disability? - Arthritis Message Board

newfie11 · 02-04-2007, 06:32 AM

Anyone on here on SSD due to arthritis? I have osteoarthritis in entire spine, both hips, knees and foot. I am finding it extremely difficult to continue working due to pain. I have tried physical therapy with no relief at all. My Rhumey has me on 800mg etodolac and tylanol. It doesn't help much. I am in the medical field and on my feet 10 hours a day.
Newfie11

rayefaye · 02-07-2007, 06:52 AM

The answer is yes, if you can a good doctor who willing to help prove that you're not able to work. Also standing on your feet for 10 hrs hurting like that is no picnic either. I wish you good luck and that you can find a doctor who will help you.

WannaBeFreeToRoam · 02-07-2007, 08:46 PM

Hey Rayefaye,

Sorry to take over this thread, but how do we approach our drs. about SS disability? Do we get the papers first (and from where), and then talk to our drs.? I cannot work, due to RA pain and caretaking of older relatives.

If you tell both newfie and me, maybe we can start, what I hear is a long process. I know that it takes a long time and lots of paper work and that most people to not get classified as disabled on the first try...

Thanks for any help you can give us!

Wannabe

newfie11 · 02-08-2007, 05:18 AM

That would be great to know. I haven't talked to the doctors about it. I do have all my doctor reports along with the readings on my x-rays/MRI. I summited all to SSD along with all three forms (very long forms). That was a week ago and I have an interview set up for the 22 of February. I am hoping they will look at all the reports along with the x-ray/MRI reports and make a finding from them. From what I can gather SS does not always agree with the doctors but it sometimes can make the difference. Anyway I guess I will find out. I have also heard that it can take years.
Newfie 11

rayefaye · 02-08-2007, 06:59 PM

Hi guys,

What you need to do is get your doctor to write a letter for you stating that you cannot work due to arthritis. Then take this letter with you to the SS when you file which is not a guarentee and you made have still have to go to one of their doctors. One major key is to also find you a good SS lawyer who know what they're doing because they can get all your medical records and most all people who file for disablity end up having to get an attorney. That's what my mother-in-law did, she got a statement from a doctor and a lawyer from the begining and it didn't take her long to get it. It took me 2 1/2 years but I didn't have a doctors letter nor lawyer and I was 40 at the time.