Saw the PM today...this is what she wrote

deb53 · 10-15-2009, 07:35 PM

After my last visit with my PM on Sept 1, she pulled me out of work and told me to apply for disability. I saw her again today and she gave me a copy of her last office visit note which I didn't have when I applied for SSD. The note reads...
"Severe chronic pain syndrome. Work is definitely making things very difficult for her. She has epidural scar tissue, arachnoiditis, post traumatic, post surgical fibromyalgia, diffuse muscle pain, poor sleep hygeine, weakness and sensory deficits, She has made valiant efforts to continue working, but I do think at this time we need to take her out of work. I am going to take her out for 6 months and most likely this will be a permanent condition that she will be unable to continue working. I have asked her to apply for full disability at this point, The work has significantly flared her pain and disallowed her taking pain medications due to the mental focus she needs at work."
My question is...do I just take this to my SS office and ask that it be added to my case? How do I emphasize the importance of this office note in particular? Will this note help me alot, a little? Will my case still be scrutinized?
Thanks for your thoughts and comments.

Executor · 10-15-2009, 10:42 PM

Pardon me if I've missed this in other posts, but can you go over some of the basics....i.e. when did you apply and etc.?

Regards,

Ex

arachnoiditis 1 · 10-16-2009, 10:51 AM

Although I am in Canada, I can tell you that arachnoiditis is a recognized disorder in the US. I know of american citizens who have been successful in getting help. I admire the fact that you are still working as the majority of us cannot sustain working. We all are disabled some in wheelchairs, some with drug pumps, some with canes or scooters etc. The arachnoiditis alone is sufficient to get you accepted in the program. If not, I suggest you hire a lawyer who will help you get the help you need immediately.
There is a doctor in the UK who did extensive research on arachnoiditis, she also suffers from it. Her website carries her work and gives sound medical information about arach as we call it. < edited >.
You can use that information to submit with your application for disability. You are fortunate that your doctors have acknowledged arach as the majority of us cannot get decent healthcare regardless of our countries of origin.
Good luck to you
arachnoiditis 1977

goldyfm · 10-16-2009, 12:51 PM

Most definitely this note needs to get to wherever your file may be. You do not say if you have applied already for SSD but I would think this note would carry great weight in a disability claim. I know I did not have such a profound statement in my file. If you have an attorney on your case, I would get the note to their office immediately, but be sure to keep a copy for your own file. I would think having such a statement from your primary doctor in such precise words would be a big plus. If you have not applied, be sure to remember, it is not the disease, itself that disables you, but rather the effects of the disease and treatment that limits a persons ability to function in the workpalce and at home that makes one less employable. There has been much discussion on the board on detailing the effects of the disease process affecting one's ability to work due to limitations of medication, pain etc. Good luck to you.

deb53 · 10-16-2009, 05:05 PM

Thanks to all for your responses!
I applied for disability on Sept 3, 2009 so I know I have a long wait ahead of me! I applied online and then took all confirming paperwork to the SS office near me. They returned that paperwork to me by mail about a week ago so at least I know I am in the system.
Ex, I had a work related back injury in June 2007, subsequent surgery, scar tissue now surrounds nerve root so I have constant back pain, nerve pain down leg with about 40% loss of use of right leg, arachnoiditis, post traumatic fibro. I was given a part time sedentary position, attempting to work part time for the past 2+ years despite my pain. Doctor made me stop on Sept. 1st. I am hoping the letter I quoted from on the previous post will help my case. Thanks and anyone else with any thoughts please keep them coming!

Deb