goldyfm

Hello, Georgi. Nice to cyber-meet you. Yes, I had a hearing Monday of this week and from all indications, it looks as I will be approved. Unfortunately, I have multiple health issues and I am not sure exactly what they are ruling on. I was deemed by the Vocational expert as not able to perform any work now. I originally filed in 2003 and attempted 3 times to return to work, two of which they deemed as gainful employment and then one part-time short position. I had to agree to adjust my onset date due to those attempts. I originally filed on IBS and neck issues (hx of cervical fusion) but I was later told of the fibro after searching through a host of doctors. It was sometime after I was found to have FMS, and that I was found to have the multiple valve disease. I have to follow up every 6 months for an echo to track any progression. I have mitral, pulmonary, tricuspid, mild to moderate regurgitation and moderate to severe in the aortic valve. It is just a matter of time as to when they may have to replace one or more valves.

As to the valve symptoms, I become easily short of breath on any exertion; have to take frequent rest periods and have chronic fatigue. I have vertigo and some problems with blurring vision and have passed out on occasion. I do not at this time have any major swelling of the extremities; only mild if on my feet too long. I also have sleep issues, so I stay extremely tired all the time. It is so hard to pinpoint exactly what is causing a lot of my symptoms as I have so many things going on.

As for now, after having the echos, a stress test (which I failed) and a TEE and heart cath, I am in a wait and see mode. I am on a med that is supposed to take some of the stress off the heart, and we will follow until it changes for the worse. At that point, I will know what exactly they will do. If you have not checked out the Cleveland Clinic web site, please do. They have a lot of info on valve disease online and it is a prestigious heart center as well.

The disability process is a long drawn out ordeal for many. I feel if I had pursued a hearing when I first applied, I may have been approved then; but I had relocated and was told to start over with the process. I originally filed on this claim in March of 2006 and as there is no reconsideration phase in my state, had to wait until this month for a hearing. Maybe your case will be swifter through the system. Just make sure to have good records, no matter how insignificant you may think some procedure or med, do get a record. Also a list of all the meds you have received and even those that were tried short term, as I have tried about twice as many that did not work as those that did work. It is all relevant to the degree of difficulty in treatment options for a person. I do wish you a swift trip through the process and a continued success with your testing and treatment.