Disability Appeal - latest news

Really there is no news, but I haven't written anything about my disability case in a long time so I thought I would update you all with this letter I received a few weeks ago.
I do know that SSDI sent a letter requesting three references. Al three references received paperwork to fill out. I chose the two people who have known me the longest, my two best friends. I figured they would best be able to describe accurately how I've changed in the past two years. I also chose my friend, and neighbor who helps me the most. She checks on me daily and helps with anything I need. I don't know if they were the right 3, hmmm maybe I should have asked the lawyer that question, duh!

been a while... time to rant and rave!!

Sorry it's been so long guys!! Hubby started his new job about a month ago and that is going fine, he likes it BUT what kind of job do you have to wait a year for health insurance?? And, they charge $85 a week for this limited insurance plan that I don't understand at all. From what I've been told it's called Key Benefits Administrators. The paperwork I have gotten shows they pay $90 towards whatever your doctor charges, only 6 visits a year, and no real prescription plan. I did manage to sign up for the plan at the grocery store pharmacy so I can get my metformin and synthroid for only $10 each.... 90 day supply. I have paperwork to fill out with a few different drug companies... one to get cymbalta for free and the other to get neurontin and xanax for free also. I have been out of all my meds except my synthroid, and xanaflex and I feel like I am slowly and painfully dying.
One of my best friend's husbands found out a few months ago he is type 2 diabetic. He has been very good about checking his blood sugar, taking his metformin, and his diet. Except the diet part now. My bff is so worried about him because he acts like now that his blood sugar being medicated and "under control" he can eat what ever he wants. THIS IS SO NOT TRUE!! I know because I did the same exact thing. Now I have this burning, painful neuropathy. Neuropathy is caused by the low and high spikes. So let's say my BFF#2's husband sneaks out for the new McDonald's angus burger and fries after she goes to bed, this is going to cause your blood sugar to spike high, then spike low. My friend works a job that requires only good manual dexterity. What's going to happen when the neuropathy in your legs becomes in your hands? And they are swollen and painful all the time and you can't do that anymore??? Please please learn something from my mistakes!! I would call and yell at him myself, but I'm afraid he'd just yell at his wife. She's worried, we've been best friends for a long time and she has seen me go from being incredibly active to housebound in a matter of 2 years, she doesn't want the same for him.

What is fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia by the Mayo Clinic Staff

Definition

You hurt all over, and you frequently feel exhausted. Even after numerous tests, your doctor can't find anything specifically wrong with you. If this sounds familiar, you may have fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain in your muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as fatigue and multiple tender points — places on your body where slight pressure causes pain.
Fibromyalgia occurs in about 2 percent of the population in the United States. Women are much more likely to develop the disorder than are men, and the risk of fibromyalgia increases with age. Fibromyalgia symptoms often begin after a physical or emotional trauma, but in many cases there appears to be no triggering event.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary, depending on the weather, stress, physical activity or even the time of day, but here is a basic list:

Widespread pain and tender points
The pain associated with fibromyalgia is described as a constant dull ache, typically arising from muscles. To be considered widespread, the pain must occur on both sides of your body and above and below your waist.
Fibromyalgia is characterized by additional pain when firm pressure is applied to specific areas of your body, called tender points. Tender point locations include:
Back of the head
Between shoulder blades
Top of shoulders
Front sides of neck
Upper chest
Outer elbows
Upper hips
Sides of hips
Inner knees
Fatigue and sleep disturbances

People with fibromyalgia often awaken tired, even though they seem to get plenty of sleep. Experts believe that these people rarely reach the deep restorative stage of sleep. Sleep disorders that have been linked to fibromyalgia include restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea.
Co-existing conditions

Many people who have fibromyalgia also may have:
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Depression
Endometriosis
Headaches
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Lupus
Osteoarthritis
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Restless legs syndrome
Rheumatoid arthritis

mind racing

I have been awake all night again. Everytime I go to bed my mind starts racing with "I could be doing this" "I should be doing that". The first time I got back out of bed, after laying there 10 minutes, I cleaned the cat box, wrote my friend an email, and made marinade and put the steak for dinner tonight to marinate. This time I was laying there with my mind racing thinking "I should be working on the mural". (But I didn't, my back and shoulders are hurting way too bad). The mural, my "manic" project. It's been a month or two since I started it, and really it's not that involved, but when I can't sleep at 3 or 4 in the morning, I take a xanax or two, then paint for about 15 minutes, it helps calm me down. The funny thing is, Stephen is asleep right there and clueless that anything is going on while he is sleeping. Poor man never knows what he will wake up to find, lol!!! This is a picture from about a month ago. I have started the tree that comes up from the other side of the dresser and added more flowers to this to make some bunches of flowers in places. It's supposed to be kind of abstract cherry blossoms but cherry blossom trees, in bloom, have thousands of flowers all over them. I think that would be overdoing it for one wall!

I shouldn't be writing this. I spent too much time last night researching companies for my hubby to apply to. We've already sent so many. Yesterday he looked up the phone numbers of at least 50 companies we applied to so he can call them and make sure they received them. But, now my hands look like I've been punching walls again. oh well, such is life. For me stress = insomnia + pain. My lower back, hips, and even the middle of my back have been killing me. My legs too. I actually had Stephen massage my legs for me today, well yesterday now as it's 8:30 am. I hope this xanax kicks in soon so I can catch some zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

be well, chele

OMG

I'd just like to say OMG THE PAIN. The pain of the last week has just been torture and it doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon, or even lessening, just getting worse. I can say with all honesty that my ears don't hurt, lol. I was so looking forward to spending Father's Day at my aunt's with her, my uncle, and my cousins. We went, and we even took Toobie. I don't know if that was a good idea, my poor baby it was so hot for her in the car with no a/c. I take a big bowl oof ice and feed it to her, she's supposed to lick it herself or drink the melted water, but the spoiled little princess prefers mommy to hold the ice in her hand so she can lick it or chew it. Plus one she loves car rides and two she loves parties at my aunt's. She just loves all the attention and the little kids, she's so good with them. I hate to say Stephen drove an hour and a half each way and we only stayed about 2 hours. I started hurting bad and when that happens I just feel so sick. I snuck off and laid down for a little bit in the spare bedroom but it didn't help so we said goodbye to my Aunt & Uncle and snuck out without saying goodbye to everyone else. I just hate the big "yeah we're leaving, I don't feel well" scene. You know and everyone is "I'm sorry, I hope you feel better". Rather just sneak out quietly and let them have fun. Stephen even offered up an extra green tea on the way home because he knew I had to be feeling bad to leave my aunt's so early. I slept for about an hour but I'm just in too much pain to sleep. Everything aches but My chest on the left side is just so bad, the muscles there in the front and back. The degenerative disc in my lower back is putting intense pain on my hips. And the neuropathy is sending sharp pains to my fingers and toes. And of course the burning. Man, I'm so tired.
Poor Stephen, one of his teeth broke, the molars. I mean he doesn't take care of his teeth, brush them, but still that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt like hell when one breaks like that. I worry about it getting infected or something but there is no swelling in his face. He's just miserable though.

Flare

The past week has been quite a flare. My husband got let go of his trucking job last Friday. I applied for unemployment and 2 jobs for him before he even got home. So far this week he has applied for about 70 trucking jobs, yes 70. The good news is he has 2 job interviews tomorrow. The bad news is only 2 job interviews so far out of 70 applications! Jeepers creepers. I have been so freaked out which of course means lots and lots of pain, not sleeping (even with ambien). My hands look like I have been punching the walls because I have been helping him apply for jobs, so too much computer time for me. He hasn't even been a help around here. Within 2 days he had 8 different piles of dirty clothes AND all the stuff from his truck is still in my living room. These things stress me out and the pain is overwhelming. One good thing is I have been in too much pain and too down in the dumps to have too much (for lack of better description) manic episodes. He did get the speakers on my monitor working and my webcam too. But there is so much to think about, not just rent, utilities, but with no insurance that means no doctors, no medication. How am I going to function without my gabapentin? The electric shock pains will be back, the sharp pains will be worse, and so will the overall pain. Plus, I have to take my synthroid, I have no thyroid, and I have to take my metformin, how am I supposed to get those? Oh and the cymbalta, u can't just go off that.
I am looking forward to going to my Aunt's on Sunday for a Father's Day bbq. Being with my family should lift my spirits a little, I hate Father's Day as I lost my Dad a few years ago.
I have been so much better with my diabetes. My friend, Ronnee, helped me get a new meter so I am checking my blood sugar a few times a day and staying away from the sweets. (thank you Ronnee!!!!!! love u girl!!!)
Oh, the cymbalta is much better since I started taking it at night and so the irrational irritability is soooo much better.
No news from Allsup on this front, just more paperwork to fill out.

Bad flare

The past few days have been really rough. Wednesday I woke up and I couldn't move, was so stiff, and hurt so bad. I managed to make a cup of noodle soup which felt like a giant accomplishment. And, of course I broke out in a new symptom with this horrible scalp rash of itchy crusty sores. So nice. Stress stress stress.
Yesterday the stiffness was better, but I was still hurting everywhere and my hands were ridiculous. Swollen and the pain unbearable. But with still having scalp problems, and having had tried a vinegar rinse and a corticoid cream on it, I really needed my hair washed so Stephen washed it and brushed it out for me. I felt like when I give Toobie a shower, except with Stephen as me and me as Toobie. Not a great feeling. He also made dinner while I had my first interview with Allsup.More on that later, my hands are really too bad to type anymore.
Oh, I forgot to mention slept 3 hours last night. Going to try for a nap.

Interview Information from Allsup

Dear Mrs:
I am enclosing the information needed to complete the interview to process your Social Security disability claim. Your phone appointment with _____.
I have also included some additional information about the Customer Information Center and Quick Facts about Social Security disability insurance.
Thank you for your cooperation. Please call our Customer Information Center at 866-502-8372 if you have any questions.
Allsup Inc. Customer Information Center (CIC)
CIC is here to assist with your questions about the Social Security disability process. Often, your assigned representative is working behind the scenes making calls to the Social Security Administration or Disability Determination Services to take care of your case. Your representative may not always be available when you want to call Allsup Inc. with questions, but our CIC associates will help take care of your needs. Our associates can check the status of your claim, document your medical updates, and answer questions about forms, the claims process, and any letters you receive from the Social Security Administration or the Disability Determination Services. CIC associates work as a part of your assigned representative’s team to take care of any issues relating to your claim.
It is also important to call CIC if:
Your phone number or address changes
You return to work in any capacity
You have a medical update
The Social Security Administration or the Disability Determination Services requests information by mail or phone
You receive a decision, a check, or bank deposit
Quick Facts about SSDI
If approved, the Social Security Administration will pay benefits back to your date of entitlement. Your established onset date and/or date of filing determine your date of entitlement.
The Social Security Administration determines the onset date of your disability. This may differ from the date you last worked.
In most cases, there is a five-month waiting period after the established onset date before Social Security will pay your disability benefits.
In addition to your initial claim forms, the Social Security Administration and Disability Determination Services usually request additional information. If you receive requests for information by mail, contact our Customer Information Center. Any phone calls should be referred to Allsup Inc.
It is common for the Disability Determination Services to schedule a consultative exam. The exam is provided at no cost to you and is ordered when the disability office needs additional or more current information to make a determination. It is very important to attend any consultative exam that is scheduled.
What Information Do I Need for My Interview?
SSDI Claim History
Date of onset given to SSA
Date of filing for IC and decision date
Recent SSA/DDS notices
Medical History
Contact information for medical sources
Approximate dates of medical care
Medication name and dosages
Dependent Information
Name, SSN, and date of birth
Medical Insurance
Contact information for the health insurance carrier
Workers’ Compensation and/or State Disability
Claim number
Amounts and dates received
Insurance carrier address
Work Attempts
Contact information for the employer
Dates of employment
Approximate monthly earnings
Direct Deposit
Bank Name
Account and routing numbers

email from Allsup

Greetings Michele:
Thank you for choosing Allsup as your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) representative. One of the many advantages of working with Allsup is that we assist you with your claim while you stay in the comfort of your own home. Now, you can do even more from home and online by visiting Allsup Place where we can stay in touch and you can check the status of your SSDI claim – anytime. New For YouAllsup Place is a new community that is being developed specifically for our customers who are looking for support, not only from Allsup, but also from other organizations and people with disabilities. In Allsup Place, you can share experiences and information beyond just SSDI, and keep up-to-date on the news that affects you and your family. And, at a time most convenient for you, you can see what’s going on with your SSDI claim, learn more about the work being done on your behalf and connect with customer service. In the not too distant future, you’ll even have online access to more details about your claim, as well as our Customer Information Center.Get Started NowTo visit Allsup Place and to access your claim information in a secure way, you’ll need to register.Visit Allsup Place (www.allsup.com/Allsup-Place.aspx) and click the Register link in the purple tab at the top of the page to create your personal profile.Be sure to save your custom User Name and Password as you will need these pieces of information to access your account and information – on your time, anytime. And in order to activate your account to view claim details, you need to register with the same e-mail address that Allsup has on file as a way to contact you.Once you have registered, click on the Account Activation link on the left hand side, and insert your confidential Activation ID and Activation Key – provided for you below.
And if you need help getting around Allsup Place, stop by for a Demo – link accessible from the left hand side – for your personal tour of Allsup Place.We hope you find Allsup Place to be an important resource that can deliver True Help when you need it.Welcome to Allsup.

Disability for peripheral neuropathy

Back to filing for disability to begin with.... I filed in March with the full support of my Dr's. I live in Lakeland, FL. My PCP (primary care physician) is at the Watson Clinic. I don't know why they call it a clinic it is certainly not a free clinic (I wish), it is a giant, multi location medical center. I see several Drs there. Dr Estupinan is great, and so is Dr McPhail-Pruitt. Dr M-P is a pain management Dr. These 2 doctors are wonderful, they are straightforward and honest, jut how I like my doctors. Well, just how I like my people really, no bullshit. Dr M-P sent me for occupational therapy for my hands. The first night I came home and really wanted to cut my hands off. The next time I asked the therapist to slow it back, and he said that was slow, but he did. Some nice warm heat, a little hand massage, trying to pick up these stupid pegs like a freakin 5 year old could do, but just annoyed the hell out of me. I got better a little better at the pegs after a few weeks, but the pain didnt improve and neither did the inflammation.
I take 1800 mg of gabapentin now which does help keep the electric shock type pains to a minimum. Dr Estupinan and Dr M-P both said with my level of pain and problems all they could really do is keep me comfortable. Oh yay more pain meds. That was sarcasm. I hate the way they make my head swim. They don't always do that, but sometimes and it sucks. The other problem, according to Dr Estupinan, is the clinic has a blanket policy against pain meds other than darvocet or ultram. So patients get passed around from the primary care to the pain management dr to the neurologist or someone else and then back to the primary without anything really being done but lots being charged to the insurance company. Some kind of a scam, huh?
So the PCP recommended I go to USF medical center. That is at our University in Tampa, about an hour from here. Now really I don't drive anymore. Usually to the grocery store .5 miles from here is ok, but my hands swell and cramp up so I just can't so that means someone to drive me.
All for now, I have the stomach flu and now the dog has just thrown up all over the living room too, oh fun!

ahhhh disability applications

I knew this day would come, and frankly I am glad it did the first of June rather than having to wait till September like we thought, but I was denied social security disability benefits. Now, let me give you a little background on me..... I was diagosed many many years with fibromyalgia. I am one of those who was probably born with it. Some people end up with FM after a traumatic experience, or a physical trauma. That's not me. I'm the one who always had these very painful sharp pains, even in my early 20's and the doctors were still telling me they were growing pains, Now come on growing pains in your 20's?? seriously, give me a break. Finally many years later i was diagnosed with the FM. FM is pretty dang painful but a flexeril or an ultram once in a while and I could function 95% of the time. Yes, I missed work once a month or once every few months. But, then a few years ago I started really having problems. I developed diabetes type II. And, I don't know if I am just dense or didn't realize the trouble would I could myself into if I didn't pay attention to my blood sugar. To be honest I just didn't realize. Enter diabetic peripheral neuropathy. You must understand it is not the fibro, I worked with the fibro. I worked 40-50 hours, plus I was heavily involved in extra curricular activities through work and also was working on my masters degree. I didn't really know pain until the neuropathy started. I think it may have started in my feet, I've had some pain and swelling there for a few years but it's hard to tell because my left ankle and my left foot have been sprained in 3 areas for years, and also I have nerve damage in that ankle from a car accident so I may not have realized. I did realize when it started to affect my hands. Between work and online classes I was working 40-50 hrs a week and online classes a couple of hours a night so I was typing 10-12 hours a day. My hands started getting inflammed. Then came the pain. A little aching at first, but mostly incredibly awful pains that felt like electric shock, and also sharp pains.
Right now my hands are way pooped out so more tomorrow. I will have my new computer and be able to use my new Dragon Naturally Speaking program, then I won't have to type anymore.
Tonight.... disability denied, Dragon Naturally speaking, and Allsup disability lawyers.