Replies to 'Living with Chronic Pain'
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July 23, 2005, 6:33 pm PDT
 Hello, I too suffer from chronic pain, due to Degenerative Disc Disease. I have had 4 surgeries directly related to this, and 6 surgeries for various other problems, though none were elective. I know I need another operation on my neck, which would be the 3rd there, because the fingers in my left hand are going numb. I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was 15 yrs old, and went through 2 1/2yrs of pain, which included getting weekly shots of Gold Salt Injections, and weekly blood & urine tests. That in itself was pain enough, but I also had to sell my horse which I'd only had for about 3 months (a childhood dream, unable to come true til then due to moving every 3 or so years as we were a military family), was in the hospital 6 times one summer, and had to travel by helicopter to Keesler Air Force Base by myself for a week of testing. Now as an adult I've had a total of 10 operations in the last 15yrs, and believe me there's nothing I'd like better than to be free from all this pain. I'm on a prescription plan which includes Methadone, Lortabs, and various other pills, just to maintain the pain, but it doesn't really go away, does it?! I've applied for disability, as I'm a single parent, and haven't been able to work since last October, therefore I have no insurance for myself. I was denied the first time by the people who decide whether or not you're able to work, so I've retained an attorney to file an appeal, which takes anywhere from 12 to 14 months!! I now have maybe 8 months to go before the appeal.I now have been diagnosed with major depression and generalized anxiety disorder, thanks to all the red tape.I am blessed enough to have a mother and an ex-husband who are helping to pay our rent and untility bills, (my mother is using her retirement savings which makes me feel guilty as hell), and we at least qualified for food stamps. What on earth do people do if they have no one to help them? I firmly believe that's where a lot of our homeless people come from, waiting on our government to help them. I've lost 2 jobs, and a 2yr scholarship, so believe me when I say I DO understand your pain. All we can do is what we are doing, which is just getting through one day at a time. And pray alot. One of my doctors said recently that God must be preparing me for something special. I can believe and accept that, but I'd sure like to know WHEN?!!! Seriously, I'd like to go back to school and major in psychology, because I believe I could help other women in going through times and circumstances like ours. I'll remember you in my prayers, Karen Hi Karen; After reading your note, I feel sorry that you are enduring such pain; in more ways than one. I live in Canada and we have a great medical system here. I had no problems getting CPP (Canada Pensoin Plan) Disability and also a disability from my employment pension. Do you have an Arthritis website in the US? If so, perhaps you can get information on that website regarding pensions and advocates for arthritis sufferers; We do have it here and although the Arthritis Advocates do all that they can, there is still lots to be done. Perhaps speaking out in this way will let others know the dilemma we face; not only with the painful debilitating diseases, but how our governments are SLOW.....in reacting. I wonder if their families have any of these chronic diseases and know the frustration and helplessness we go through...??? If nothing else, we become stronger through this disease just coping with day to day life and all that it brings (or doesn't bring). Like you said, Iwonder what people who do not have family support do? It truly is sad. Like you, I also believe that God has a purpose for our lives and one day it will be revealed to us. So take care, chin up and may God bless you abundantly each and every day. I too will pray for you and your children and that your government will hear the message and fill your needs. LadiDi |
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July 24, 2005, 10:35 am PDT
Hello, I too suffer from chronic pain, due to Degenerative Disc Disease. I have had 4 surgeries directly related to this, and 6 surgeries for various other problems, though none were elective. I know I need another operation on my neck, which would be the 3rd there, because the fingers in my left hand are going numb. I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was 15 yrs old, and went through 2 1/2yrs of pain, which included getting weekly shots of Gold Salt Injections, and weekly blood & urine tests. That in itself was pain enough, but I also had to sell my horse which I'd only had for about 3 months (a childhood dream, unable to come true til then due to moving every 3 or so years as we were a military family), was in the hospital 6 times one summer, and had to travel by helicopter to Keesler Air Force Base by myself for a week of testing. Now as an adult I've had a total of 10 operations in the last 15yrs, and believe me there's nothing I'd like better than to be free from all this pain. I'm on a prescription plan which includes Methadone, Lortabs, and various other pills, just to maintain the pain, but it doesn't really go away, does it?! I've applied for disability, as I'm a single parent, and haven't been able to work since last October, therefore I have no insurance for myself. I was denied the first time by the people who decide whether or not you're able to work, so I've retained an attorney to file an appeal, which takes anywhere from 12 to 14 months!! I now have maybe 8 months to go before the appeal.I now have been diagnosed with major depression and generalized anxiety disorder, thanks to all the red tape.I am blessed enough to have a mother and an ex-husband who are helping to pay our rent and untility bills, (my mother is using her retirement savings which makes me feel guilty as hell), and we at least qualified for food stamps. What on earth do people do if they have no one to help them? I firmly believe that's where a lot of our homeless people come from, waiting on our government to help them. I've lost 2 jobs, and a 2yr scholarship, so believe me when I say I DO understand your pain. All we can do is what we are doing, which is just getting through one day at a time. And pray alot. One of my doctors said recently that God must be preparing me for something special. I can believe and accept that, but I'd sure like to know WHEN?!!! Seriously, I'd like to go back to school and major in psychology, because I believe I could help other women in going through times and circumstances like ours. I'll remember you in my prayers, Karen TO ALL:
http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=61
Try this link for information on applying for disability. Hope there is something there that helps.
This is at a site with online patient support groups for people with neurological problems and other things. |
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August 30, 2005, 9:15 am PDT
Quote From: kkay8871 Hello, I too suffer from chronic pain, due to Degenerative Disc Disease. I have had 4 surgeries directly related to this, and 6 surgeries for various other problems, though none were elective. I know I need another operation on my neck, which would be the 3rd there, because the fingers in my left hand are going numb. I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was 15 yrs old, and went through 2 1/2yrs of pain, which included getting weekly shots of Gold Salt Injections, and weekly blood & urine tests. That in itself was pain enough, but I also had to sell my horse which I'd only had for about 3 months (a childhood dream, unable to come true til then due to moving every 3 or so years as we were a military family), was in the hospital 6 times one summer, and had to travel by helicopter to Keesler Air Force Base by myself for a week of testing. Now as an adult I've had a total of 10 operations in the last 15yrs, and believe me there's nothing I'd like better than to be free from all this pain. I'm on a prescription plan which includes Methadone, Lortabs, and various other pills, just to maintain the pain, but it doesn't really go away, does it?! I've applied for disability, as I'm a single parent, and haven't been able to work since last October, therefore I have no insurance for myself. I was denied the first time by the people who decide whether or not you're able to work, so I've retained an attorney to file an appeal, which takes anywhere from 12 to 14 months!! I now have maybe 8 months to go before the appeal. I now have been diagnosed with major depression and generalized anxiety disorder, thanks to all the red tape. I am blessed enough to have a mother and an ex-husband who are helping to pay our rent and untility bills, (my mother is using her retirement savings which makes me feel guilty as hell), and we at least qualified for food stamps. What on earth do people do if they have no one to help them? I firmly believe that's where a lot of our homeless people come from, waiting on our government to help them. I've lost 2 jobs, and a 2yr scholarship, so believe me when I say I DO understand your pain. All we can do is what we are doing, which is just getting through one day at a time. And pray alot. One of my doctors said recently that God must be preparing me for something special. I can believe and accept that, but I'd sure like to know WHEN?!!! Seriously, I'd like to go back to school and major in psychology, because I believe I could help other women in going through times and circumstances like ours. I'll remember you in my prayers, Karen
I have Degenerative Disc Disease also. (Fibromyalgia and loss of strength in left arm)There is no way to describe the pain. You live with it on a daily basis. I had the fusion on C5-C7. It stopped the pain in the one area, but now there is pain in the next level up. I need to have another fusion on C4-C5. Who's to say that after that I won't need another fusion because of the stress the other fusions put on your neck? A neverending story. Sooner or later I'm going to run out of discs to fuse...... if I don't lose function in my arms or lose my voice due to the surgery.(Which the Dr. warned me about) I take percocet for the pain. (I graduated from Vicodin) Most nights I sleep on the floor even though I have an excellent bed. You do what you have to to deal with the pain. I am tired of not remembering things. I often feel as though I have Alzheimers. The anti-depressants, Ambien and pain killers make me feel as though my life is spinning out of control. I have quit the anti-depressants and am trying to reduce the painkillers to a point where my life is not being controlled by it. If you have a family that supports you, it makes it easier. As far as SSDI, they have denied me 3 times. I have an attorney and we have filed for a hearing. My job, as a blackjack dealer( that I had for 15 years) is not something I will ever be able to do again. The loss of strength in my arms and hands have taken care of that. But all I can say to you is that there IS a life out there! We will get through this! Talk to others that have this disease. It helps. It WILL get better. Have faith in yourself and God. |
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July 31, 2006, 12:19 am PDT
Quote From: kkay8871 Hello, I too suffer from chronic pain, due to Degenerative Disc Disease. I have had 4 surgeries directly related to this, and 6 surgeries for various other problems, though none were elective. I know I need another operation on my neck, which would be the 3rd there, because the fingers in my left hand are going numb. I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was 15 yrs old, and went through 2 1/2yrs of pain, which included getting weekly shots of Gold Salt Injections, and weekly blood & urine tests. That in itself was pain enough, but I also had to sell my horse which I'd only had for about 3 months (a childhood dream, unable to come true til then due to moving every 3 or so years as we were a military family), was in the hospital 6 times one summer, and had to travel by helicopter to Keesler Air Force Base by myself for a week of testing. Now as an adult I've had a total of 10 operations in the last 15yrs, and believe me there's nothing I'd like better than to be free from all this pain. I'm on a prescription plan which includes Methadone, Lortabs, and various other pills, just to maintain the pain, but it doesn't really go away, does it?! I've applied for disability, as I'm a single parent, and haven't been able to work since last October, therefore I have no insurance for myself. I was denied the first time by the people who decide whether or not you're able to work, so I've retained an attorney to file an appeal, which takes anywhere from 12 to 14 months!! I now have maybe 8 months to go before the appeal. I now have been diagnosed with major depression and generalized anxiety disorder, thanks to all the red tape. I am blessed enough to have a mother and an ex-husband who are helping to pay our rent and untility bills, (my mother is using her retirement savings which makes me feel guilty as hell), and we at least qualified for food stamps. What on earth do people do if they have no one to help them? I firmly believe that's where a lot of our homeless people come from, waiting on our government to help them. I've lost 2 jobs, and a 2yr scholarship, so believe me when I say I DO understand your pain. All we can do is what we are doing, which is just getting through one day at a time. And pray alot. One of my doctors said recently that God must be preparing me for something special. I can believe and accept that, but I'd sure like to know WHEN?!!! Seriously, I'd like to go back to school and major in psychology, because I believe I could help other women in going through times and circumstances like ours. I'll remember you in my prayers, Karen
Hi, I'm new here. I registered a while back but I don't think I posted anything. I recently got married. She found out a month or so before we got married that she has degenerative spine desease. She also has two buldging discs and two pinched nerves in her neck. She is in enough pain that she just passes out from the pain. She has got to the point that she can not hardly get out of bed. I wrote to Dr. Phil to see if he had any advise on what to do to get her better. I really don't think the Doctors understand how much pain she is in. I feel helpless because I can't seem to do anything to make her better either. I just want her to feel better. Is that to much to ask for?? |
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November 27, 2006, 5:48 pm PST
Quote From: kkay8871 Hello, I too suffer from chronic pain, due to Degenerative Disc Disease. I have had 4 surgeries directly related to this, and 6 surgeries for various other problems, though none were elective. I know I need another operation on my neck, which would be the 3rd there, because the fingers in my left hand are going numb. I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was 15 yrs old, and went through 2 1/2yrs of pain, which included getting weekly shots of Gold Salt Injections, and weekly blood & urine tests. That in itself was pain enough, but I also had to sell my horse which I'd only had for about 3 months (a childhood dream, unable to come true til then due to moving every 3 or so years as we were a military family), was in the hospital 6 times one summer, and had to travel by helicopter to Keesler Air Force Base by myself for a week of testing. Now as an adult I've had a total of 10 operations in the last 15yrs, and believe me there's nothing I'd like better than to be free from all this pain. I'm on a prescription plan which includes Methadone, Lortabs, and various other pills, just to maintain the pain, but it doesn't really go away, does it?! I've applied for disability, as I'm a single parent, and haven't been able to work since last October, therefore I have no insurance for myself. I was denied the first time by the people who decide whether or not you're able to work, so I've retained an attorney to file an appeal, which takes anywhere from 12 to 14 months!! I now have maybe 8 months to go before the appeal. I now have been diagnosed with major depression and generalized anxiety disorder, thanks to all the red tape. I am blessed enough to have a mother and an ex-husband who are helping to pay our rent and untility bills, (my mother is using her retirement savings which makes me feel guilty as hell), and we at least qualified for food stamps. What on earth do people do if they have no one to help them? I firmly believe that's where a lot of our homeless people come from, waiting on our government to help them. I've lost 2 jobs, and a 2yr scholarship, so believe me when I say I DO understand your pain. All we can do is what we are doing, which is just getting through one day at a time. And pray alot. One of my doctors said recently that God must be preparing me for something special. I can believe and accept that, but I'd sure like to know WHEN?!!! Seriously, I'd like to go back to school and major in psychology, because I believe I could help other women in going through times and circumstances like ours. I'll remember you in my prayers, Karen
I Know exactly the boat you are in. I too am a single mom and have been unable to work since April. I have Fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease, migraines and more. I had neck surgery in July but it hasn't helped much. My fiance and I split a couple of months ago and since then my mom is having to help pay my bills since in only get $390 a month child support. Don't qualify for medicaid. The worry over how you are going to make it will drive you crazy. Some days I am so depressed I don't want to get out of the bed and I have been having migraines every other day probably due to the stress. I too feel guilty for my mom having to pay my bills because I will never be able to pay her back. I have always had a great job, made good money and been very proud that I have never had to have anyone help me, I never thought I would be in this shape. When I read your post it was like it was my life. I know I am not alone, you aren't either. Linda |
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December 22, 2006, 9:59 am PST
Quote From: kkay8871 Hello, I too suffer from chronic pain, due to Degenerative Disc Disease. I have had 4 surgeries directly related to this, and 6 surgeries for various other problems, though none were elective. I know I need another operation on my neck, which would be the 3rd there, because the fingers in my left hand are going numb. I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was 15 yrs old, and went through 2 1/2yrs of pain, which included getting weekly shots of Gold Salt Injections, and weekly blood & urine tests. That in itself was pain enough, but I also had to sell my horse which I'd only had for about 3 months (a childhood dream, unable to come true til then due to moving every 3 or so years as we were a military family), was in the hospital 6 times one summer, and had to travel by helicopter to Keesler Air Force Base by myself for a week of testing. Now as an adult I've had a total of 10 operations in the last 15yrs, and believe me there's nothing I'd like better than to be free from all this pain. I'm on a prescription plan which includes Methadone, Lortabs, and various other pills, just to maintain the pain, but it doesn't really go away, does it?! I've applied for disability, as I'm a single parent, and haven't been able to work since last October, therefore I have no insurance for myself. I was denied the first time by the people who decide whether or not you're able to work, so I've retained an attorney to file an appeal, which takes anywhere from 12 to 14 months!! I now have maybe 8 months to go before the appeal. I now have been diagnosed with major depression and generalized anxiety disorder, thanks to all the red tape. I am blessed enough to have a mother and an ex-husband who are helping to pay our rent and untility bills, (my mother is using her retirement savings which makes me feel guilty as hell), and we at least qualified for food stamps. What on earth do people do if they have no one to help them? I firmly believe that's where a lot of our homeless people come from, waiting on our government to help them. I've lost 2 jobs, and a 2yr scholarship, so believe me when I say I DO understand your pain. All we can do is what we are doing, which is just getting through one day at a time. And pray alot. One of my doctors said recently that God must be preparing me for something special. I can believe and accept that, but I'd sure like to know WHEN?!!! Seriously, I'd like to go back to school and major in psychology, because I believe I could help other women in going through times and circumstances like ours. I'll remember you in my prayers, Karen
I know there is somthing great awaiting ni I dont know what but I know that God has a plan and there is oft great suffering before a victory. i am staying at my aunt who is kind enough to let me do so and i have apllied for goverment help and still dont have any all you can do is apeal and reapply and hope it gets through. hugs Amanda |
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January 29, 2007, 11:08 pm PST
Quote From: kkay8871 Hello, I too suffer from chronic pain, due to Degenerative Disc Disease. I have had 4 surgeries directly related to this, and 6 surgeries for various other problems, though none were elective. I know I need another operation on my neck, which would be the 3rd there, because the fingers in my left hand are going numb. I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was 15 yrs old, and went through 2 1/2yrs of pain, which included getting weekly shots of Gold Salt Injections, and weekly blood & urine tests. That in itself was pain enough, but I also had to sell my horse which I'd only had for about 3 months (a childhood dream, unable to come true til then due to moving every 3 or so years as we were a military family), was in the hospital 6 times one summer, and had to travel by helicopter to Keesler Air Force Base by myself for a week of testing. Now as an adult I've had a total of 10 operations in the last 15yrs, and believe me there's nothing I'd like better than to be free from all this pain. I'm on a prescription plan which includes Methadone, Lortabs, and various other pills, just to maintain the pain, but it doesn't really go away, does it?! I've applied for disability, as I'm a single parent, and haven't been able to work since last October, therefore I have no insurance for myself. I was denied the first time by the people who decide whether or not you're able to work, so I've retained an attorney to file an appeal, which takes anywhere from 12 to 14 months!! I now have maybe 8 months to go before the appeal. I now have been diagnosed with major depression and generalized anxiety disorder, thanks to all the red tape. I am blessed enough to have a mother and an ex-husband who are helping to pay our rent and untility bills, (my mother is using her retirement savings which makes me feel guilty as hell), and we at least qualified for food stamps. What on earth do people do if they have no one to help them? I firmly believe that's where a lot of our homeless people come from, waiting on our government to help them. I've lost 2 jobs, and a 2yr scholarship, so believe me when I say I DO understand your pain. All we can do is what we are doing, which is just getting through one day at a time. And pray alot. One of my doctors said recently that God must be preparing me for something special. I can believe and accept that, but I'd sure like to know WHEN?!!! Seriously, I'd like to go back to school and major in psychology, because I believe I could help other women in going through times and circumstances like ours. I'll remember you in my prayers, Karen
HI KAREN, BOY WHEN I READ YOUR STORY I THOUGHT I WAS READING MY OWN .I'M 40 YRS OLD AND TOO SUFFER FROM THE PAIN.I JUST GOT MY DICISION FROM SOCIAL SECURITY.THIS IS THE MEDICAL EVIDENCE OK I'M GOING TO START WITH THAT THEN I'LL TELL YOU YES OR NO.THE MEDICAL EVIDENCE FINDINGS THAT THE CLAIMANT ( ME) HAS SEVERE...IMPAIRMENTS DUE TO MULTI-LEVEL DEGENERTIVE CERVICAL DISC DISEASE, STATUS C-5 -C6 DISKECTOMY AND FUSION 2002, C-4 THROUGH C-6 DISKECTOMY AND FUSION 2004, AND THE RESIDUALS OF MORE RECENT C-3 TO T-1 FUSION (2 RODS,6PLATES,12SCREWS) DEGENERATIVE LUMBAR DISC DISEASE AND SMALL DISC PROTRUSION AT L-5-S-1 SIGNIFICANTLEY AFFECTS HER ABILITY TO DO HEAVY LIFTING, CARRYING, CRAWLING, STOOPING, BENDING, AND REACHING.AND GUESS WHAT???? SOCIAL SECURITY SAYS NO,YOU DON'T QUALIFY FOR DISABILITY UNDER THEIR STUPID CRAPPY LAWS.CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS? WELL I TOO WAS DENIED 3 TIMES THEN I WENT TO SS RIGHTS CENTER AND WE GOT A HEARING IN NOV.NOW IT'S ALMOST FEB AND I JUST GOT THE NO ANSWER.THE LAST DAY I WORKED WAS 2-18-05 I WORKED IN A GROCERY STORE AS CASHIER,CUSTOMER SERVICE DESK, SUPERVISOR AND CART PUSHER ETC...I USED TO DO IT ALL,NOW I'VE GOTTEN TO THE POINT WELL NOT ONLY HAVE I GAIN WEIGHT BUT DUE TO THE PAIN WHO CAN EXCERCISE AND NOT MUCH WITH ALL THE RESTRICTIONS.I WAS TRYING TO GET A GASTRIC BYPASS BUT MY INSURANCE WON'T COVER IT,SO I'M SCREWED.ONE THING I CAN SAY ABOUT THE 1ST SURGERY THAT IT TOOK AWAY THE INCONTINENCE I HAD TO WHERE I HAVE ACCIDENTS MAYBE 2-3 TIMES A MONTH INSTEAD OF EVERYDAY LIKE BEFORE.MY ARMS ARE CRAP SINCE SURGERY. IT TOOK 3-4 MONTHS BEFORE I COULD USE MY RIGHT ARM.I COULD ONLY MOVE MY WRIST UP AND DOWN.MY LEGS I GET NIGHT TREMORS AND I USE A CANE IF I GO ANYWHERE BECAUSE I STILL FALL BUT NO AS MUCH AS I USED TO.I HAVE TO SEE A SHRINK FOR DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, PAIN MGMNT FOR LIDOCAINE SHOTS AND TAKE VICODIN FOR PAIN, XANEX FOR ANXIETY AND CELEXA FOR DEPRESSION.LIFE GOES ON BUT DAMMNIT!!! SO I TRULY UNDERSTAND HOW YOU FEEL AND I WISH YOU LUCK WITH DISABILITY,MY ATTNY WANTS TO APPEAL IT SO I HAVE 60 DAYS NOW I HAVE TO GET TO A NEUOROLOGIST SEE HOW IT GOES.THANX FOR BEING HERE TO TALK TO.I'VE EVEN POSTED POETRY ON MY FEELINGS IF YOU GET THE CHANCE TO READ THEM GOD BLESS~~~~~ESTHER:) |
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May 19, 2007, 10:47 pm PDT
Quote From: kkay8871 Hello, I too suffer from chronic pain, due to Degenerative Disc Disease. I have had 4 surgeries directly related to this, and 6 surgeries for various other problems, though none were elective. I know I need another operation on my neck, which would be the 3rd there, because the fingers in my left hand are going numb. I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was 15 yrs old, and went through 2 1/2yrs of pain, which included getting weekly shots of Gold Salt Injections, and weekly blood & urine tests. That in itself was pain enough, but I also had to sell my horse which I'd only had for about 3 months (a childhood dream, unable to come true til then due to moving every 3 or so years as we were a military family), was in the hospital 6 times one summer, and had to travel by helicopter to Keesler Air Force Base by myself for a week of testing. Now as an adult I've had a total of 10 operations in the last 15yrs, and believe me there's nothing I'd like better than to be free from all this pain. I'm on a prescription plan which includes Methadone, Lortabs, and various other pills, just to maintain the pain, but it doesn't really go away, does it?! I've applied for disability, as I'm a single parent, and haven't been able to work since last October, therefore I have no insurance for myself. I was denied the first time by the people who decide whether or not you're able to work, so I've retained an attorney to file an appeal, which takes anywhere from 12 to 14 months!! I now have maybe 8 months to go before the appeal. I now have been diagnosed with major depression and generalized anxiety disorder, thanks to all the red tape. I am blessed enough to have a mother and an ex-husband who are helping to pay our rent and untility bills, (my mother is using her retirement savings which makes me feel guilty as hell), and we at least qualified for food stamps. What on earth do people do if they have no one to help them? I firmly believe that's where a lot of our homeless people come from, waiting on our government to help them. I've lost 2 jobs, and a 2yr scholarship, so believe me when I say I DO understand your pain. All we can do is what we are doing, which is just getting through one day at a time. And pray alot. One of my doctors said recently that God must be preparing me for something special. I can believe and accept that, but I'd sure like to know WHEN?!!! Seriously, I'd like to go back to school and major in psychology, because I believe I could help other women in going through times and circumstances like ours. I'll remember you in my prayers, Karen
I too suffer from degenerative disc diease, I'm on lortabs and muscule relaxers to help ease the pain, I've got anniexty and panic disorders along with severe depression and many other disorders, I applied fer disability and it took me 5yrs to get it, it's not really alot but I manage to live on what I get, I'm around a lot of animals and they help me out with my depression, if it wasn't fer the animals I don't think I'd be here now, but either way just thought I'd let you know that I know what you're going through cause I'm in the same boat. colt |
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January 26, 2008, 8:18 am PST
Quote From: kkay8871 Hello, I too suffer from chronic pain, due to Degenerative Disc Disease. I have had 4 surgeries directly related to this, and 6 surgeries for various other problems, though none were elective. I know I need another operation on my neck, which would be the 3rd there, because the fingers in my left hand are going numb. I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was 15 yrs old, and went through 2 1/2yrs of pain, which included getting weekly shots of Gold Salt Injections, and weekly blood & urine tests. That in itself was pain enough, but I also had to sell my horse which I'd only had for about 3 months (a childhood dream, unable to come true til then due to moving every 3 or so years as we were a military family), was in the hospital 6 times one summer, and had to travel by helicopter to Keesler Air Force Base by myself for a week of testing. Now as an adult I've had a total of 10 operations in the last 15yrs, and believe me there's nothing I'd like better than to be free from all this pain. I'm on a prescription plan which includes Methadone, Lortabs, and various other pills, just to maintain the pain, but it doesn't really go away, does it?! I've applied for disability, as I'm a single parent, and haven't been able to work since last October, therefore I have no insurance for myself. I was denied the first time by the people who decide whether or not you're able to work, so I've retained an attorney to file an appeal, which takes anywhere from 12 to 14 months!! I now have maybe 8 months to go before the appeal. I now have been diagnosed with major depression and generalized anxiety disorder, thanks to all the red tape. I am blessed enough to have a mother and an ex-husband who are helping to pay our rent and untility bills, (my mother is using her retirement savings which makes me feel guilty as hell), and we at least qualified for food stamps. What on earth do people do if they have no one to help them? I firmly believe that's where a lot of our homeless people come from, waiting on our government to help them. I've lost 2 jobs, and a 2yr scholarship, so believe me when I say I DO understand your pain. All we can do is what we are doing, which is just getting through one day at a time. And pray alot. One of my doctors said recently that God must be preparing me for something special. I can believe and accept that, but I'd sure like to know WHEN?!!! Seriously, I'd like to go back to school and major in psychology, because I believe I could help other women in going through times and circumstances like ours. I'll remember you in my prayers, Karen
Karen,
I too had to go with an attorney to get my disability. I have FMS & CFS. A few years ago this wasn't even recognized as an illnes. The disability program ALWAYS truns you down the first time unless you are close to death. That way people give up and think they won't get it. Like you I was so depressed that I could no longer work, take care of my hoiuse, bring in an income, etc It took me 3 years to get my disability, but I did get all my back pay from the time I applied. I was always hoping that it would come through soon so I could help with the bills. However, when it did come through I had enough to put a good down payment on a house -- which is something we thought we could never afford since I could no longer work. So although I had to struggle through those years it was worth it in the end. I don't think it will take you that long to get yours since RA is a well known disabling disease. But just hang in there and don't let them beat you! I feel so blessed that at least I have a place to live that I had to let go of all my anger at the "establishment". I will be praying for you and all here who are fighting just to survive and somedays wondering why or if it's worth it. Darla |
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