As I researched groups this morning, this one struck home for me. After working from the age of 15, my chronic pain and illness got the best of me at the age of 44 and I had to completely quit work, and file for my disability. It was a nightmare getting my benefits, that took 3 years plus, lots of appeals, and finally a hearing. Now I hear it can be even longer, due to the backup, and them not having enough people to handle claims, not enough judges for hearings, and I am sure with our financial situation it is even worse now. My story is like many of yours... spent my life working, raising two kids, going to college at night, keeping a home and having a life. Due to chronic migraines, degenerative joint disease (in which I have had more than 10 joint surgeries including already two total knee replacements, and the latest a very painful rotator cuff repair and debridement of a shoulder that continues to get worse), a heart attack, kidney stones, chronic pain, and now Mixed Connective Tissue Disease... I felt terrible filing for what I paid in and deserved. I am glad to be here and be a part of a group where possibly I can help.
Kudo's to all that help this urgent and ongoing cause... Pam
Welcome Pam and I am so happy that you found us and joined us here. Yes, I sure have my share of horror stories medically and too many diagnoses to even begin to mention. It took me two years to get my disability award and now due to the economy, the SSA is cutting back, just like most companies and administrations, on help so the wait time can be much longer and no income coming in. But all that are waiting can at least get SSI income, which is not much a month, but better than nothing.
I started this group as first I became angry about the system and second, there were no groups at that time for the disabled. That was at least 5 years ago and I am now a disability advocate.
We can use all the help we can get so any would be greatly appreciated. Again, a very warm and fond welcome!
Having a disability, especially one with chronic pain, adds an extra layer of difficulty to each and every situation in life that we face. Then yes, the system makes it harder, and oftentimes the people in our lives don't understand. But it's always there...the question is how to we cope...how do we deal with the symptoms...some of which are physical and some are the things which lie heavily on our hearts and our minds...not to mention our finances, oh ugh!
Just looking at the faces of the people who belong in this group is enough to make me know that I'm not alone.
Thanks to everyone who shares their pain and their love with us here!
Vibe
for you!