight to show this is a REAL Illeness that effects are everyday lives.
The longer you wait to file, The longer it will take for you to get it and also the longer you wait the less $$$money$$$ you will get from them, I learned that the hard way. I didnt want to be disable, I am 25yrs. It took me alongtime just to file and I regret it bigtime. I have been going down hill ever since and it is not getting any better, At the time I filed I wasnt as sick as I am now, It has been like 3 yrs and I am still fighting them. It is hard to deal with the fact you are sick and are not going to get well tomorrow. I always pray I wish I could go back to when I wasnt sick and I wish I never got in the two bad car accidents that I got in, because I know I wouldnt be this bad, I have read so many books on FMS, TMJ, Headaches, CFS, and researched so much but I still cant execpt that I have all these problems and I have to live with them forever. At times I think I have moved on and understand I am this way and have to learn to deal with it and then there are times I know I cant. I think it is a never ending battle, How can one really exepct the hell we go though each day when others dont have a clue, how can we be in so much pain but look fine on the outside, these are things that drive me crazy!
I hope this helps, I havent been on here in a longtime I hope the board has not changed and everyone is still friendly here! :D
Heres to pain free days~
HUGS,
STARR
bluelakelady
01-12-2005, 03:45 PM
hi starr,
how sad. i am so sorry your experience is being horrid. i had the lady at social security fill out the papers for me. she said it was part of her job and she wished more people would ask. the stuff required at home i had friends write for me. i can type. i cannot create hand written words for more than a few moments.
in lakeport where i just went for my 3 year review the woman was so gentle. she did all the work. all i had to do was answer her questions, review what she had written and sign.
do not stop trying.
oh, and i always take a little gift for the person who will be helping me. some home made cookies or a small painted gourd that i grew, anything personal that assures them i appreciate their time and effort on my behalf. at harvest time it is tomatoes, garlic, onions, salsa, marinara sauce. there is magic in gifting those who help you. not only do they feel seen, they try harder for you and they remember you.
i also take a flower or two from my garden if i have nothing at hand to gift away. i make lavender wands and sage wands.
i have found that if i want to be seen as a being instead of a number, i accomplish it by first gifting a taste of who i am away. i have seen the change in the faces of those tired people. maybe this will work for you too! something to ponder on.
peace,
bluelakelady
ps. i learned this little trick from a patron of mine back in my working days. he always brought me a little gift. it made me feel so special. he left his body a couple of years ago. his lesson lives on with me.
how sad. i am so sorry your experience is being horrid. i had the lady at social security fill out the papers for me. she said it was part of her job and she wished more people would ask. the stuff required at home i had friends write for me. i can type. i cannot create hand written words for more than a few moments.
in lakeport where i just went for my 3 year review the woman was so gentle. she did all the work. all i had to do was answer her questions, review what she had written and sign.
do not stop trying.
oh, and i always take a little gift for the person who will be helping me. some home made cookies or a small painted gourd that i grew, anything personal that assures them i appreciate their time and effort on my behalf. at harvest time it is tomatoes, garlic, onions, salsa, marinara sauce. there is magic in gifting those who help you. not only do they feel seen, they try harder for you and they remember you.
i also take a flower or two from my garden if i have nothing at hand to gift away. i make lavender wands and sage wands.
i have found that if i want to be seen as a being instead of a number, i accomplish it by first gifting a taste of who i am away. i have seen the change in the faces of those tired people. maybe this will work for you too! something to ponder on.
peace,
bluelakelady
ps. i learned this little trick from a patron of mine back in my working days. he always brought me a little gift. it made me feel so special. he left his body a couple of years ago. his lesson lives on with me.
thisstarr
01-13-2005, 02:42 AM
hi starr,
how sad. i am so sorry your experience is being horrid. i had the lady at social security fill out the papers for me. she said it was part of her job and she wished more people would ask. the stuff required at home i had friends write for me. i can type. i cannot create hand written words for more than a few moments.
in lakeport where i just went for my 3 year review the woman was so gentle. she did all the work. all i had to do was answer her questions, review what she had written and sign.
do not stop trying.
oh, and i always take a little gift for the person who will be helping me. some home made cookies or a small painted gourd that i grew, anything personal that assures them i appreciate their time and effort on my behalf. at harvest time it is tomatoes, garlic, onions, salsa, marinara sauce. there is magic in gifting those who help you. not only do they feel seen, they try harder for you and they remember you.
i also take a flower or two from my garden if i have nothing at hand to gift away. i make lavender wands and sage wands.
i have found that if i want to be seen as a being instead of a number, i accomplish it by first gifting a taste of who i am away. i have seen the change in the faces of those tired people. maybe this will work for you too! something to ponder on.
peace,
bluelakelady
ps. i learned this little trick from a patron of mine back in my working days. he always brought me a little gift. it made me feel so special. he left his body a couple of years ago. his lesson lives on with me.
Hello, :wave:
I don't have any one person working on my case. I havent ever met anyone, I had and have to do everything by mail for some reason. Where do you live? I am in Upland Ca!
It sounds like a nice place where you are, very homey. A special gift is always a good idea, that is very sweet of you, If I ever got to work with my case worker I guess I would bring them a flower since I live in a apartment and cant grow any herbs like I have always wanted too. That was very kind of you to do!
I am just so stressed out. I have been fighting a never ending battle with them. I am disable, I have to use a walker or cane when I walk and I am in consent pain all the time. I am on med's but I still suffer with pain. I have to sleep with O2 on because I have problems sleeping and wake up grasping for air.(The car accident I got in I inhailed all the chemials from thr airbag)
I also have problems writting too. I am left handed and when I start to write my hand will cramp up and hurt so bad I cant even move it. It is pain in my hole hand and it is painful, I wonder if this is part of FM? I can type but I cant sit here long so I can only do a little at a time, I hope I can get a laptop someday! Laying in bed would be easier.
I have alot of health problems on top of my FM, ( chronic headaches, TMJ, CFS, Leg pains, IBS, Gerd, and the list can go on and on)
I really feel they are giving me a hard time because of my age, I am 25 yrs and most people that file are older, I think they dont believe me, and there doctors they make you see are very stupid and know NOTHING about FMS at all.
I have appealed my case twice and I now have the hearing stage next and when I called today to check on the status on it they said it may be another 12month before I hear anything! :confused: :eek: This is so unfair, I have been counting on this so bad & for so long. I cant work and I paid into the system for 5 years I know that is not a longtime but I have the right and I just dont understand why they are giving me such a hard time! I never wanted to be this way I had alot going for me. I was on dance team in high school and I had the chance to be a laker girl and I also modeled and now I cant do anything but wash my dreams go down the toliet. I really hope I can win at the hearing, I am doing this on my own because all the lawyers I have talk to I dont trust, if it comes down to it I will get one but if I have to take this to the supreme court I will fight it till they get sick of me, it is just hard at times to give up! Sorry I had to vent! I am just to ill to deal with it, I think they like to drive you crazy out here where I live!
Thank you so much for writting me back, it really means so much to me!
Take Care
Heres to pain free days~
Hugs,
STARR
how sad. i am so sorry your experience is being horrid. i had the lady at social security fill out the papers for me. she said it was part of her job and she wished more people would ask. the stuff required at home i had friends write for me. i can type. i cannot create hand written words for more than a few moments.
in lakeport where i just went for my 3 year review the woman was so gentle. she did all the work. all i had to do was answer her questions, review what she had written and sign.
do not stop trying.
oh, and i always take a little gift for the person who will be helping me. some home made cookies or a small painted gourd that i grew, anything personal that assures them i appreciate their time and effort on my behalf. at harvest time it is tomatoes, garlic, onions, salsa, marinara sauce. there is magic in gifting those who help you. not only do they feel seen, they try harder for you and they remember you.
i also take a flower or two from my garden if i have nothing at hand to gift away. i make lavender wands and sage wands.
i have found that if i want to be seen as a being instead of a number, i accomplish it by first gifting a taste of who i am away. i have seen the change in the faces of those tired people. maybe this will work for you too! something to ponder on.
peace,
bluelakelady
ps. i learned this little trick from a patron of mine back in my working days. he always brought me a little gift. it made me feel so special. he left his body a couple of years ago. his lesson lives on with me.
Hello, :wave:
I don't have any one person working on my case. I havent ever met anyone, I had and have to do everything by mail for some reason. Where do you live? I am in Upland Ca!
It sounds like a nice place where you are, very homey. A special gift is always a good idea, that is very sweet of you, If I ever got to work with my case worker I guess I would bring them a flower since I live in a apartment and cant grow any herbs like I have always wanted too. That was very kind of you to do!
I am just so stressed out. I have been fighting a never ending battle with them. I am disable, I have to use a walker or cane when I walk and I am in consent pain all the time. I am on med's but I still suffer with pain. I have to sleep with O2 on because I have problems sleeping and wake up grasping for air.(The car accident I got in I inhailed all the chemials from thr airbag)
I also have problems writting too. I am left handed and when I start to write my hand will cramp up and hurt so bad I cant even move it. It is pain in my hole hand and it is painful, I wonder if this is part of FM? I can type but I cant sit here long so I can only do a little at a time, I hope I can get a laptop someday! Laying in bed would be easier.
I have alot of health problems on top of my FM, ( chronic headaches, TMJ, CFS, Leg pains, IBS, Gerd, and the list can go on and on)
I really feel they are giving me a hard time because of my age, I am 25 yrs and most people that file are older, I think they dont believe me, and there doctors they make you see are very stupid and know NOTHING about FMS at all.
I have appealed my case twice and I now have the hearing stage next and when I called today to check on the status on it they said it may be another 12month before I hear anything! :confused: :eek: This is so unfair, I have been counting on this so bad & for so long. I cant work and I paid into the system for 5 years I know that is not a longtime but I have the right and I just dont understand why they are giving me such a hard time! I never wanted to be this way I had alot going for me. I was on dance team in high school and I had the chance to be a laker girl and I also modeled and now I cant do anything but wash my dreams go down the toliet. I really hope I can win at the hearing, I am doing this on my own because all the lawyers I have talk to I dont trust, if it comes down to it I will get one but if I have to take this to the supreme court I will fight it till they get sick of me, it is just hard at times to give up! Sorry I had to vent! I am just to ill to deal with it, I think they like to drive you crazy out here where I live!
Thank you so much for writting me back, it really means so much to me!
Take Care
Heres to pain free days~
Hugs,
STARR
bluelakelady
01-13-2005, 11:08 AM
morning starr,
you shine brightly in my morning sky. clear and bright you light the way for the sun to come. you are the morning starr. never forget that.
upland. i will have to look on the map. i am sure i have been there. i am in lake county, northern cal, about two hours north then east of s.f. i go to lakeport to the social security office. look in your phone book. there has to be a local office close to you. after all it is the government we are talking about. giggle, and we know they are everywhere!
my son received ssi for 5 years after he turned 18. then they determined he could work, and they are right, he can. sweetie, nobody said life would be easy. it isn't. it is however, an adventure. the crappy parts count. even when the crap is taller than your best memory.
of course you will not trust the attorney. who in their right mind would? hire one of the creeps and get on with it! mine made my skin crawl and i had to keep my left foot in his butt the whole way. my left foot is the biggest, giggle.
have you thought of growing herbs in pots? if you have a little terrace you can grow sage, lavender, basil, rosemary, chive, heck any of them will grow in pots. they love anything from a bit of sun to full on hot rays.
there are no boundaries to what you can do. only the ones you create yourself.
peace little sister,
bluelakelady
you shine brightly in my morning sky. clear and bright you light the way for the sun to come. you are the morning starr. never forget that.
upland. i will have to look on the map. i am sure i have been there. i am in lake county, northern cal, about two hours north then east of s.f. i go to lakeport to the social security office. look in your phone book. there has to be a local office close to you. after all it is the government we are talking about. giggle, and we know they are everywhere!
my son received ssi for 5 years after he turned 18. then they determined he could work, and they are right, he can. sweetie, nobody said life would be easy. it isn't. it is however, an adventure. the crappy parts count. even when the crap is taller than your best memory.
of course you will not trust the attorney. who in their right mind would? hire one of the creeps and get on with it! mine made my skin crawl and i had to keep my left foot in his butt the whole way. my left foot is the biggest, giggle.
have you thought of growing herbs in pots? if you have a little terrace you can grow sage, lavender, basil, rosemary, chive, heck any of them will grow in pots. they love anything from a bit of sun to full on hot rays.
there are no boundaries to what you can do. only the ones you create yourself.
peace little sister,
bluelakelady
amgoingtoheal
01-13-2005, 06:24 PM
Starr!
Hi Friend- Welcome back! I hope you decided that we can all help each other and stay on here again. Thanks for your suggestions and kind words for me. I know it's hard. God never said it was easy. I'm just impressed you were almost a Laker Girl (hopefully NOT with the help of Kobe!) ha ha ha, giggle. I'm sure it was from your incredible dance skills and beautiful spirit (and it doesn't hurt to look glamurous either!). I can relate somewhat. I was on the Olympic Development Soccer Team (state of California) and before there were Olympics for women, I was on the team who was supposed to go. My ABSOLUTE IDOL, turns out to be Michelle Akers...guess what? She has FM & CFS. CRAZY, huh! When she helped win the World Cup Finals awhile back, it was the first time I had heard ANYONE declare they had this disease, and she was a celebrity (at least in my eyes). God bless all of us who are fighting to get this disease known and shown the respect it deserves!
I know its not easy sweetie, I'm only 31, so I know all the things your going through. (I even got fired from my job yesterday!). What I really go crazy over is when people our age look at me like I'm weird for not going out. I can't most days. Im lucky if I get out to go to the movies or Barnes & Noble. I think if you are in so much pain that you have to walk with a cane, you completely deserve to be on disability! No question about it. There is a post that someone left on here about a lawyer in Arizona, and Im thinking about calling him myself. Check it out.
Well, my hands are getting painful now, and I have to go pick up some medications (my insurance is going to run out by the end of the month thanks to my job being gone). This is an opportunity for us, not a problem. We need to fight and stick together! Good luck and write when you can
AGTH
Hi Friend- Welcome back! I hope you decided that we can all help each other and stay on here again. Thanks for your suggestions and kind words for me. I know it's hard. God never said it was easy. I'm just impressed you were almost a Laker Girl (hopefully NOT with the help of Kobe!) ha ha ha, giggle. I'm sure it was from your incredible dance skills and beautiful spirit (and it doesn't hurt to look glamurous either!). I can relate somewhat. I was on the Olympic Development Soccer Team (state of California) and before there were Olympics for women, I was on the team who was supposed to go. My ABSOLUTE IDOL, turns out to be Michelle Akers...guess what? She has FM & CFS. CRAZY, huh! When she helped win the World Cup Finals awhile back, it was the first time I had heard ANYONE declare they had this disease, and she was a celebrity (at least in my eyes). God bless all of us who are fighting to get this disease known and shown the respect it deserves!
I know its not easy sweetie, I'm only 31, so I know all the things your going through. (I even got fired from my job yesterday!). What I really go crazy over is when people our age look at me like I'm weird for not going out. I can't most days. Im lucky if I get out to go to the movies or Barnes & Noble. I think if you are in so much pain that you have to walk with a cane, you completely deserve to be on disability! No question about it. There is a post that someone left on here about a lawyer in Arizona, and Im thinking about calling him myself. Check it out.
Well, my hands are getting painful now, and I have to go pick up some medications (my insurance is going to run out by the end of the month thanks to my job being gone). This is an opportunity for us, not a problem. We need to fight and stick together! Good luck and write when you can
AGTH
thisstarr
01-14-2005, 10:18 AM
QUOTE=bluelakelady]morning starr,
you shine brightly in my morning sky. clear and bright you light the way for the sun to come. you are the morning starr. never forget that.
upland. i will have to look on the map. i am sure i have been there. i am in lake county, northern cal, about two hours north then east of s.f. i go to lakeport to the social security office. look in your phone book. there has to be a local office close to you. after all it is the government we are talking about. giggle, and we know they are everywhere!
my son received ssi for 5 years after he turned 18. then they determined he could work, and they are right, he can. sweetie, nobody said life would be easy. it isn't. it is however, an adventure. the crappy parts count. even when the crap is taller than your best memory.
of course you will not trust the attorney. who in their right mind would? hire one of the creeps and get on with it! mine made my skin crawl and i had to keep my left foot in his butt the whole way. my left foot is the biggest, giggle.
have you thought of growing herbs in pots? if you have a little terrace you can grow sage, lavender, basil, rosemary, chive, heck any of them will grow in pots. they love anything from a bit of sun to full on hot rays.
there are no boundaries to what you can do. only the ones you create yourself.
peace little sister,
bluelakelady[/QUOTE]
Hi BLue, :wave:
Thanks so much for your sweet kind words I will always try to remember that a Starr shins bright:) Have you ever heard of Ontario Ca, Or Chino, Ca, Rancho Cucmonda? Those are some citys close to me!
They seem alot nicer where you are. There is an office here in Ontario but when I ask in the past they said get a family member to help you, they are mean down here! I dnot know if I should hire an attorney or not, I have heard of alot of people wining there cases at the hearing, I am sad because I called SS and they said it may take 12 months to hear something about the hearing, I was in tears when I got off the phone, I just wish I didnt have to wait so long. Well sticking your foot up your attorney butt did it help you win you case? ;) I hope so, If I ask this before Im sorry I am in so much pain right now I have been up all night and it is 620am right now and I am still crying so I came on here to see if anyone reply. I am not thinking right (Fibo fog) It means alot to know there are others who understand and care:)
Thanks so much for writting back
Hugs,
Your little sis...lol....
Starr :angel:
[
you shine brightly in my morning sky. clear and bright you light the way for the sun to come. you are the morning starr. never forget that.
upland. i will have to look on the map. i am sure i have been there. i am in lake county, northern cal, about two hours north then east of s.f. i go to lakeport to the social security office. look in your phone book. there has to be a local office close to you. after all it is the government we are talking about. giggle, and we know they are everywhere!
my son received ssi for 5 years after he turned 18. then they determined he could work, and they are right, he can. sweetie, nobody said life would be easy. it isn't. it is however, an adventure. the crappy parts count. even when the crap is taller than your best memory.
of course you will not trust the attorney. who in their right mind would? hire one of the creeps and get on with it! mine made my skin crawl and i had to keep my left foot in his butt the whole way. my left foot is the biggest, giggle.
have you thought of growing herbs in pots? if you have a little terrace you can grow sage, lavender, basil, rosemary, chive, heck any of them will grow in pots. they love anything from a bit of sun to full on hot rays.
there are no boundaries to what you can do. only the ones you create yourself.
peace little sister,
bluelakelady[/QUOTE]
Hi BLue, :wave:
Thanks so much for your sweet kind words I will always try to remember that a Starr shins bright:) Have you ever heard of Ontario Ca, Or Chino, Ca, Rancho Cucmonda? Those are some citys close to me!
They seem alot nicer where you are. There is an office here in Ontario but when I ask in the past they said get a family member to help you, they are mean down here! I dnot know if I should hire an attorney or not, I have heard of alot of people wining there cases at the hearing, I am sad because I called SS and they said it may take 12 months to hear something about the hearing, I was in tears when I got off the phone, I just wish I didnt have to wait so long. Well sticking your foot up your attorney butt did it help you win you case? ;) I hope so, If I ask this before Im sorry I am in so much pain right now I have been up all night and it is 620am right now and I am still crying so I came on here to see if anyone reply. I am not thinking right (Fibo fog) It means alot to know there are others who understand and care:)
Thanks so much for writting back
Hugs,
Your little sis...lol....
Starr :angel:
[
thisstarr
01-14-2005, 10:54 AM
Starr!
Hi Friend- Welcome back! I hope you decided that we can all help each other and stay on here again. Thanks for your suggestions and kind words for me. I know it's hard. God never said it was easy. I'm just impressed you were almost a Laker Girl (hopefully NOT with the help of Kobe!) ha ha ha, giggle. I'm sure it was from your incredible dance skills and beautiful spirit (and it doesn't hurt to look glamurous either!). I can relate somewhat. I was on the Olympic Development Soccer Team (state of California) and before there were Olympics for women, I was on the team who was supposed to go. My ABSOLUTE IDOL, turns out to be Michelle Akers...guess what? She has FM & CFS. CRAZY, huh! When she helped win the World Cup Finals awhile back, it was the first time I had heard ANYONE declare they had this disease, and she was a celebrity (at least in my eyes). God bless all of us who are fighting to get this disease known and shown the respect it deserves!
I know its not easy sweetie, I'm only 31, so I know all the things your going through. (I even got fired from my job yesterday!). What I really go crazy over is when people our age look at me like I'm weird for not going out. I can't most days. Im lucky if I get out to go to the movies or Barnes & Noble. I think if you are in so much pain that you have to walk with a cane, you completely deserve to be on disability! No question about it. There is a post that someone left on here about a lawyer in Arizona, and Im thinking about calling him myself. Check it out.
Well, my hands are getting painful now, and I have to go pick up some medications (my insurance is going to run out by the end of the month thanks to my job being gone). This is an opportunity for us, not a problem. We need to fight and stick together! Good luck and write when you can
AGTH
Hi There, :wave:
Thank you so much for the welcome back, it is nice to know some people are still around. So much has happenend to me I was unable to get or be on the computer for a longtime. If I post something I already said sorry, I have been having a bad day, I have been up all night and the pain is really getting to me. The all over body pain and my legs ache so bad, it is a deep throbbing pain that wont stop, and I had such a headache. So If I dont make any since you will know why! :confused:
I got into another bad accident and was in the hospital for 3 months! pretty much had to learn how to walk again, I have to use a walker alot or a cane. My seat belt didnt lock so I went forward and my airbag smacked me very hard, knocked me out for a few, I inhailed all the chemials(sp) so I have trouble breatheing sometimes, I have to sleep with O2 other wise I grasp for air and it is scary! I have to take med's because I have severe chest pains very otfen, and my TMJ has gotten so much worse! I guess I am going to make this short and come back later after I get some rest, my hands are cramping up on me, I hate this, but as I was told it is part of FM!
I will stay on here, just as long as I am getting replys and I see them in my e-mail I wont forget. This board save me years ago and I am very greatful for it and for everyone that helped me, so I hope we can cont. helping eachother:)
I will try my best to keep up to date with everything, it is just hard somedays, I am stuck in bed and cant move!
Thanks for the nice laugh about Kobe..lol...You had me laughing there for a minute which was nice!:) That was a good one! Nope, I dont even remember if he was playing back then. I got out of high school in 97 and it was sometime after that I think maybe 98-99 my memory is really bad, I feel like a 95 yr old. This was my life I should be able to remember it and I cant :confused:
I loved dancing, it was one of the best things I loved and I loved to make up routines, I was good at it and it made me happy! It was my life aside from modeling and roller skating. I wish so bad I could be my old self. I have made up so many routines in my days yet I cant remember any of them but a few moves, I know if I hear a song I made one up to, I can remember the song but it makes me sad how many things I have forgotten and my husband is always getting on me saying I told you this and I told you that and how can you forget that! It really stresses me out because I try my best but he doesnt understand that being in chronic pain effects every aspect of your life including thinking!~ He trys to help and be supportive but I think he doesnt know how too, so he just hugs me and tells me he loves me and he is here, well most of the time when it is really bad!
Wow, Michelle Akers I have heard of her, It is nice to know she let people know she was Ill and wasnt scared to amit it, to do what she doe's and have FM & CFS wow, I am proud of her.
I just wish more people new of FMS, I am so tired of being ask what is wrong with me, why am I using a walker, why do I have to use a cane. Why do you walk funny, are you in pain? Why? Have you ever tried to tell someone flat out I have Fibromyalgia, they just give you this stare like what the heck is that? Like we are from another planet. I hate that it is not wide know and I pray one day it will be!
Sticking together is a must! I think we should sent letters to Some talk shows, Montol Williams has MS so he would understand and maybe this way if a lot of us do it, we can get our voices heard! What do you think???
I am off to lay down....painpain go away~
Heres to pain free days
Hugs,
STARR
I cant believe I forgot to type this out! I want to tell you that I am so very sorry you lost your job, I feel so bad for you. If they fired you can you get unemployemnet and get some money that way, If a company fires you you have the right to file for that. I hope this helps! Your in my prays, god bless you sweetie!
Hi Friend- Welcome back! I hope you decided that we can all help each other and stay on here again. Thanks for your suggestions and kind words for me. I know it's hard. God never said it was easy. I'm just impressed you were almost a Laker Girl (hopefully NOT with the help of Kobe!) ha ha ha, giggle. I'm sure it was from your incredible dance skills and beautiful spirit (and it doesn't hurt to look glamurous either!). I can relate somewhat. I was on the Olympic Development Soccer Team (state of California) and before there were Olympics for women, I was on the team who was supposed to go. My ABSOLUTE IDOL, turns out to be Michelle Akers...guess what? She has FM & CFS. CRAZY, huh! When she helped win the World Cup Finals awhile back, it was the first time I had heard ANYONE declare they had this disease, and she was a celebrity (at least in my eyes). God bless all of us who are fighting to get this disease known and shown the respect it deserves!
I know its not easy sweetie, I'm only 31, so I know all the things your going through. (I even got fired from my job yesterday!). What I really go crazy over is when people our age look at me like I'm weird for not going out. I can't most days. Im lucky if I get out to go to the movies or Barnes & Noble. I think if you are in so much pain that you have to walk with a cane, you completely deserve to be on disability! No question about it. There is a post that someone left on here about a lawyer in Arizona, and Im thinking about calling him myself. Check it out.
Well, my hands are getting painful now, and I have to go pick up some medications (my insurance is going to run out by the end of the month thanks to my job being gone). This is an opportunity for us, not a problem. We need to fight and stick together! Good luck and write when you can
AGTH
Hi There, :wave:
Thank you so much for the welcome back, it is nice to know some people are still around. So much has happenend to me I was unable to get or be on the computer for a longtime. If I post something I already said sorry, I have been having a bad day, I have been up all night and the pain is really getting to me. The all over body pain and my legs ache so bad, it is a deep throbbing pain that wont stop, and I had such a headache. So If I dont make any since you will know why! :confused:
I got into another bad accident and was in the hospital for 3 months! pretty much had to learn how to walk again, I have to use a walker alot or a cane. My seat belt didnt lock so I went forward and my airbag smacked me very hard, knocked me out for a few, I inhailed all the chemials(sp) so I have trouble breatheing sometimes, I have to sleep with O2 other wise I grasp for air and it is scary! I have to take med's because I have severe chest pains very otfen, and my TMJ has gotten so much worse! I guess I am going to make this short and come back later after I get some rest, my hands are cramping up on me, I hate this, but as I was told it is part of FM!
I will stay on here, just as long as I am getting replys and I see them in my e-mail I wont forget. This board save me years ago and I am very greatful for it and for everyone that helped me, so I hope we can cont. helping eachother:)
I will try my best to keep up to date with everything, it is just hard somedays, I am stuck in bed and cant move!
Thanks for the nice laugh about Kobe..lol...You had me laughing there for a minute which was nice!:) That was a good one! Nope, I dont even remember if he was playing back then. I got out of high school in 97 and it was sometime after that I think maybe 98-99 my memory is really bad, I feel like a 95 yr old. This was my life I should be able to remember it and I cant :confused:
I loved dancing, it was one of the best things I loved and I loved to make up routines, I was good at it and it made me happy! It was my life aside from modeling and roller skating. I wish so bad I could be my old self. I have made up so many routines in my days yet I cant remember any of them but a few moves, I know if I hear a song I made one up to, I can remember the song but it makes me sad how many things I have forgotten and my husband is always getting on me saying I told you this and I told you that and how can you forget that! It really stresses me out because I try my best but he doesnt understand that being in chronic pain effects every aspect of your life including thinking!~ He trys to help and be supportive but I think he doesnt know how too, so he just hugs me and tells me he loves me and he is here, well most of the time when it is really bad!
Wow, Michelle Akers I have heard of her, It is nice to know she let people know she was Ill and wasnt scared to amit it, to do what she doe's and have FM & CFS wow, I am proud of her.
I just wish more people new of FMS, I am so tired of being ask what is wrong with me, why am I using a walker, why do I have to use a cane. Why do you walk funny, are you in pain? Why? Have you ever tried to tell someone flat out I have Fibromyalgia, they just give you this stare like what the heck is that? Like we are from another planet. I hate that it is not wide know and I pray one day it will be!
Sticking together is a must! I think we should sent letters to Some talk shows, Montol Williams has MS so he would understand and maybe this way if a lot of us do it, we can get our voices heard! What do you think???
I am off to lay down....painpain go away~
Heres to pain free days
Hugs,
STARR
I cant believe I forgot to type this out! I want to tell you that I am so very sorry you lost your job, I feel so bad for you. If they fired you can you get unemployemnet and get some money that way, If a company fires you you have the right to file for that. I hope this helps! Your in my prays, god bless you sweetie!
bluelakelady
01-14-2005, 10:55 AM
good morning lovely starr,
i knew i had been to upland. yes i know the area well. i grew up in the san fernando valley and my mom lives in mira mesa down in san diego. you are in city world. you are going to have to be very gentle to get thru the city protective layer most folks shroud themselves in down there.
city folk tend to be disconnected. having grown up down there i understand the survival instinct of city dwellers. part of why i move away to the country. i have great compassion for city dwellers. they are surrounded by other human bodies and fear any connection with them. however, there are the rare jewels that shine. these brave souls choose to connect within the city enviornment.
by the way, ssi also suggested i find a family member to help me. i explained i am not near any family. forget the darn phone. let them see your face. as long as you are only a voice they can allow themselves to forget you and shove your file in a corner. a face is alot harder to ignore. dress in bright colors, put your best most loving gentle smile on, pick a flower and give them hell so sweetly they will melt.
appear strong, self confident and happy. these people listen to sad stories all day from angry people. you tell your story without anger. explain that you know how busy they are and you are sorry to add to their work load, however you need assistance and you would very much appreciate their help, especially since they work there and know so much more than you do. appeal to ego. ego is the easiest way to get into a person. stroke their ego and doors of opportunity open. make steady eye contact. if you are using your walker strut in with it.
better yet strut into an attorneys office. i once told mine his purpose was to protect me from the stress of the whole legal system as well as represent me honorably. i do believe he was happy to get rid of me.
also i developed a rapor with his secretary and paralegal. they are the ones who do the actual work. cookies were their weak spot. they would solicit promises from me on the phone for cookies. organic oatmeal cookies with cranberries, chocolate chips, rasins and walnuts.
when you walk in, remember, you do not stand alone. every one of us is standing there with you.
i am off to physical therapy!
peace little sister,
bluelakelady
i knew i had been to upland. yes i know the area well. i grew up in the san fernando valley and my mom lives in mira mesa down in san diego. you are in city world. you are going to have to be very gentle to get thru the city protective layer most folks shroud themselves in down there.
city folk tend to be disconnected. having grown up down there i understand the survival instinct of city dwellers. part of why i move away to the country. i have great compassion for city dwellers. they are surrounded by other human bodies and fear any connection with them. however, there are the rare jewels that shine. these brave souls choose to connect within the city enviornment.
by the way, ssi also suggested i find a family member to help me. i explained i am not near any family. forget the darn phone. let them see your face. as long as you are only a voice they can allow themselves to forget you and shove your file in a corner. a face is alot harder to ignore. dress in bright colors, put your best most loving gentle smile on, pick a flower and give them hell so sweetly they will melt.
appear strong, self confident and happy. these people listen to sad stories all day from angry people. you tell your story without anger. explain that you know how busy they are and you are sorry to add to their work load, however you need assistance and you would very much appreciate their help, especially since they work there and know so much more than you do. appeal to ego. ego is the easiest way to get into a person. stroke their ego and doors of opportunity open. make steady eye contact. if you are using your walker strut in with it.
better yet strut into an attorneys office. i once told mine his purpose was to protect me from the stress of the whole legal system as well as represent me honorably. i do believe he was happy to get rid of me.
also i developed a rapor with his secretary and paralegal. they are the ones who do the actual work. cookies were their weak spot. they would solicit promises from me on the phone for cookies. organic oatmeal cookies with cranberries, chocolate chips, rasins and walnuts.
when you walk in, remember, you do not stand alone. every one of us is standing there with you.
i am off to physical therapy!
peace little sister,
bluelakelady
amgoingtoheal
01-14-2005, 12:36 PM
Good morning starr...I hope it is a good morning for you (and everyone else!). I hope you are feeling better. I'm so sorry to hear you were in the hospital for three months! Thats insane! What was the outcome? Did they find anything? Were you in the pain unit? It's nice that you have a loving husband to support you (I'm single) :( It's always hard for anyone not in pain to not understand our pain. Maybe have him read some of these posts so he can get a first hand look at how people on here are suffering. Also, have you considered therapy? I know people have such a hard time getting themselves there, but it has saved so many peoples lives that I know of.
I am in semi flare up mode, so I'm walking slower myself. I'm starting to feel as if God is trying to get through to me, and I haven't been a very good listener. Maybe I lived too fast for my own good. I was playing 4 hours of soccer a day, studying to get on the honor list, and working, and everything else. It was too much. Then I did all the same things in college, and thats when I got mono, and a thyroid condition, and high blood pressure. It wasn't so bad, until 4 years ago when I got in a car accident. Thats when my body really went into shock. I'm sure there are hundreds of people in the same situation. I hear their stories on here all the time. Some people are worse than me, and some are better. AND, there are so many other people in the world that have much worse conditions than us! Can you imagine having MS? Cancer? Deadly rashes all over your body? My aunt has been suffering with 14 kinds of Arthritis for 30 years now. Her body is eating itself. Her bones and cartiledge have fused together, and created so much pain that she can't even use her hands, feet, knees and many joints. Isnt' that aweful? We are definitely blessed! I know it doesn't feel like it sometimes, but we are.
As far as going on Montel, I completely agree!!! We should all write to him. Maybe someone like Blue lake lady who is an amazing writer, can write up a letter that we can all copy and print out, and send to Montel...Oprah too! She's even better to get out information. Would you be willing to do that BLL? If not, then we all can write out something. I think that is one of the reasons we were brought to this site. To make people aware.
Well, my day is starting now, and I need to go find myself a job. Im going to go put up a flyer I made for a part time nanny...who knows? I put an add on Craigslist, and I already got 2 offers! It's not what I dream of for my life, but I have to think of money right now. Have a wonderful day, and take care of yourself. Go team go!!! (ha ha ha, sorry, I couldn't resist) :D
I am in semi flare up mode, so I'm walking slower myself. I'm starting to feel as if God is trying to get through to me, and I haven't been a very good listener. Maybe I lived too fast for my own good. I was playing 4 hours of soccer a day, studying to get on the honor list, and working, and everything else. It was too much. Then I did all the same things in college, and thats when I got mono, and a thyroid condition, and high blood pressure. It wasn't so bad, until 4 years ago when I got in a car accident. Thats when my body really went into shock. I'm sure there are hundreds of people in the same situation. I hear their stories on here all the time. Some people are worse than me, and some are better. AND, there are so many other people in the world that have much worse conditions than us! Can you imagine having MS? Cancer? Deadly rashes all over your body? My aunt has been suffering with 14 kinds of Arthritis for 30 years now. Her body is eating itself. Her bones and cartiledge have fused together, and created so much pain that she can't even use her hands, feet, knees and many joints. Isnt' that aweful? We are definitely blessed! I know it doesn't feel like it sometimes, but we are.
As far as going on Montel, I completely agree!!! We should all write to him. Maybe someone like Blue lake lady who is an amazing writer, can write up a letter that we can all copy and print out, and send to Montel...Oprah too! She's even better to get out information. Would you be willing to do that BLL? If not, then we all can write out something. I think that is one of the reasons we were brought to this site. To make people aware.
Well, my day is starting now, and I need to go find myself a job. Im going to go put up a flyer I made for a part time nanny...who knows? I put an add on Craigslist, and I already got 2 offers! It's not what I dream of for my life, but I have to think of money right now. Have a wonderful day, and take care of yourself. Go team go!!! (ha ha ha, sorry, I couldn't resist) :D
bluelakelady
01-14-2005, 01:49 PM
dear agth,
i will see what i can come up with.
peace,
bluelakelady
i will see what i can come up with.
peace,
bluelakelady
amgoingtoheal
01-14-2005, 08:38 PM
BLL-
You are such a wonderful giver of everything. God/Spirit is using you to help so many people on here. Thank heaven for your communication skills! Do you want to know what's so neat about you? It's that I know you will write something. Some people say they will do something and then don't. You are the rare type of person who would actually put time into this and come up with the most moving letter ever. God Bless you BlueLakeLady. You are a gem...a sparkling gem at that!
You are such a wonderful giver of everything. God/Spirit is using you to help so many people on here. Thank heaven for your communication skills! Do you want to know what's so neat about you? It's that I know you will write something. Some people say they will do something and then don't. You are the rare type of person who would actually put time into this and come up with the most moving letter ever. God Bless you BlueLakeLady. You are a gem...a sparkling gem at that!
bluelakelady
01-15-2005, 12:19 AM
hi agth,
i wrote the letter. i will print out a copy and snail mail it.
i am pleased with what i wrote. i feel it expressed the desires and needs of the people i read here.
i hope i am not rare. i hope there are many people who mean what they say and say what they mean. thank you for your kind words.
i am off to bed now. cmp release kicked my butt today. one of my sweet kitties got in a fight today. poor baby. he hates fighting or killing. he once came home with a baby bird. he was protecting it under his tummy and called to me. i went out, picked up the baby bird and told bubba to show me where he found it. he took me right to the tree and we put baby back in his nest. bubbas leg is hurt and he is sore all over. i will let him sleep in my room tonight. for some strange reason the sound of me snoring like a lumberjack sooths him. he is so in tune he knows before i do when a cycle is coming. if i were a witch he would be my familiar.
peace and sweet dreams,
bluelakelady
i wrote the letter. i will print out a copy and snail mail it.
i am pleased with what i wrote. i feel it expressed the desires and needs of the people i read here.
i hope i am not rare. i hope there are many people who mean what they say and say what they mean. thank you for your kind words.
i am off to bed now. cmp release kicked my butt today. one of my sweet kitties got in a fight today. poor baby. he hates fighting or killing. he once came home with a baby bird. he was protecting it under his tummy and called to me. i went out, picked up the baby bird and told bubba to show me where he found it. he took me right to the tree and we put baby back in his nest. bubbas leg is hurt and he is sore all over. i will let him sleep in my room tonight. for some strange reason the sound of me snoring like a lumberjack sooths him. he is so in tune he knows before i do when a cycle is coming. if i were a witch he would be my familiar.
peace and sweet dreams,
bluelakelady
feelbad
01-18-2005, 10:26 AM
Hi all.I normally don't post on this board but I lurk as i have a cousin with FM and like to try and find any helpful tidbits of info for her as well as some for myself,lol.i have been reading through this thread as it caught my eye.I was just recentlyapproved for disability at the begoinning of dec after battling with the disability people for like ever.I thought maybe i could offer some tips for you.I too was turned down on my first try.The actual number of people that are turned down that first go round is about 75% and it just gets worse with the next steps.My disabilities are dur to a surgery that I had to have doen on the inside of my spinal cord to remove what were basically some bleeding blood vessels.I suffered some very significant spinal nerve and tract damage.I have alot of neuro deficits and three seperate pain syndromes that were all the result of the nerve damage.The biggest problem being the sympathetic nerveous system damage.I was quite shocked when I got turned down the first time as all of my impairments and pain are very well documented by all of my docs as well as things like MRIs and EMGs and also have some muscle wasting as a result of the loss of nerves to the muscles in certain parts of my boy.i am not telling you this to get you to feel sorry for me but just to let you know that even despite major problems and disablities,these idiots at disability still can turn you down.i even doubt the fact that they even lokked at my file when reading the reasons for denial.All of my impairments being well documented didn't seem to even make an impact on them as they pretty much stated I could do everything and all of my extremities worked wonderfully( this despite the fact that I had loss of nerve function in my L hand along with sinificant muscle wasting and my hand actually starting to claw!!)Yep, sure.Thats when I really wondered just what in the heck do these people do with your files?do they even look inside it at all??sorry, I tend to ramble.Anyway.i just wanted to mention a couple things here.if you are suffering from depression?Get it as well documented as possible.all therepist visits and meds and any docs that you see who notice it and may comment on it in their clinic notes,which disability WILL read about.If you get to see one of their psyhc docs,thats great.This is really what i feel put things over the top in my favor,really.i was Dxed by their doc as having severe recurrent depression brought on by my disabilitys and the horrific pain I have to endure every day 24/7.I had already been on medication for depression before all of the major problems began and it just kept getting worse and worse as all the secondary spinal cord injuries and bizarre syndromes kept popping up like every few weeks,it has been an ongoing nightmare for me dealing with the most bizarre pain and sensations from hell that are assaulting my body almost consantly.This all has really taken its toll as most of you know what I mean.but the fact that after my first denial,i was just totally devistated as I never dreamed that with all of the disabilitys and damage I had that they could possibly have denied me,my depression just bottomed out and really bacame much more severe.And I told them that too.i had counted on getting it and when I didn't(we were on the verge of losing our home and drowning in medical debt due too the fact that my son also has some very severe medical problems too)I was almost into this horrid catatonic type phase for about three weeks before really felt like i could make it through my day.But depression, in your cases right now, can really help you get your approvals if properly documented.Just make sure that you see some sort of psyhc doc on a regular basis and take any meds that are recomended by your doc to treat.Your depression does not have to be as bad as mine.just enough to really impede you from your daily living and coping.you all might want to also go to the disability board here too.They have been really supportive and have offered alot of good advice about what to do and not to do when going through this process.i wish you all so much luck and hope you all get approved as soon as possible.just hang in there and keep fighting no matter what.I know it all can seen sooo incredibly overwhelming some days,believe me,but you have to have faith that things WILL work our for you eventually.They just basically will keep kickin you and kicking you every step of the way in hopes that you will just give up at some point.and many do.like i said, just hang in there and stand your ground.You deserve these benefits and are entitled to the help.sorry if i rambled,really I wasn't planning on it when I started,lol.Good luck,Marcia
bluelakelady
01-18-2005, 10:41 AM
hi feelbad marcia,
we share the same name. cool. i seldom meet others with this name. i love mine and i bet you love yours too. it is such a special unique name. i am glad you posted. it is important that those who are on the journey know others who have made it to that next avenue.
peace,
bluelakelady
we share the same name. cool. i seldom meet others with this name. i love mine and i bet you love yours too. it is such a special unique name. i am glad you posted. it is important that those who are on the journey know others who have made it to that next avenue.
peace,
bluelakelady
bluelakelady
01-18-2005, 11:04 AM
dear agth and starr,
i understand the desire to connect on a more personal level. we all must respect that that cannot happen here. if there was a way i could bring you all to my home for some joy i would. i can't. so i write to you and i send energy out to the stars, moon and sun for you. with words i can send you my lake and mountains. i can show you bald eagles and hawks soaring in the cloud studded blue. these are the gifts i am here to share. these are the pieces of my love and life i am able to gift within the parameters of this site. it matters that we respect the boundaries of this site.
oops! time to fly off to the dentist. sunrise is coming and i don't want to be in the shower missing it all.
thank you moderator for your gentle words of chastisement. we will be good humans.
peace,
bluelakelady
i understand the desire to connect on a more personal level. we all must respect that that cannot happen here. if there was a way i could bring you all to my home for some joy i would. i can't. so i write to you and i send energy out to the stars, moon and sun for you. with words i can send you my lake and mountains. i can show you bald eagles and hawks soaring in the cloud studded blue. these are the gifts i am here to share. these are the pieces of my love and life i am able to gift within the parameters of this site. it matters that we respect the boundaries of this site.
oops! time to fly off to the dentist. sunrise is coming and i don't want to be in the shower missing it all.
thank you moderator for your gentle words of chastisement. we will be good humans.
peace,
bluelakelady
thisstarr
01-22-2005, 07:44 PM
Hi all.I normally don't post on this board but I lurk as i have a cousin with FM and like to try and find any helpful tidbits of info for her as well as some for myself,lol.i have been reading through this thread as it caught my eye.I was just recentlyapproved for disability at the begoinning of dec after battling with the disability people for like ever.I thought maybe i could offer some tips for you.I too was turned down on my first try.The actual number of people that are turned down that first go round is about 75% and it just gets worse with the next steps.My disabilities are dur to a surgery that I had to have doen on the inside of my spinal cord to remove what were basically some bleeding blood vessels.I suffered some very significant spinal nerve and tract damage.I have alot of neuro deficits and three seperate pain syndromes that were all the result of the nerve damage.The biggest problem being the sympathetic nerveous system damage.I was quite shocked when I got turned down the first time as all of my impairments and pain are very well documented by all of my docs as well as things like MRIs and EMGs and also have some muscle wasting as a result of the loss of nerves to the muscles in certain parts of my boy.i am not telling you this to get you to feel sorry for me but just to let you know that even despite major problems and disablities,these idiots at disability still can turn you down.i even doubt the fact that they even lokked at my file when reading the reasons for denial.All of my impairments being well documented didn't seem to even make an impact on them as they pretty much stated I could do everything and all of my extremities worked wonderfully( this despite the fact that I had loss of nerve function in my L hand along with sinificant muscle wasting and my hand actually starting to claw!!)Yep, sure.Thats when I really wondered just what in the heck do these people do with your files?do they even look inside it at all??sorry, I tend to ramble.Anyway.i just wanted to mention a couple things here.if you are suffering from depression?Get it as well documented as possible.all therepist visits and meds and any docs that you see who notice it and may comment on it in their clinic notes,which disability WILL read about.If you get to see one of their psyhc docs,thats great.This is really what i feel put things over the top in my favor,really.i was Dxed by their doc as having severe recurrent depression brought on by my disabilitys and the horrific pain I have to endure every day 24/7.I had already been on medication for depression before all of the major problems began and it just kept getting worse and worse as all the secondary spinal cord injuries and bizarre syndromes kept popping up like every few weeks,it has been an ongoing nightmare for me dealing with the most bizarre pain and sensations from hell that are assaulting my body almost consantly.This all has really taken its toll as most of you know what I mean.but the fact that after my first denial,i was just totally devistated as I never dreamed that with all of the disabilitys and damage I had that they could possibly have denied me,my depression just bottomed out and really bacame much more severe.And I told them that too.i had counted on getting it and when I didn't(we were on the verge of losing our home and drowning in medical debt due too the fact that my son also has some very severe medical problems too)I was almost into this horrid catatonic type phase for about three weeks before really felt like i could make it through my day.But depression, in your cases right now, can really help you get your approvals if properly documented.Just make sure that you see some sort of psyhc doc on a regular basis and take any meds that are recomended by your doc to treat.Your depression does not have to be as bad as mine.just enough to really impede you from your daily living and coping.you all might want to also go to the disability board here too.They have been really supportive and have offered alot of good advice about what to do and not to do when going through this process.i wish you all so much luck and hope you all get approved as soon as possible.just hang in there and keep fighting no matter what.I know it all can seen sooo incredibly overwhelming some days,believe me,but you have to have faith that things WILL work our for you eventually.They just basically will keep kickin you and kicking you every step of the way in hopes that you will just give up at some point.and many do.like i said, just hang in there and stand your ground.You deserve these benefits and are entitled to the help.sorry if i rambled,really I wasn't planning on it when I started,lol.Good luck,Marcia
Hi There, :wave:
Thank you for taking the time to tell your story and words of advice it means alot to me & everyone else. I ramble all the time dont worry, I think we all do that have FM.
I am very depressed because of the pain and I want my life back and cant have it. I feel my age has something to do with it I am 25 now and have been fighting for 3 yrs I believe!
I have to go to the hearing next, but they told me that may be a yr from now and I have been fighting for 3, I just want to win these SOB and I feel like life will get easier, It is so unfair all of what happen to you and you still got denied, they dont even care, I wonder if they even do look over the files? Your words helped. I didnt know the depresstion part played a factor in this at all, I just wish I could sppeed up my case, but dont know how?
Again thank you for telling your story and I hope you are doing ok, I know you can never be well and I know when people tell me get well soon, or do you feel any better, I think to myself, I will never be better. I do wish you pain free days and happeness:)
Thanks,
HUGS,
STARR :angel:
Heres to pain free days~
Hi There, :wave:
Thank you for taking the time to tell your story and words of advice it means alot to me & everyone else. I ramble all the time dont worry, I think we all do that have FM.
I am very depressed because of the pain and I want my life back and cant have it. I feel my age has something to do with it I am 25 now and have been fighting for 3 yrs I believe!
I have to go to the hearing next, but they told me that may be a yr from now and I have been fighting for 3, I just want to win these SOB and I feel like life will get easier, It is so unfair all of what happen to you and you still got denied, they dont even care, I wonder if they even do look over the files? Your words helped. I didnt know the depresstion part played a factor in this at all, I just wish I could sppeed up my case, but dont know how?
Again thank you for telling your story and I hope you are doing ok, I know you can never be well and I know when people tell me get well soon, or do you feel any better, I think to myself, I will never be better. I do wish you pain free days and happeness:)
Thanks,
HUGS,
STARR :angel:
Heres to pain free days~
fibrolady
01-29-2005, 11:02 PM
OK, this is my last post of the day, my arms hurt! YES FMS sufferers you can get disability payments but the filing process with Social Security can be a night mare so contact an attorney who specializes in Social Security Disability Claims. You can file yourself, as I originally did, but expect a rejection of your claim. When I re-filed, requesting a hearing, I had an attorney. I did not pay my attorney out-of-pocket, he was paid once the case was settled, out of back social security payments. This is why it's important for you to file NOW, because once your case is settled and you are awarded benefits, the benefit period starts when you first where unable to work, or when you first were denied your claim by SSI. In my case, there was a work injury involved, so I had State disability for a year, then I had to file for Social Security benefits. The benefits I now receive equal the amount of monthly benefit I would receive at time of retirement under Social Security. It has to do with how much money you have contributed to Social Security since work day "1". I had paid in the maximum, which came to about $1,725 in monthly disability benefits. It's not as much as I made working by any stretch of the imagination, but I couldn't work.
Don't expect this process to be swift. You have to be patient. In my case, my attorney filed for the Hearing, 3 months later I received a Hearing Date, 3 months later we had the Hearing and 2 months after that I received my first benefit check. That check included "back benefits", I've been receiving a check every month since. I was "reviewed" this year which involved filling out a form for Social Security, stating that I continued to be disabled, that I hadn't worked, and what meds I was taking. It is also important that you be under a doctor's care and stay under a doctor's care.
Good Luck
Don't expect this process to be swift. You have to be patient. In my case, my attorney filed for the Hearing, 3 months later I received a Hearing Date, 3 months later we had the Hearing and 2 months after that I received my first benefit check. That check included "back benefits", I've been receiving a check every month since. I was "reviewed" this year which involved filling out a form for Social Security, stating that I continued to be disabled, that I hadn't worked, and what meds I was taking. It is also important that you be under a doctor's care and stay under a doctor's care.
Good Luck